Pomeranian Schipperke Dog Breed: Complete Guide to Ownership

The Pomeranian Schipperke is a unique and fascinating breed that's perfect for city dwellers and active families alike. They're a cross between a Pomeranian and a Schipperke, two small but feisty breeds.

These dogs are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate nature. They thrive on attention and interaction, making them great companions for owners who are willing to put in the time and effort.

One thing to keep in mind is that Pomeranian Schipperkes are generally small in size, weighing between 7-15 pounds and standing about 10-12 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires minimal grooming.

Their exercise needs are relatively low, but they do require regular playtime and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. With their adaptable nature and low-shedding coat, Pomeranian Schipperkes are a great choice for apartment dwellers and those with allergies.

The Pomeranian Schipperke has a rich history, and it's fascinating to explore its roots. The Schipperke's ancestors date back to the 1690s in Belgium, where they were known as the Leauvenaar, a now-extinct black sheepdog.

The Schipperke was a working dog, tasked with keeping rat populations down and acting as a watchdog on ships and barges. Their name, "Schipperke", means "little captain" in Flemish.

In the United States, the Schipperke was first introduced in the late 1800s, and the national club representing the breed, the Schipperke Club of America, was founded in 1929.

The Schipperke has been around since medieval times in Belgium, a feisty and fun breed that's been known for centuries. The breed's ancestors date back to the 1690s, making them a part of Belgium's rich history.

In fact, the Schipperke is the descendant of the now-extinct black sheepdog, the Leauvenaar. This breed also descends from the Belgian sheepdog.

The Schipperke's name, "schipperke", means "little captain" in Flemish, a nod to their history as boat dogs and watchdogs. They worked on and around ships and barges, keeping rat populations down and acting as guardians.

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Schipperkes are one of the smallest members of the American Kennel Club Non-Sporting Group, a catchall group for many diverse breeds. They first came to the U.S. in the late 1800s.

The national club representing the breed in the United States, the Schipperke Club of America, was founded in 1929.

Pomeranians weren't always small, weighing close to 30 pounds in the past. They were originally bred as herding and sledding dogs.

Their ancestors were Spitz-type dogs, a distinct breed. They were built for hard work, not as lap dogs.

Queen Victoria played a significant role in popularizing the breed in the 18th century. She owned a uniquely small Pomeranian that became highly sought after.

This tiny version of the Pomeranian became the standard, shrinking in size by as much as 50%. The modern Pomeranian was born.

The Schip-A-Pom, also known as the Pomerke, is a designer breed that's a cross between a Schipperke and a Pomeranian.

This mix is indeed a rare designer dog, and it's often the result of intentional breeding between two purebred dogs.

A Schipperke and a Pomeranian are bred to create this unique hybrid, which is a fairly rare occurrence.

The Schip-A-Pom's ancestry is a mix of the Spitz and the Belgian Terrier, making it a unique and intriguing breed.

As a relatively new breed, there's no written history of the Schip-A-Pom, but it's likely to have emerged within the last few decades.

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The schipperke's coat is easy to care for, requiring only weekly brushing to remove loose hair.

You'll notice heavier shedding seasonally, so be prepared to brush more frequently during these times.

The breed's coat is shorter on the face and front of the legs, medium length on the body, and longer around the neck and back of the legs.

No trimming is needed, just bathing with gentle moisturizing pet shampoo and towel drying or blow drying the coat.

Daily brushing is a must for Schip-A-Poms, with some owners needing to brush multiple times a day during shedding season.

Don't be fooled by their small size - they still require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Brush your schipperke's teeth daily with a soft toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste, and never use human toothpaste.

Trim your schipperke's nails every few weeks and check inside their ears, cleaning as needed with a pet-safe ear cleaner.

Schip-A-Poms also need regular hair trims from a professional groomer, which can add up quickly.

Brushing your schipperke's coat regularly will help cut down on the amount of hair you find in the house and on your clothes.

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To keep your Pomeranian Schipperke healthy, it's essential to feed them measured meals twice a day. This is especially crucial for adult dogs, as free feeding can lead to weight gain and health problems like diabetes.

Puppies, on the other hand, require three or four small meals per day, and it's vital to use a measuring cup or scale to ensure you're feeding the correct amounts.

