Schipperke: breed description and content

The Schipperke is considered a herding dog or miniature shepherd dog. Among the breeders of these animals, she is in special demand. Despite the fact that it is not suitable for hunting in the classical sense, the Schipperke is ideal for catching small rodents, rabbits and moles. The material in this article will acquaint readers with a description of the representatives of the breed, the history of the origin of these dogs, the nuances of their character and the main aspects of the content.

Schipperke is translated from the Flemish dialect as "little boatman" or "shepherd boy". Some dog handlers believe that a more correct translation is the interpretation of "miniature shepherd". Most likely, the ancestors of the dog bred in Belgium are the so-called Leuvenars, which are small black dogs. Someone attributed the animals to the Spitz, in their homeland they were considered shepherds.

The history of the appearance of small shepherd dogs dates back to the XIV century, when the French, ruling in Belgium, passed a law banning the keeping of large dogs for all residents, with the exception of aristocrats. This explains the breeding of the Leuvenar, from which Schipperke evolved. The townspeople had to keep dogs, which were supposed to perform the same guarding functions as large dogs.

In the 15th century, the French were driven out by the Spaniards. At this time, there were many small dogs in Belgium. They perfectly caught rats and mice, and also coped with the protection of houses and pastures. In the 16th century, people began to pay attention to improving the characteristics of dogs, although official recognition came later.Despite the fact that by this time there were two types of Belgian Shepherd Dogs (large and small), it was the miniature dogs that people liked more.

It was the fact that the royals liked the dogs that sparked the boom in the Schipperk. Moreover, it was not so much the fact that they acquired a purebred pet that worried to know, but the mandatory requirements: black color, no tail and country of origin. It was extremely important for them so that the puppies are brought from Belgium. At this time, the Belgians created the first breed club. It was the breeding of black dogs that began, its control at all stages of development, due to which today dogs look almost the same as in the period of the fashion peak.

However, during the period of hostilities, the number of Schipperke decreased significantly. Due to the fact that dogs were widespread overseas, after the war, the breed was restored and bred without involving dogs of other breeds. Despite the fact that this breed is not in demand in some countries, she is not threatened with extinction today. However, the climatic background of a particular region can leave its mark on the life span of an individual.

The description of the Schipperke is somewhat similar to the description of the Spitz, not belonging to the dwarf decorative breeds. However, shepherd dogs have their own differences. Outwardly, they are pretty pretty, quite harmoniously built and are characterized by a triple layer of black wool, so these animals are not afraid of the cold. Their fur coat is quite warm, fluffy and thick. Dogs are sexually distinct. Based on this, they have different heights and weights, as well as differences in body proportions.

In males, it averages 32–33 cm, the size of the bitches does not exceed 31 cm. The snipper's head is not long, but broad, its shape is wedge-shaped. The forehead is broad, the upper lines of the muzzle and skull are parallel. The Schipperke's muzzle is shorter than the skull and usually does not exceed half the length of the head. The type of muzzle is compact, neat, it tapers towards the nose, the lips of the breed are dense, the cheeks and cheekbones are filled.

The shape of the eyes in these dogs is almond-shaped, their iris is brown in color, and the size is relatively small. They are set shallow, do not have a bulge, and their outline is always dark. The Schipperke's ears are small, erect and erect.

The nose is small, always black. The cheekbones and brow ridges are somewhat convex, but moderately developed, they are clean and smoothly merge into the muzzle. The bite in dogs is correct, scissor-shaped, but it can also be straight, the standard allows for incomplete fullness. For example, an individual member of the breed may lack a third or second molar. In other dogs, an incomplete formula is the absence of the first premolars. The teeth themselves are quite strong and are well set in the jaws.

The Schipperke's chest is lowered to the elbows, the body is proportional, although to some it may seem wide and stocky. The physique tends to a square shape, the neck is strong and powerful, muscular. Due to the voluminous woolen collar, it seems thick, its top line is somewhat curved.

The withers of the Schipperke are expressive, due to the dense mane, it is especially noticeable in males. The back is straight, powerful, the loin is strong, the croup is wide, its rear part is rounded.The lower body line is lowered from the front of the chest to the elbows and raised to the abdomen. The belly itself is not saggy or sunken.

