Uncovering 10 Schipperke Facts
Is the Schipperke Right for You?
Schipperkes are known for their mischievous nature and adventurous spirit, always ready for a new challenge or exploration. With proper training and socialization, these rough and tough little dogs can make wonderful companions for those who appreciate their unique blend of confidence and playfulness.
Schipperke Origins & History
Schipperkes originated in Belgium in the 1600’s, where they were bred as versatile working dogs on barges and canal boats. Their name, which means “little captain” in Flemish, reflects their historical role as trusted companions to sailors. Despite their small size, Schipperkes were valued for their keen intelligence and ability to keep rodents at bay on ships.
Schipperke Classification
Some argue that the Schipperke belongs to the Spitz group, while others see them as miniature sheepdogs. Interestingly, in Belgium, their country of origin, Schipperkes are considered small shepherds. DNA research has shed some light on their lineage, revealing a relationship to the Spitz family of dog breeds. The FCI classifies the breed as, “Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)” while the American Kennel Club classifies them in the “non-sporting” group and does not list them on their list of Spitz-type breeds.
Schipperke Recognition
The Schipperke, sometimes called the “Little Black Devil,” has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s when it was first recognized as a distinct breed. The breed standard was officially penned in 1889, solidifying its unique characteristics. The establishment of the Schipperke club in England in 1891 further solidified its presence, with the breed making a notable appearance at the prestigious CRUFTS dog show in that country. In America, the Schipperke gained recognition by the AKC in 1904 and by the FCI in 1954, highlighting its popularity and appeal on an international scale.
Schipperke Breed Closest Relationships
In Landmark Research on modern dog breed development, the Schipperke has been shown to share the most DNA with a common ancestor of the following 3 breeds:
Pug
Brussels Griffon
Keeshond
Schipperkes Distinctive Appearance
One of the most striking features of Schipperkes is their black coat and fox-like appearance. They have a distinctive ruff of fur around their neck, giving them a regal and dignified look. Schipperkes also have pointed ears that stand erect, contributing to their alert and attentive expression. Dropped ears are considered a fault. They usually have a full length curved tail but can be born with a natural bobtail. Their multi-length coat comes in the breed standard color of solid black and, although there are cream Schipperkes, any only color acknowledged in their breed standard is black. They are a small dogs that can reach up to 13 inches in height and about 16 pounds in weight.
How Fast Can a Schipperke Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Schipperkes is about 20.21 mph. The fastest recorded speed is by a dog named Intune’s Shield Of Steel at 25.50 mph!
Schipperke Personality & Temperament
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Schipperke ranks 23 out of 124 breeds for prey drive. This is a breed that will chase after other small animals such as squirrels, cats, rabbits etc. but this is really no surprise because this is what Ships were bred to do!
In this Same Research
the Schipperke ranks very high (22 out of 124 breeds) for showing aggression towards strangers. When an unknown person enters their territory, they are likely to react by barking, growling, showing teeth and in EXTREME cases lunging or biting.
Schipperke Humor!
Schipperke Intelligence
In the Landmark Book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Schipperke ranks 15th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 5 to 15 repetitions and obey first commands 85% of the time or better. This puts them in the “excellent working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the least intelligent breeds will learn the same commands in 80-100 repetitions! Ships thrive on mental stimulation!
Schipperkes Lifespan & Potential Health Issues
Schipperkes Have an Average lifespan of 12-16 years, although a Schipperke named Max lived to over 25 years! They are a robust little breed, but there are some health concerns to be aware of:
MPS IIIB
Bobtail mutation
Von Willebrand Disease type 1
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Facts About Schipperke Dogs-Final Thoughts
From their high energy levels to their natural watchdog instincts, Schipperkes are active little dogs that thrive on mental and physical stimulation. While their alertness, intelligence and high prey drive may lead to excessive barking if not properly trained, these intelligent pups excel in dog training and can quickly learn new commands. Whether you’re welcoming a Schipperke puppy into your home or already have experience with this unique breed, one thing is certain – these energetic little dogs with an independent nature make loyal companions who will keep you entertained with their canine antics.