A small breed diet formulated to meet the unique caloric needs of smaller breeds can be beneficial for your Pomeranian Schipperke, so be sure to discuss this with your veterinarian or breeder.

You should avoid giving your Pomeranian Schipperke table scraps and food like wheat, sugar, and fatty meats, as these can be detrimental to their health.

A daily serving of around 1 cup of good quality dry kibble, split into two separate meals, is a great starting point for your Pomeranian Schipperke's diet.

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The Schip-A-Pom's diet and nutrition needs are just as important as their exercise and grooming habits.

The Schip-A-Pom is a moderate to heavy shedder, especially during "shedding season."

If you're not prepared to deal with dog hair, you might want to think twice about getting this mix.

Consider reading: Pom Spitz Dog

Feed your adult schipperke measured meals twice a day, using a measuring cup or scale to ensure the correct amounts.

Not measuring meals or leaving food out all day can cause weight gain, which can contribute to health problems like diabetes.

Schipperkes are small, and they might benefit from eating a small breed diet formulated to meet their unique caloric needs.

Talk to your veterinarian or breeder if you're unsure what kind of food to feed or how much to feed your schipperke.

The Schip-A-Pom will need around 1 cup of good quality dry kibble a day, split into two separate meals.

These little pups have a ton of energy and a fast metabolism, so they need regular meals to keep them going.

You should avoid freely feeding your Schip-A-Pom, as they are prone to overeating and will quickly become overweight if given a chance.

Table scraps, wheat, sugar, and fatty meats should be strictly off-limits.

Try to avoid commercial dog foods that include a lot of filler ingredients, such as corn or animal by-products.

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Your Schipperke Pomeranian mix can live a very long life, with a lifespan of 12 to 18 years.

Good care is essential to reaching this life expectancy, so make sure to prioritize your furry friend's health and well-being.

With proper care, your mix can thrive and bring joy to your life for many years to come.

For more insights, see: Pomeranian Dog Care

The Pomeranian Schipperke mix, also known as the Schip-A-Pom, is a small dog with a big personality. They are part of the Non-Sporting Group according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), just like their Schipperke parent.

Schip-A-Poms are known to be alert, inquisitive, and independent, which can make them challenging to train. They require patience and consistent training, and may not be the best fit for first-time dog owners.

Their small size, ranging from 6 to 12 lbs, makes them a great companion for apartment living or for those who don't have a large yard. They come in a variety of colors, but black is the most common.

The Schipperke is a small but mighty breed, originally bred to be ratters, watchdogs, and companions. They were often brought aboard ships to keep boats free from vermin.

The Schipperke is part of the Non-Sporting Group according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). They are one of the smallest members of this group.

Schipperkes have a unique temperament - they're alert, inquisitive, and independent. This makes them a great breed for experienced dog owners who can provide the right amount of attention and exercise.

However, Schipperkes can be challenging to train, so it's not recommended for first-time dog owners. They have high prey instincts around small animals and are prone to excessive barking.

If you're considering bringing a Schipperke into your family, be prepared for an energetic and playful companion. They're athletic and agile, but also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Here are some key characteristics of the Schipperke breed:

Mixed breed dogs, like the Schip-A-Pom, are generally healthier than purebreds due to their diverse gene pools.

As with any breed, it's essential to be aware of potential health concerns.

Pomeranians and Schipperkes can be prone to Patellar Luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place.

Collapsing Trachea is another concern, where the airway collapses, leading to breathing difficulties.

Cataracts can affect both breeds, causing cloudy vision.

Skin Issues and Allergies are common, so it's crucial to monitor your Schip-A-Pom's skin health.

Thyroid Conditions and Heart Problems can also occur, so regular check-ups with your vet are a must.

Dental Disease is a widespread issue, so brush those teeth regularly!

Here are some potential health concerns to discuss with your vet:

The Schip-A-Pom's size and appearance are quite unique. They typically weigh between 6 and 12 lbs.

Their height range is between 8 and 10 inches at the shoulder, making them slightly larger than a purebred Pomeranian and slightly smaller than a purebred Schipperke.

Schip-A-Poms come in a variety of colors, but the most common one is black.

