About Schipperke
Schipperkes are great companions and friends. They become more a part of your life than you could imagine. With a distinct personality and character they give you the feel that they understand you, maybe too much.
The understand more about the breed, here are some excerpts from Wikipedia:
Appearance Schipperkes are most commonly solid black, which is the only accepted color for conformation showing in the United States and members of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
Dogs of this breed usually weigh between 3 and 9 kg (7 to 20 lb). The Schipperke dogs are born with tails. In Canada and the United States, they are usually docked immediately after birth.
Temperament A Schipperke is an all-around dog: it has strong herding, hunting, and guarding instincts. They are fearless, aloof around strangers, independent, smart and willful. They are a high-energy dog with an intense curiosity about everything and therefore require a great deal of attention and stimulation. Schipperkes, like many small breeds, seem not to realize that they are small dogs and behave as if they are much larger than they actually are. They are often quoted as being a "90-pound dog in a 9-pound body." They also have the nickname little nurse and can be a quiet bedside companion to a sick family member. If socialized as a young dog, it also is very friendly to others. Another nickname for them is Townhouse German Shepherd. According to S. Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs," the Schipperke is a "good working dog", rated in the top 15 of breeds. They are able to understand new commands in 5-15 repetitions, and respond to commands the first time 85% of the time. They love to please their owner and are good for obedience and agility training.
The Schipperke is also known as the "little black devil," often because they can be stubborn, mischievous, and headstrong. Because they are naturally curious and high-energy dogs, when Schipperkes are bored, they often damage property and wreak havoc. Schipperkes are very smart, and sometimes debate listening to owners and doing whatever benefits them the most. This requires a stubborn and patient owner to housebreak.
The more attention you give them, they more rewarding they are. They will behave wonderfully when quality time is spent with them.
The Schipperke also loves car rides, air conditioning, and children. They hate closed doors and fast-waving hands, however.
Health The Schipperke has no particular health problems, and individuals often reach the old age of 17 or 18 years. Nonetheless, inactivity, lack of exercise and over-feeding are very harmful, and can lead to joint and skeletal problems and heart, lung or digestive conditions.
Grooming
The Schipperke does not need expensive or excessive grooming. This breed is a moderate shedder, however. A brush that can reach the undercoat is the best. Regular weekly brushing is usually enough to keep the coat in good condition. There is no need for cutting or trimming and the mane fluffs up naturally.
Schipperke, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schipperke(last visited Feb. 15, 2009).
The understand more about the breed, here are some excerpts from Wikipedia:
Appearance Schipperkes are most commonly solid black, which is the only accepted color for conformation showing in the United States and members of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
Dogs of this breed usually weigh between 3 and 9 kg (7 to 20 lb). The Schipperke dogs are born with tails. In Canada and the United States, they are usually docked immediately after birth.
Temperament A Schipperke is an all-around dog: it has strong herding, hunting, and guarding instincts. They are fearless, aloof around strangers, independent, smart and willful. They are a high-energy dog with an intense curiosity about everything and therefore require a great deal of attention and stimulation. Schipperkes, like many small breeds, seem not to realize that they are small dogs and behave as if they are much larger than they actually are. They are often quoted as being a "90-pound dog in a 9-pound body." They also have the nickname little nurse and can be a quiet bedside companion to a sick family member. If socialized as a young dog, it also is very friendly to others. Another nickname for them is Townhouse German Shepherd. According to S. Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs," the Schipperke is a "good working dog", rated in the top 15 of breeds. They are able to understand new commands in 5-15 repetitions, and respond to commands the first time 85% of the time. They love to please their owner and are good for obedience and agility training.
The Schipperke is also known as the "little black devil," often because they can be stubborn, mischievous, and headstrong. Because they are naturally curious and high-energy dogs, when Schipperkes are bored, they often damage property and wreak havoc. Schipperkes are very smart, and sometimes debate listening to owners and doing whatever benefits them the most. This requires a stubborn and patient owner to housebreak.
The more attention you give them, they more rewarding they are. They will behave wonderfully when quality time is spent with them.
The Schipperke also loves car rides, air conditioning, and children. They hate closed doors and fast-waving hands, however.
Health The Schipperke has no particular health problems, and individuals often reach the old age of 17 or 18 years. Nonetheless, inactivity, lack of exercise and over-feeding are very harmful, and can lead to joint and skeletal problems and heart, lung or digestive conditions.
Grooming
The Schipperke does not need expensive or excessive grooming. This breed is a moderate shedder, however. A brush that can reach the undercoat is the best. Regular weekly brushing is usually enough to keep the coat in good condition. There is no need for cutting or trimming and the mane fluffs up naturally.
Schipperke, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schipperke(last visited Feb. 15, 2009).