The dog has a high tail set. When the animal is calm, it can reach the hocks and also hang down with a slightly curved end. When the dog moves, it rises to the top line (usually not higher). And also the standard does not prohibit that it be twisted or thrown over the back. Sometimes puppies of this breed are born tailless or may have a rudimentary (shortened) tail.

The standard does not restrict this feature and allows dogs with three types of tails to be shown. However, in a number of European countries, docking is prohibited, so it is unacceptable to bring a dog to such an event without a tail. According to the regulated standard set by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, dogs must be exclusively black. In England, it can be golden; in America, colors such as chocolate, bluish and black and tan are allowed.

As for the limbs, they are parallel, the length of the forelegs from the ground to the elbows is comparable to half the height of the animal at the withers. The hind legs are located under the body, due to the feathering they seem to be wide. They are somewhat longer than the front ones, have short, but strong claws. The skin of animals is smooth, the skin fits snugly along the body. The coat of the smallest shepherd dog is characterized by an abundance of guard hairs. They are straight, rough, thick and dry to the touch.

Mini-shepherd dogs only outwardly seem cute cute. In their hearts, these animals feel like full-fledged guard sheepdogs. Determination and courage are inherent in them, therefore they do not know fear at all and are always ready to defend their masters and the territory entrusted to them. Due to its static nature they need an energetic hostthat will share their desire for movement and activity. Dogs are unrealistically energetic and cheerful, which is why they can be called positive generators.

They are great companionsthat are able to cheer up the owners at the right time. In addition, Schipperke are very curious, they will not sit their lives in a lounger or on the master's sofa. Movement is the credit of their life, it is important for them to constantly explore something.

They are ready to devote a considerable share of their time and attention to their owners. This feature is used by breeders to train and educate mini-shepherd dogs, and dogs love activities in a playful way. They love to play with children, they are able to become companions of sports breeders, and they tolerate travel very well. During a period of fatigue, they can rest on the owner's lap, although their rest time, unlike cats, does not last long.

However, cute looks can deceive an inexperienced breeder, because a dog of this breed, like the classic shepherd dogs, is able to take a leadership position in the house. Her dominance in the house can completely change the usual rhythm of life, which is why the owner must show perseverance and perseverance in training. As a rule, such dogs it is not recommended to start weak-tempered people who let the upbringing of pets go on their own.

Schipperke can live both in an apartment and in a private house. Of course, the individual living in the house is more developed, since he has more opportunities for walking and communicating with the owner. The character and habits of the animal completely depend on how well he was raised. This explains the difference in the behavior of dogs of the same breed. A pet can be affectionate and calm, cheerful and responsible.

With the right approach to training he will be devoted not only to one master, but he will also be able to accept all household members as “his”. An untrained dog can bark for a long time and playfully, which is bad if the pet lives in an apartment building, since this can affect relations with neighbors, or even harm them (for example, this is bad if a person suffering from migraine lives behind the wall).

Due to the presence of a thick and warm fur coat, a dog of this breed can live both in the house and on the street in an aviary or booth. At the same time, as experienced breeders note, one glance at a pet is enough to understand where it lives. A dog living on the street has a richer and thicker coat. The undercoat of such a fur coat is denser, the wool seems to be fluffier than the brothers who are kept in the house or apartment.

These dogs tend not to show their relationship to individuals. If in one family they adore children, then other breeders note that their pets are not asking for friendship with children. In some cases, if the child is bored with them, they prefer to go to other rooms at home. Poorly trained animals can bark at unfamiliar children or show aggression towards them.

The Schipperke has both advantages and disadvantages. To some, a dog may seem moody and overly active. However, before you take such a puppy, you need to weigh your chances: this dog is completely unsuitable for a lazy owner who will shift the upbringing and training of the pet from day to day. Breeders also like the size of pets, which is why you can even place these animals in small apartments... Some of them can even be carried in hands and taken on a journey where they do not cause much trouble to the owners.

As for the shortcomings, they include alopecia, which is an autoimmune disease. It manifests itself in the form of bald patches on the skin, and with this disease there may be relapses. This is due to various nuances, including the state of immunity. The pluses of the representatives of the breed include, in addition to size, intelligence and dedication. Schipperke is ready to jump "into fire and water" for its owner.

