The Schipperke dog breed was first introduced to our family by one of my brothers. He purchased a puppy with the families understanding that it was his dog. Being in the service at the time, he asked our mom to care for her. His true intentions were he wanted her to have a companion pet and this Schipperke puppy turned into a wonderful family member.
That was 20 years ago. My oldest brother developed such a strong bond to the family Schipperke, he insisted that the next puppy must be a Schipperke. The pictures and video below are of his new female Schipperke puppy. A wonderful, loving gift from one brother to another…
History
The Schipperke is a small Belgian breed that originated in the early 16th century. They are considered a small shepherd in their home country of Belgium. The Schipperke is sometimes referred to as the “little black fox”, the “Tasmanian black devil”, or the “little black devil”. They are also thought to be the foundation breed for the larger Black Belgian Shepherd.
Personality
The AKC remarks that as a watchdog, they’re naturally wary around strangers. They love to tell you when someones at the door. The Schipperke has a mischievousness and independent spirit that makes them endearing comedians. The Schipperke is robustly healthy, long-lived pets for whom there’s never a dull moment.
I remember my families Schipperke puppy being quite active. She loved to run laps in the house while using the sofa as a spring-board! She also loved long walks, sitting by you when watching TV and alerting you of the mailman. She would lay by the front door when it was time for someone to come home. Always there to greet you with a toy in her mouth!
They often have a high prey drive, focusing on rodents and small animals, and can excel at obedience and agility competitions.
The Schipperke requires training and a secure, fenced-in space to run. They are avid barkers and can be aggressive with other dogs. This breed is very smart and independent, and can be stubborn when it comes to listening.
Look
The Schipperke double coat is solid black and they can weigh between 7–20 lbs. Puppies are born with tails in varying lengths, but in Canada and the United States, the tail is docked the day after birth.
The Schipperke does not need excessive grooming, they are considered a moderate shedder. Still, they do shed their under-coat twice a year and daily brushing will be needed. Daily brushing, all year long, is a great opportunity to bond with your pet and teach them to love grooming.
The AKC breed description:
- Small Size
- Medium Energy (?)
- Alert
- Curious
- Confident
- Intense, but with a dash of mischief and impudence
Resources
I wish my family much love, joy and companionship with their new addition!
Update
Watch a playful Schipperke puppy
Isn’t she cute?