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Schip-A-Poms are fiery, independent, and stubborn little dogs with larger-than-life personalities. They have a sharp and quick mind and high intellect, making them great little watchdogs.

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They can be impulsive creatures, prone to taking their job a little too seriously and barking incessantly at leaves blowing off trees. This courageous streak can get them into trouble with bigger dogs.

Schip-A-Poms are difficult to train due to their stubborn streak and curiosity. They will either get distracted by something else or refuse to do what you want them to.

Consistent and regular training, along with consistent praise, can help mitigate their bossy and stubborn nature. But deep inside, they are independent creatures that always believe they are far larger dogs than in reality.

You'll need to be creative and patient when training a Schip-A-Pom. They have a reputation for being stubborn and independent-minded.

Signing them up for a puppy socialization class, also called Puppy Pre-K, is a great idea if you get your Schip-A-Pom as a puppy. These classes help your puppy learn important canine social skills during their prime socialization period.

Positive-reinforcement training methods are the most effective and humane way to train a Schip-A-Pom. Avoid trainers who use words like "dominant" or "alpha" and instead look for 100% force-free methods.

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Owning a Schipperke can be a handful due to their large personalities and stubborn nature. They require good training to prevent unwanted behavior.

Schipperkes are well-suited to apartment living due to their small size and low exercise needs. However, their high propensity to bark can be an issue.

If you're willing and able to take on the challenge of keeping their feisty little attitudes at bay, they can make great little lap dogs and perfect companions.

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Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Schipperkes are a great choice for first-time dog owners because they are relatively low-maintenance compared to other breeds.

Schipperkes are small dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime in the yard.

With their short coats, Schipperkes are relatively easy to groom. They need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting and tangling, but they don't require frequent bathing.

The cost of owning a Schipperke can vary depending on how you acquire one. Adopting from a shelter or rescue group can cost between $75 and $300.

The adoption fee typically includes spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchip. This can be a significant cost savings compared to buying from a breeder.

Purchasing a Schipperke puppy from a breeder can be a more expensive option, with prices ranging from $500 to $1000.

Owning a Schipperke requires a lot of patience and persistence, especially when it comes to training, as they can be stubborn and difficult to handle.

They are well-suited to apartment living due to their small size and low exercise needs, but this doesn't mean they're quiet dogs - they have a high propensity to bark.

Schipperkes are great little lap dogs and perfect companions, but only if you're willing and able to take on the challenge of keeping their feisty little attitudes at bay.

If you're looking to bring a Pomeranian Schipperke mix into your life, you have two main options: adoption or buying from a breeder.

Adopting a Schip-A-Pom is a great way to give a loving home to a dog in need. You can start by contacting your local animal shelter or humane society to see if they have any Schip-A-Poms available for adoption. They might not have one immediately, but they can put your name on a waiting list and call you if one becomes available.

To increase your chances of finding a Schip-A-Pom, you can also reach out to rescue groups that specialize in helping this breed or mix. Some helpful adoption websites include Petfinder.com, Adoptapet.com, and Getyourpet.com.

If you're looking for a dog to adopt, a good place to start is at your local animal shelter or humane society.

You can also reach out to rescue groups that specialize in helping a particular breed or mix.

Rescue groups can be found online, and you can check out websites like Petfinder.com, Adoptapet.com, and Getyourpet.com for available dogs.

Talk to the staff at your local shelter and let them know you're looking to adopt a Schipperke Pomeranian mix.

They might not be familiar with the nickname, so be sure to mention the breed mix.

Even if they don't have a Schip-A-Pom available, they might be able to place your name on a waiting list and call you if one becomes available.

Adoption can be a bit challenging, especially when it comes to finding Schip-A-Pom puppies.

Finding a Good Ship-A-Pom Breeder can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a reputable breeder.

You'll want to start by contacting members of the local Pomeranian and/or Schipperke clubs, as they may be able to put you in touch with a good breeder.

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A good breeder will encourage you to visit them in person, so be wary of anyone who seems hesitant to meet with you.

They should be happy to show you vet records and AKC registration, so be sure to ask to see these documents.

Here are some other signs of a good breeder:

Never buy a puppy sight-unseen over the internet or from a pet store, as this can lead to scams and unhealthy puppies.