The Schipper Poo is a cross between a Poodle and a Schipperke, two breeds with distinct characteristics that make for an interesting mix. This hybrid breed is often referred to as a Schipperpoo or Poo-Schip.
The Schipper Poo is generally a small to medium-sized dog, weighing between 20-40 pounds and standing between 10-18 inches tall. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for owners who don't want to spend hours brushing their dog's fur.
As an energetic breed, Schipper Poos require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or playtime should be sufficient to keep them entertained and active.
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Getting Started
Finding a Schipper-Poo can be a challenge because they're less common than other designer dogs.
Schipper-Poo puppies are often available through breeders, but be prepared to do some research to find a reputable one.
Make sure the breeder you choose properly cares for their adult dogs and puppies, including regular vet visits.
A good breeder will also ensure their dogs are well-fed and exercised.
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Physical Characteristics
Schipperkes have fluffy, shiny, solid black coats, pointed, erect ears, and dark eyes.
They're not big dogs, with adult males typically between 11–13 inches tall and females between 10–12 inches tall.
Their sturdy bodies are perfect for working dogs, with strong jaws and a compact size that makes them easy to handle.
Schipperkes can weigh between 10–18 pounds, which is a great size for a small dog breed.
Their gorgeous coats are relatively easy to care for, requiring brushing once or twice a week.
The schipperke's coat is thickest around the neck, shoulders, and legs, giving these little dogs a full and fluffy, sloped silhouette.
Schipper-Poos typically inherit a sturdy body from their schipperke parent, with a small size that's perfect for city living.
Their fur is medium to long in length and soft, making it a joy to touch and play with.
A Schipper-Poo's ears are pointed, just like their schipperke parent, and their expression is alert and intelligent.
Their coloring is most often black or gray, with a black or brown nose that sits atop a narrow muzzle.
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Temperament & Intelligence
Schipper Poo owners can expect a dog that's intelligent and easy to train, inheriting these traits from their Poodle parent breed. They'll thrive on mental stimulation and having a job to do.
These dogs are naturally curious and love to play, making them a great fit for families with children and other pets. They'll enjoy activities that challenge their minds and keep them active.
As with all dogs, proper socialization is key, especially for Schipper Poo's that might inherit the Schipperke's wariness of strangers. Early exposure to new people, places, and experiences will help them become confident and calm in new situations.
Schipper Poo's are loyal to their humans and do well with other dogs, making them a great addition to families with multiple pets. With patience and consistent training, they'll become well-behaved and loving companions.
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Care and Maintenance
Schipper Poo owners need to be prepared for regular grooming, as their coats can be prone to shedding. Daily brushing is a must to keep their coat healthy and clean.
Their energetic nature requires regular exercise, such as daily walks or playtime in a fenced yard, to burn off excess energy. They can get a workout playing inside, but getting outside is essential.
A Schipper Poo's independent nature can make training challenging, but their intelligence allows them to pick up commands quickly with time, patience, and repetition. Training on barking and coming when called is crucial due to their watchdog personality.
They can be wary around strangers or unfamiliar dogs, so early socialization is key to minimizing fear-based responses. Introduce them to various people, places, and things throughout their life to help them feel more at ease.
Care
The schipperke's coat is generally easy to care for, needing brushing once or twice weekly. You may need to brush a little more frequently during their shedding season to help get rid of loose fur.
Schipperkes are very energetic dogs that require vigorous exercise. They can get a workout playing inside a house or apartment, but getting outside for active play or a stroll is essential.
Trim their nails frequently, as long nails can cause them discomfort. This is especially important for schipperkes, as they're prone to nail issues if not cared for properly.
Daily walks or playtime in a fenced yard can help burn off some of their abundant energy. This will also give them a chance to get some fresh air and exercise their minds.
Schipperkes are incredibly intelligent dogs who can pick up commands quickly. However, they can be independent and stubborn at times, making training a challenge.
Schipperkes need to be socialized early on to minimize fear-based responses in the future. Introducing them to various people, places, and things from an early age will help them become confident and well-adjusted dogs.
Schipperkes tend to need their food measured out and their eating closely monitored, as they're prone to unhealthy weight gain. This means checking with your vet for information on how often and how much to feed your dog.
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Health
When owning a Schipper-Poo, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues they may face.
Schipper-Poos are prone to Sebaceous Adenitis, a condition that affects the skin and can cause inflammation and scarring.
Eye problems are another concern for Schipper-Poo owners, with issues such as conjunctivitis and cataracts being possible.
Addison's Disease is a rare but serious condition that can affect Schipper-Poos, causing a range of symptoms including weight loss and lethargy.
Mitral Valve Disease is another potential issue for Schipper-Poos, which can cause heart problems and may require surgery.
Here are some common health issues to watch out for in your Schipper-Poo:
- Sebaceous Adenitis
- Eye Problems
- Addison's Disease
- Mitral Valve Disease
Lifestyle and Compatibility
Schipper-Poos are a great fit for active families who can provide them with the attention and exercise they need. They love to play and can get on well with kids.
Their high energy levels require daily playtime and exercise, so if you're a single person or older individual, you might find it harder to care for them. Schipper-Poos often do best if they can come along with their owners wherever they go.
Schipper-Poos are unlikely to knock a child down, making them a great companion for small children. However, if you have a larger Schipper-Poo, some supervision and additional training may be required to keep children safe.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a Schipper-Poo is right for you:
- Active family with time for play and exercise
- Single person or older individual with the ability to provide attention and exercise
- Supervision and training for children, especially with larger Schipper-Poos
Training
Training a Schipper Poo can be a fun and rewarding experience. They usually do well with training because of their loyalty and intelligence.
However, many Schipper Poo owners will tell you that their dog's stubbornness can be a challenge. This trait is inherited from the Schipperke parent, and it requires patience and persistence to overcome.
With consistent training and positive reinforcement, your Schipper Poo can learn to obey commands and behave well in public. They'll even enjoy the process and look forward to it as a fun activity with their human family.
If you're new to dog training, it's a good idea to start with the basics and gradually build up to more complex commands. Here are some dog sports and training resources to get you started:
- Intro to Dog Sports
- Canine Partners / Enroll Mixed Breed
- Titles & Abbreviations
- Which Sport Should You Do With Your Dog?
- Get Started in Dog Training
- Virtual Dog Sports & Events
Remember, training a Schipper Poo requires daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. With the right approach and plenty of patience, you'll be well on your way to raising a well-behaved and loving companion.
Unique Aspects
Schipperkes are known for their unique aspects. They have a distinctive beard and eyebrows that are often trimmed to accentuate their facial features.
Their beards can be quite long, reaching up to 2 inches in length. This is a result of their breeding history as a working dog.
Schipperkes are naturally intelligent and active dogs. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
In fact, they need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. This can be a challenge for some owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a skipperpoo?
A Schipperpoo is a crossbreed between a Poodle and a Schipperke, known for its loving and playful nature. This energetic hybrid typically has a solid black coat with short, soft fur and distinctive pointy ears.
Sources
- Schipper-Poo Dog Breed Information and Pictures (petguide.com)
- Schipperke Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Schipperke Club of America (schipperkeclub-usa.org)
- kept early schipperkes as "ratters" (embarkvet.com)
- A post shared by Maximus Prime🐶🖤 (@theschipperke_aka_max) (instagram.com)
- Schipper-Poo | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
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