SKIPPER KEY DOG BREED FULL

Schipperke is believed by some to mean little captain, a reference to their popularity as companions, watchdogs and ratters on barges, others suggest that it is a corruption of the Flemish Scheperke meaning little shepherd. The Schipperke (pronounced Skipper-key) originated in Belgium but whether it is a small shepherd or of the Spitz family is a matter of continuing discussion, as is the name of the breed. Search for a BreederĪkc.org/classified/search/landing_breed.cfm Rescue OrganizationsĪkc.The Schipperke is also known by the names: Little Munchkin. Useful Links AKC ® Schipperke Breed Standard Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).Jogging: Small, but a pretty good jogging companion.Docking/Cropping: The tail is customarily docked.Trimming and Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed.Owner: Not recommended for novice owners.

Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs.Other Pets: Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.Children: Best with older, considerate children.Friendly with other dogs if properly socialized.

Be careful to keep small pets such as rodents and birds safely out of reach. Easy to train with positive methods, but becomes bored with too much repetition. Highly intelligent, but might be quite willful. Loyal with the family and good with children, but wary of strangers. Puppies from parents that have not been DNA tested should be tested before purchase. As many as 15% of Schipperkes may be carriers. Carriers can be identified with a DNA test and should not be bred to one another. It is inherited recessively, so signs-which appear in early adulthood and initially include tremors and balance problems-only occur in dogs that inherit the gene from both carrier parents. The genetic disease Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB, a fatal disease, has been discovered in Schipperkes. Though they generally bark only when notifying their owners of a disturbance, some Schipperkes’ bark is high pitched and can be annoying. Many Schipperkes are escape artists, even to the point of digging under fences. This breed must be kept leashed outside or in a secure fenced yard, as the Schipperke is very curious and will wander. Schipperkes are low-maintenance dogs, shedding once or twice a year, and otherwise requiring only occasional brushing.

Talents: Watchdog, guarding, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.

Availability: Might take some effort to find.

Dewclaws may be removed from the front legs and must be removed from the hind legs if you wish to show the dog. The teeth should meet in a scissors or level bite. The small, erect ears are triangular in shape. The small oval eyes are dark brown with a mischievous, questioning, and alert expression.

SKIPPER KEY DOG BREED FULL

The head is fox-like: a wedge with a pointed muzzle and full underjaw. The chest is wide and should reach to the elbows. In silhouette, the topline appears to slope gently down from the withers. The body is short and compact, looking square when viewed from the side. The Schipperke is a small, thickset, tailless black dog with a thick, medium-short double coat and a standout ruff around his neck. Today the Schipperke serves primarily as a companion dog. The Schipperke was elevated to royal status when Queen Marie Henriette purchased one in 1885. The Schipperke became very popular in Belgian households and among shopkeepers-in fact, in 1690, tradesmen organized a Schipperke show, which might have been the first specialty show for any breed. The Schipperke (pronounced skipper-key) originated in Belgium, and became a favorite choice to guard canal barges there, hence the name, which in Flemish means “little captain.” This breed was also used as a ratter and watchdog in homes and shops in town, and around the barn on farms.

Skipper key dog breed