The Schipperke, or "little black devil" as it is sometimes called, is a faithful little watchdog, active and indefatigable with a completely inexhaustable curiosity. In appearance, the Schipperke is a small, thickset, tailless dog with an abundant coat bearing an outstanding ruff and culotte (profusion of hair on back of thighs). The head is somewhat foxy with rather small triangular ears and lively dark eyes.
The Schipperke, the hardiest of all small dogs, is equally at home running through the fields in the country or lying in a small city apartment. In spite of his small stature, the Schipperke is by no means a "toy." When it comes to guarding his hime, his family or his possessions, he has no idea of the limitation sof his size. Essentially, the Schipperke is watchdog, completely devoted to his family and, by nature, suspicious of strangers.
Photo courtesy of Elevage
De rhynatsy (France)
The breed possesses a very keen of smell and has been used with great success for hunting habbits and racoons. Schipperkes are excellent rodent dogs, like terriers.
Schipperkes are lively little dogs. Having the intelligence of the larger shepherd breeds, they learn quickly. Always anxious to please their family, they still possess the independence of spirit that sets them apart as individualists. They are very interested in all family affairs, resentful of closed doors, and suspicious of a moved piece of furniture or object. Some wave their front paws, just like prairie dogs.
The Schipperke is very positive in his likes and dislikes. He will often attach himself to one member of the family. He has a real love for children, always accepting a strange child.
HEALTH CONCERNS: Narrow palpebral fissure; entropion; Legg-Pethes disease; pemphigus foliaceous; hypothyroidism; dermatitis.
Adapted from:
1. Schipperkes Darwin J., Mrs. Martin