Nowadays, due to the increasing cases of sale of purebred dogs, it is difficult for an uneducated buyer to understand how and where to get a purebred dog. You should not do this in a hurry, without getting to know the breeder closely, without having complete information about him. Generally, there is less risk of buying a mongrel from official nurseries, where breeders take care of their own reputation.

In these places, the buyer buys puppies with the necessary documents (pedigree and veterinary passport). The more pedigree ancestors a baby has, the better. An experienced breeder can introduce a potential buyer to other buyers, the nuances of pet care and maintenance. Usually, the buyer acquires a puppy in the kennel, which is already vaccinated and has the first beginnings of socialization.

To get an idea of ​​the standard, ahead of time before buying, you need to look at the nuances of the standard. If they say little to the buyer, you can invite a specialist for the purchase, who will examine the puppy you like, look into its mouth, examine its teeth, ears, assess the body type, determine the quality of the conditions of detention and the likelihood of the risks of certain diseases. The chosen puppy must be moderately active and developed.

You should not take a baby who lies more than moves, and also does not show any interest in the future owner. It is important to pay attention to the position of the paws, correct gait, moderate fatness, good appetite. The indicator of health in these puppies is activity: if it is low, the puppy is sick.

Regardless of whether a pet lives on the street or at home, it cannot be locked up for the whole day either in an apartment or in an aviary. This is not a decorative, but a working breed of dog, so the animal needs daily walking and training. Representatives of this breed need to be aware of their own usefulness. Otherwise, they will find activities for themselves on their own, and not always good ones. For example, to wake up the owners with loud barking, to restore order in cupboards, in the kitchen and in other rooms of the dwelling.

A trained animal will not allow itself to spin under its feet. It can be kept on the street without much hassle in winter. These dogs love snow, and they also tolerate heat well. However, regardless of their age and gender, the breeder will have to constantly monitor the condition of their coat. It is especially important to do it during the period of seasonal molting, since the undercoat collected during the winter often remains on the awn, which leads to the formation of tangles.

The molting of these dogs lasts an average of two weeks, at the same time, to eliminate dead hair, you need to use both a single row and a slicker. On other days to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the dog's coat it is enough to comb it a couple of times a week with a massage brush.

The coat of a well-groomed dog is shiny and strong. Her skin is not prone to allergies and drying out. If the owner noticed excess hair loss from the fur coat, this indicates an improper diet and the need to consult a veterinarian.

The Schipperke does not need to bathe too often, even if the owner thinks that the dog should be perfectly clean... The working dog, as a rule, has a coarse and straight coat, which is why it is not prone to picking up and accumulating dirt. For dogs participating in shows, breeders buy special shampoos for black wool. With their help, they mask the rust that appears in pets after prolonged exposure to the sun. It is worth bathing your pet no more than once every two months.

Ears and eyes must be examined constantly, if contamination is found, they are removed. Wax from the auricles is removed with a damp cotton pad. If an unpleasant odor is detected from the ears, the dog is immediately taken to the veterinarian. Among other signals requiring an urgent visit to the doctor, experts note redness of the skin, swelling, and constant scratching of the ears. You cannot do the treatment yourself, because it is often it that aggravates the situation.

The eyes are examined regularly, in order to prevent acidification, they are wiped once a week with a lint-free cloth soaked in chamomile broth. At the same time, a new rag is taken for each eye.If there is redness and sourness, the dog is taken to the veterinarian. The same rule applies to cases where the animal has profuse lacrimation and swelling of the eyelids.

It is advisable not to wipe the paws with a damp cloth after each walk, but to wash them. So it is better seen, cracks or other wounds have appeared on the pads. If they are, they are treated with an antiseptic. To prevent cracking, it is necessary to lubricate the paw pads with vegetable oil. It also needs to be included in the diet.

To handle the claws, a claw cutter is purchased, which is used no more than once a week. After cutting off the edges of the claws, file it with a file, teach the dog to a similar procedure from its young claws, encouraging it for patience. It is imperative to brush your pet's teeth, otherwise they quickly become covered with a yellow coating and wear off. In addition, dirt accumulates between them, which causes the formation of tartar.

