SCHIPPERKE BREED INFORMATION

Read the standard here

In general, Schipperkes can be described as small (10 to 13 inches tall), black tailless dogs with a fox-like face.  Schipperkes possess a characteristic coat with several distinct coat lengths, which form a pattern.  The coat is short on the face, legs, and ears but is medium length on the body.  Longer hair is found on the ruff, cape, and culottes.  Males generally possess a more dramatic looking coat than females. 

Schipperkes are great dogs but they are not for everyone.  We strongly suggest that you visit with a Schipperke breeder or a friend that owns one before your initial purchase.

Schipperkes are intelligent, inquisitive, and seemingly tireless.  The are loyal companions, faithful watchdogs, and terrific mousers and hunters of vermin.  Our Schipperkes are very gentle with children and wonderful with other animals such as cats and horses.  We never tire of watching their antics!  They are very agile, playful and they love to travel.  With that being said, you now need to recognize some of the breed characteristics that can sometimes be perceived as less desirable.  The following illustrates how an asset may turn into a liability.

Schipperkes are great watch dogs but you may only be interested in knowing about potential burglars, not that the neighbor's cat just ran up a tree!  Either way, you Schipperke will alert you to anything that they perceive as "different" for requiring you immediate attention!

Being a hunter of vermin by nature, it may be difficult to teach your Schipperke that the family bird or hamster is not really prey!

Curiosity may have killed the cat but Schipperkes just can't help themselves!  Schipperkes have to have these essential questions answered:  What is it?  Where is it?  How does it work?  Why is it here?  Can I kill it?  Can I play with it?

Being athletic is great but if your Schipperke gets loose, you won't appreciate the fact that is can run 100 miles per hour for what seems like forever!

Intelligence mixed with agility can be a dangerous combination - especially when you find that your Schipperke has learned how to silently jump and climb from one object to another in order to get what he wants (like a piece of Birthday Cake on the kitchen counter)!

Fearlessness is a commendable trait until your Schipperke decides to take on a 100-pound German Shepherd that he perceives as a threat to you or your family.

The love of water that Schipperkes possess is not to be underestimated.....when your Schipperke tries to jump in the bathtub with you, you will become a believer!

Yes, Schipperkes do have gorgeous coats but believe me; anyone that tells you they don't shed doesn't own one.  Dinner just isn't dinner without a stray Schipperke hair on the plate!