The Schipperke is a small, spunky dog breed that's packed with personality. They originated in Belgium in the 16th century.
Their distinctive appearance is one of their most notable features. With a short, smooth coat that's typically black, Schipperkes have a rugged, yet charming look.
In terms of size, Schipperkes are relatively small, weighing between 8-18 pounds and standing about 10-14 inches tall. Their compact build makes them well-suited for city living.
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Information and Pictures
You can find a wide variety of Schipperke images online, showcasing the breed's unique characteristics.
The Schipperke has a distinctive black coat that glistens in the sunshine, as seen in many of the breed's stock photos.
Their intelligent eyes are a notable feature, often capturing the attention of photographers and viewers alike.
Schipperke dogs are known for their erect ears, which add to their elegant appearance.
Their brown eyes are often described as curious, as seen in images of Schipperke dogs looking directly at the camera.
These small black dogs are playful and energetic, as evident in photos of them running and playing in the water.
Schipperke puppies are adorable and fluffy, with a rugged charm that's hard to resist, as seen in images of them lying on brown rustic backgrounds.
The breed's pointed ears and shiny outer coat make them a stylish addition to any family, as shown in photos of Schipperke dogs posing on rocks and stone walls.
Schipperke dogs are also known for their ability to thrive in nature, as seen in images of them sitting on rugged fields and forest roads.
Their curious gaze and playful demeanor make them a joy to be around, as evident in photos of Schipperke dogs wearing scarves and sitting on beautiful fields at sunset.
Overall, Schipperke images showcase a breed that's both elegant and playful, making them a great addition to any dog lover's collection.
About Schipperkes
Schipperkes are a small breed of dog that originated in Belgium in the 17th century.
They are known for their distinctive fox-like appearance, with a short, smooth coat that is usually black, but can also be salt and pepper or black and tan.
Schipperkes are highly intelligent and active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
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Appearance
Schipperkes are small dogs with a big personality, and their appearance is just as unique as their temperament. They have a sturdy frame and alert, curious eyes that are always on the lookout for their next adventure.
Schipperkes have small, triangular ears that stand straight up on top of their head, like antennae searching for signals. These ears are a distinctive feature of the breed.
Their eyes are small, oval, and dark brown, always curious and alert. You'll often see them scanning their surroundings, taking in every detail.
Schipperkes have a small, black, pointy nose that's poised to sniff out new adventures. It's a nose that's always twitching, always on the lookout for something interesting.
Their coat length varies across the body, with hair being shorter around the face and legs and medium-length on the body. They have a thick undercoat beneath their fluffier outer coat.
The most common coat color is a solid black, which is preferred by breed enthusiasts. This sleek coat helps them blend in with their surroundings, making them expert hunters.
Schipperkes have varying types of tails, with some breeders docking their tails at birth. However, many Schipperkes have naturally shorter tails, or a longer, fluffy tail that curves upward.
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History of the Schipperke
The Schipperke's ancient origin dates back to the 1600s and includes a storied history of seafaring escapades. They were first born in medieval Belgium, earning the nickname "little captain" due to their constant nautical presence.
The name Schipperke is Flemish for "little captain." A breakdown of the name reveals that "Schip" means boat and "schipper" means skipper or boat captain.
Schipperkes originated from a black Belgian sheepdog called a Leauvenaar, which was bred to work on boats to root out and kill rats. These active dogs were also relied upon by shopkeepers to watch over and protect their merchandise.
The Schipperke's love of boats and water is still evident today. They were the quintessential boat dog, working on and around ships and barges to keep rat populations down and act as watchdogs.
Schipperkes were first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904 and are now ranked 113 out of 200 breeds according to the AKC's breed popularity ranking system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a Schipperke?
The Schipperke's primary purpose is to serve as a loyal protector of homes, families, and properties. Originally used as a guard on barges and in shops, this breed excels at providing a strong sense of security and companionship.
How big is a full grown Schipperke?
A full-grown Schipperke typically weighs 12-16 pounds and stands 10-13 inches tall at the shoulder.
Sources
- Schipperke Pictures, Images and Stock Photos (istockphoto.com)
- Schipperke Club of America (schipperkeclubofamerica.org)
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/schipperke-history-little-captain-docks/ (akc.org)
- https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/schipperke (hillspet.com)
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/schipperke/ (akc.org)
- The Colonial Schipperke Club (schipperkes.org)
- AKC Marketplace for Breeders (akc.org)
- Schipperke Rescue Me! Organization (rescueme.org)
- Schipperke Rescue (schipperkerescue.net)
- Schipperke Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com