Schipperke
Non-Sporting Group
Height at Shoulders
Females 10-12 in, Males 11-13 in
Weight
10-16 lbs
Life Expectancy
12-14 yrs
History
The Schipperke (pronounced "sheep-er-ker") originated in Belgium during the late medieval period. Schipperkes were popular exterminators and guard dogs on barges and in shipyards as well as exterminators in trademen's shops. Their name translates to "little captain" in Flemish. While the breed looks like it descended from a spitz-type breed, its foundation breed was actually a black shepherd dog called the Leuvenaar. These 40-lb dogs were also the foundation breed for the Belgian Sheepdog, or Groenendael. Today, they are popular watchdogs as well as companions.
Breed Characteristics
While not all Schipperkes share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★★☆☆☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★★★
Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★☆☆
Intelligence
★★★★☆
Affection Towards Family
★★★★☆
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★★☆☆☆
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★☆☆☆
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
Energy Level
★★★★★
Sensitivity
★★★★☆
Noise Level
★★★★☆
Prey Drive
★★☆☆☆
Shedding
★★★☆☆
Common Traits
Fearless, curious, and mischievous
Devoted and family-oriented, preferring to spend most of time with their people
Protective of their family and property and will alarm bark at anything they deem suspicious
Can become destructive if bored or underexercised- they're generally happiest when they have a job to perform
Feisty and are considered to have a "big dog personality" despite their size, earning them the nickname "little black devil"
More Information
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