You can not use human paste, as dogs do not like menthol smell and foam. You need to walk the dog two or even three times every day, while the evening walk should be longer. Treatment for worms and other parasites must be carried out in a timely manner. If ticks are found, an urgent need to consult a doctor.

The Schipperke must be fed correctly: her food must be balanced, containing vitamins and essential minerals. It is generally accepted that these dogs eat whatever they are given. However, this does not mean at all that food from the master's table is suitable for pets. Neither smoked nor fried food is suitable for feeding them, it is harmful to digestion. Both natural food and ready-made industrial food are suitable for these dogs. premium (and also holistic).

When buying ready-made feed, you need to pay attention to its type and class. It is important that it is intended for active dogs, suitable for age and contains natural meat. Cheap feed is of no use and with constant use, they irritate the stomach of animals, upset the digestive system.

When natural food is chosen as the basis of the diet, the owner monitors its balance and the amount of necessary substances. For example, the diet should contain lean meat (boiled or raw), herbs, cereals, vegetables, as well as fruits and sea fish (without bones). Both a puppy and an adult dog need kefir and cottage cheese. The list of prohibited products includes smoked meats, river fish, chocolates, nuts, sweets, pastries, and spices.

The pet, regardless of the feeding time, should always have a bowl of fresh water in the open access. The water must be changed every day, and the food must be fresh and not hot. You need to feed the dog after walking. Feeding time should not exceed 15–20 minutes, after which the leftovers are removed so as not to spoil the pet's appetite.

The Schipperke puppy needs early socialization. The sooner the owner starts his training and education, the more chances he has to raise a faithful friend and reliable companion from the puppy. It is important to understand that this dog will not follow the owner's commands if it does not turn out to be interesting, so the approach to training should not be boring and monotonous.

You need to train your pet correctly, combining classes with feasible physical activity, which should be regular, which will allow the animal to throw out excess energy accumulated during the period of growth and development. Schipperke belongs to the most active breeds of dogs, inaction literally ruins this dog, turning it into an aggressor.If the dog is not busy with anything, it very quickly finds itself in search of a conflict, will fight with other pets living in the house, and will start throwing itself at guests.

Frisbee, agility, freestyle, obedience, and handling are irreplaceable games and training. It is necessary to teach the puppy the commands and rules in the house from the first days of its appearance. It's worth starting with primitive commands and learning your own nickname. As a rule, it takes a little time, because the baby tries to catch all the attention of the owner, as well as his every gesture. If possible, it is necessary to teach the animal the wisdom of OKD and ZKS.

In addition, training can be diversified by swimming and trail-walking, while the dog can be taught to swim in different ways, including using the command "bring" using a stick. For example, you can find a shallow body of water, throw a stick into it so that it falls into the water near the shore. Gradually, the stick can be thrown further, which forces the dog to go further and further into the water. Gradually, she will reach the border at which her feet will not touch the bottom. After several commands, the pet can be allowed to fool around, splash in the water.

Emotional pressure on a pet is unacceptable: this leads to the fact that the animal begins to behave aggressively. In addition, a dog of this breed does not consider it necessary to obey a screaming person, even if it is its owner. Can't stoop to whipping: Dog activities should be relaxed and fun. Standard commands must be diluted with game elements, through which the animal will more quickly remember the material being studied.

Reviews of the Schipperk are different, which is explained by the different opinions of the breeders. Dogs can have completely different characters and temperaments. Some of them, according to the owners, are very active and inquisitive. Others, as they grow up, acquire a certain degree of gravity, which allows them to be restrained in relations with strangers and children. However, most of the comments left on the vastness of the world wide web note that these dogs are characterized by restlessness.

According to the reviews of breeders, Schippercke live on average up to 10–12 years. In this case, individual individuals may have diseases such as ailments of the musculoskeletal system and eye diseases. Other breeders are faced with the fact that dogs begin to limp. This is due to the excessive physical exertion that their dogs are subjected to. Experienced owners note that the load should be feasible, otherwise it has a detrimental effect on the joints.

Among the truthful reviews, there are different opinions, but most breeders note the need to monitor the health of the dog. Older animals are prone to troubles such as cataracts, epilepsy, retinal atrophy, dysplasia, and thyroid disease.

For information on how to train and care for a Schipper, see the next video.