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Schipperke Personality traits and Temperament
They are nicknamed the ‘little black devil’ for their Mischievous and energetic nature. They have a very curious and inquisitive nature and is always observing their surroundings. They are very strong dogs and would require an owner who is equally strong and bold. These are not the dogs for meek persons. They have a high energy level and will demand at least a half hour of activity every day, and preferably more.
Confine the Schipperke to a securely fenced yard. They are also fond of chasing small furry animals such as squirrels and will hunt moles, mice, rats, and other vermin with enthusiasm. They can be noisy and they will bark for entertainment and as well as an alert.
Loving and devoted, the Schipperke is an ideal family dog who adores children. They generally get along well with children of all ages, playing gently and kindly with younger ones. They get along with cats extremely well. They may show a territorial nature to other dogs but they can get along with other dogs, especially if they are properly socialized.
Schipperkes are naturally suspicious of strangers and can be territorial toward people and other dogs. They make excellent watchdogs. They are not recommended for first time owners.
Grooming, Haircuts and Shedding
They have a double coat, the outer coat being straight and harsh and with a soft, dense undercoat. They are east to maintain breeds and require brushing once a week. Weekly brushing keeps their coat clean and they don’t need frequent baths. Bathe him only when he’s dirty or every three or four months. They are considered light shedders except for twice a year, when they shed heavily.
Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Brush your dogs teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup. Trim the nails once or twice a month, as needed.
Size and Characteristics
Price Range: this dog for sale may cost between $500-$800
Life expectancy: the life span is generally of about 13-15 YEARS
Weight: 10-16 pounds
Height: 10-13 inches
Colors: Chocolate, Blue, Cream, Apricot, Black & Tan, Black
How to Train this dog
They are very independent dogs with a mind of their own so training them can be a challenge. Because of his high intelligence they can learn a variety of commands fast. Be firm and consistent but not harsh in training these breeds. They can be trained for agility, herding, rally, and obedience. They can also be taught to perform a lot of tricks.
Health Issues and Food
Diet: Schipperkes like to eat and can easily become overweight. Always opt for either high quality dog food or a balanced well prepared home food.
Allergies: Skin allergies may occur which if left untreated may cause great discomfort to the dogs
Health problems: They may suffer from a disease known as Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIB which is manifested as tremors, imbalance and difficulty in walking. Other conditions that affect this breed are Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, epilepsy and patellar luxation
Mixed breeds
Schipeseis a cross between the Maltese and the Schipperke. The Schipese are constant shedders and require frequent grooming.
Pomerke are cross hybrids between Pomeranian and Schipperke. They are cute little dogs are smart, affectionate, enthusiastic and playful. They love the company and attention they get from the family.
Schipper-Poo is a mix of Schipperke and Poodle. Schipper-poos are very intelligent dogs and yearn to be around the humans. It requires a great socialization with other pets and people as well.
Best female and male dog names
You can name your Schipperke as Sparky or Buddy if he is a male and Samantha or Muffin if she is a female.
How to adopt this dog
You can also browse a specific site to adopt a Schipperke
Pictures and Videos
Photo Credits: Dolledre