Schipperke Pups

Once you bring a Schipperke into your home,

your future is filled with joy, humour

and loving companionship.

Puppies available

The Schipperke is so devoted to their human family, that when you are home, being out of their sight is out of the question.

Schipperkes are a big dog in a small package. Their traits, temperament and personality are that of a large dog.

HISTORY OF THE BREED

The Schipperke (pronounced Skip-er-ke) is a faithful little watchdog, active, indefatigable, with a completely inexhaustible curiosity. The breed originated in Belgium, and from the beginning was a companion and guard dog for shopkeepers and barge captains, hence the name, which is usually translated as “Little Boatman” or “Little Captain”. The Schipperke is a fairly old breed dating back to the 15th century, including one story of William of Orange (1533-1584) being saved from would-be assassins by two small black tailless dogs that are believed to be Schipperkes. Registry of Schipperkes began in the 1880’s, they were first shown in 1882.
 

APPEARANCE, TEMPERAMENT AND PERSONALITY

 The Schipperke is very distinctive, resembling no other breed closely. He has a close undercoat that keeps him warm in the winter, and a longer, fairly harsh guard coat that sheds water and needs little attention to keep in order. He has a short thickset body with a foxy head and an intelligent, keen expression, but not at all mean; it’s a rather mischievous face. The Schip is usually black and can be tailed or tailless.

 The Schipperke is one of the hardiest of all small dogs. It’s equally at home in the country or in a small city apartment. In spite of his small stature, he is by no means considered a “ toy” breed. He is an excellent ratter. As a guard dog the Schipperke is completely devoted to the family, home or possessions, quickly learning whom is friend or foe. They are lively, busy little dogs, continually occupied with what’s going around them, careful of things given them to guard, very kind to children, knows the ways of the household; always curious to know what’s going on behind closed doors or about any object that has been moved. The Schipperke may well have a will of his own, but learns quickly, as he is highly intelligent and very trainable. Schipperkes respond to kindness and positive training methods. But always remember the Schip thinks he is a big dog. In their mind, they weigh 40kg. No mirror can convince them otherwise. If behaviour develops in your Schipperke that would not be acceptable in a large dog, then it is not acceptable in your Schip either. They are also very clever, have great initiative, and they learn very quickly what is expected of them and try their best to comply.

 The Schip is excellent in the obedience ring and is capable of earning high scores. But they have a tendency to add a touch of their brand of humour to each exercise, now and then. Schipperkes have been used as hearing dogs, for search and rescue, for sniffing out drugs and bomb detection.

 The Schipperke is truly a versatile dog and a wonderful companion.
 

INFORMATION

The suggested height for a female is 10 to 12 inches at the shoulders, and males 11 to 13 inches at the shoulders. There should be distinctive masculine and feminine characteristics between the sexes. The Schip is a long-lived breed usually 13 to 17 years. Several have been reported to have lived 20 years. 
 

GENERAL CARE

Schipperkes need to be kept in a fenced escape-proof enclosure. They are notorious for exploring on their own, oblivious to property lines, oncoming cars, and their owner’s orders to 'come back'. That’s where Obedience training comes in handy. A Schipperke who is allowed to roam will by nature, go on a hunt or simply go on a sightseeing trip. Before they know it they are 20 miles from home and its two days later. Confinement in a securely fenced yard and by walking only on a leash is the obligation of a responsible owner who wants to see his dog live a long healthy life.

 The Schipperke does not have a coat odour. Very little grooming is required. There are no frequent baths or fancy trimming as with some other breeds. The coat looks neat and attractive with a minimum of brushing. When the Schip sheds (usually in the spring) brush the Schipperke more often and give a good warm (not hot) bath. This will keep your house clean and the dog neat and comfortable.

Toenails should be trimmed regularly to keep the feet compact and toes strong.

Ears should be checked and cleaned when necessary.