Schipperke breed guide

Created as ratters and watchdogs, Schipperkes have powerful jaws, necks and forequarters and a stealthy, catlike hunting style. Because of their watchdog tendencies they can turn into barkers if not taught otherwise.

Equally happy in an apartment or a home with a big yard, they need a leash when not in a fenced area and obedience classes. AKC says they absolutely must be trained to come when called.

Schipperkes live 12 to 16 years. Breeders screen for luxating patellas, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, eye problems and thyroid problems and can test for MPS IIIB, a newly recognized fatal disease that shows up by 2 to 4 years as balance problems.

The coat needs only weekly brushing, though Schipperkes go through a shedding season once or twice a year, when more frequent brushing keeps shed hair under control.

Schipperkes are very active, energetic, busy little dogs and a brisk daily walk or a romp in a fenced yard provides the exercise they need. They love playing and exploring and thrive in households that have time to train them and enjoy their playful personalities.

Late medieval Belgium was the birthplace of the Schipperke, correctly pronounced SHEEP-er-ker though many American owners say SKIP-er-kee. The breed earned its fame as a shipboard exterminator on the canals that crisscrossed the Low Countries.

The little black avenger of the Belgian dockyards was also a fearless watchdog on barges and in city shops and among the sailors and shopkeepers of Brussels and Antwerp these quick dogs earned the Flemish nickname schipperke, little captain.