Today we are interested in the description of the Schipperke breed. We will also talk about the nature of its representatives. The topic of maintenance and care will be slightly touched.
A dog is a friend and helper
The dog is the first animal in history that man has been able to tame. According to scientists, this happened about fourteen thousand years ago. Since then, dogs have been living near us. Once they were used for hunting. They were also excellent watchmen and shepherds. It is a well-known fact that even in space exploration, the role of the dog was far from the last.
More and more people prefer to have next to them such an intelligent, loyal and devoted friend as a dog. And this is good. By the way, psychologists have long insisted that such pets have a beneficial effect on the well-being of the owner and the situation in the whole house. It remains only to choose a breed that would be right for you. We offer a closer look at one of them. Now we will present a description of the Schipperke breed.
Origin of breed
Schipperke is home to Belgium. The breed is almost two hundred years old. However, its origin is still not known exactly. Some believe that the Schipperke breed is the result of a cross between a Spitz and a Terrier.
Others claim that this is a type of Spitz. Representatives of this breed took part in the first dog show held in 1880 in Brussels.
Appearance
Schipperke is a miniature dog. Sources of the 19th century say that such dogs guarded pastures, houses, farms, and also hunted rats and mice.
Outwardly, Schipperke resembles Spitz - the same rectangular format of the body, a tightened bottom, a strong back. This dog has small pointed ears upside down, the eyes are almond-shaped, usually dark brown, its face is similar to a shepherd. Continuing to draw up an external description of the schipperke breed, one cannot help but talk about the tail. He is a little ring bent on his back.
Nevertheless, preference is given to the hanging. By the way, once the tails stopped. But now the standards have changed.
Schipperke are exclusively black. The coat is hard, thick. In the neck area forms a collar on the dog. There is also a mane and “pants” at the schipperke. The breed standard implies that the weight of an adult should be 5-9 kg.
Schipperke: breed description, character
Curious, energetic and funny. They are always on the move, seeking to explore unfamiliar places. These cute fidgets need frequent and long walks to splash their energy. Otherwise, they will arrange "runs" at home. Schipperke loves traveling by car and looking around with curiosity. They are very playful and tireless. Only occasionally can you enjoy a sleeping woolen ball on your hands or sofa. According to the owners of this breed, schipperke resemble a shepherd in character - they are easy to train, quickly learn good manners. And here professionals warn: you must not allow a person to be overly soft with representatives of this breed. Since they will begin to dominate and show aggression both to other pets and people, and to the owner. An improperly educated schipperke will constantly fight for the place of the "master" in the house.
In this regard, this breed is not recommended for beginners. The main task of the owner in raising a dog is not to encourage his "cute pranks" and to be strict enough with him. But you should not, of course, be aggressive with the dog. Parenting should be clear and persistent, but carried out through the game. If a person does not have enough time or knowledge to train, then an experienced instructor can become an assistant. Properly brought up schipperke get along with all family members and become attached to people. These dogs are infinitely loyal and loyal to their master. For this they are especially appreciated all over the world.
Health. Hereditary diseases
Schipperke is a dog that has excellent health. Throughout life, these dogs are very playful and energetic. They are long-livers. The breed of dog Schipperke is clean, not spoiled by breed. But there is one serious but. The problem of this breed is a hereditary disease at the cellular level, type IIIB mucopolysaccharidosis. As a result, some dogs are born with this disease, others are not. The disease, unfortunately, begins to manifest itself after two to three years of life, while the puppy looks absolutely healthy. But tremor appears, fear of obstacles, coordination is disturbed. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. The dog survives to a more serious condition. Then she has cramps, loss of appetite and powerlessness. As a result, such an animal is euthanized.
To avoid such a problem, conduct special tests. When choosing a puppy, be sure to check their availability. The test result divides the schipperke into three types - normal, courier and affected. Inside the breed of dogs with this disease is becoming less and less. But still it is recommended not to take the breeder’s word for word, but to ask for the test result. Then you will be more confident in the health of your new family member.
Hygiene. How to properly care for a representative of this species?
Now you know the description of the Schipperke breed, but how to care for such animals? Now we will tell you in detail. In general, shipper care is no different from caring for other dog breeds. Their thick hair must be combed out several times (three to four) a week, you also need to brush your ears and teeth, cut your nails, and wipe your eyes with antiseptics. In winter, in their fur coat, these pets are quite comfortable, but in the summer months you need to minimize walks under the scorching sun so that there is no overheating.
Seasonal molting is more of a hassle. During this period, the dog needs to be combed out every day on the body of a single-row comb, and on the mane and the back of it with a curler. The breed does not need frequent bathing. The rough structure of the wool practically does not absorb dirt. But before the shows, the shippers are washed with a special shampoo for black wool in order to paint over the tips that are burnt out in the sun.
Nutrition. How to feed and how?
The dog breed Schipperke (photo of its representatives you can see in the article) is unpretentious in food. Therefore, the owner does not have to rack their brains and make a special menu for their pet. The animal eats absolutely everything that he is given. This is a huge plus for those people who live in a frantic rhythm. Even one meal a day may be enough for schipperke. Servings should be medium. It is impossible to underfeed, but it is bad to overfeed.
If your dog’s periodic meal is feed, then it should be balanced. This is especially true for puppies. After all, the kids are very active, playful and inquisitive. So, the body in the growth stage spends a lot of energy. Therefore, they need to get vitamins and minerals with food.
The diet of shipper must include fish, meat, poultry, cereals, vegetables, herbs, dairy products. The ingestion of tubular bones that can injure the intestines is unacceptable.
Games for your favorite pet
As the owners of Schipperke say, behavioral problems in these dogs appear mainly from boredom. This breed needs daily stress. We can say that in the movement of these dogs the whole meaning of life. If you do not play active games with them, then they will feel unrealized. And this will entail aggression towards other pets, guests and even the owner himself.
Suitable games for schipperke - apportioning, frisbee, freestyle, obedience. This breed loves to hunt small game, follow the trail and swim.
Schipperke cost. How important is the price?
Continuing to draw up a description of the Schipperke breed, one cannot but say about the cost of its representatives. In Russia, this breed is not the most famous and widespread. Despite this, the price of puppies is quite high. Experienced dog handlers recommend buying a puppy in a kennel, even if the price is higher. But then you will be completely sure that you have acquired a representative of this particular breed.
You can study Schipperke breed description for a long time and look at a lot of photos, but this, alas, will not reduce the likelihood that you will buy from the hands of a non-pedigree puppy. It is important to remember: the lower the price, the greater the risk of buying a dog with a bad pedigree. Moreover, you can buy a pet with some kind of hereditary disease transmitted to him from his parents.
When buying a puppy from a breeder, you can be sure that his dog will meet all the parameters and standards of its appearance.
The dog breed Schipperke is quite interesting. Reviews about her usually leave positive. People like these dogs. A unique feature of this breed of dogs, according to professionals, is its increased sensitivity to changes in the mood of the owner. Not demanding in return anything but care and love, these dogs become their most faithful friends for their owners!
Little conclusion
Now you know what schipperke is. Description of the breed, photos you can find in our article. People like these dogs. These dogs have a lot of positive qualities. But they also have negative ones. For example, if you incorrectly raise a pet, he can become aggressive. Therefore, before you get such a dog, weigh the pros and cons.