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DOGS A to Z>Affenpinscher |
Cartoon Schipperke avatars: Feel free to link directly to these images. Schipperke Information
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| Physical Description: | Their small, pointed ears are erect atop the head. Schipperkes are either single or double coated with a soft, fluffy undercoat that is covered by a harsher-feeling and longer outer coat. One of the breed characteristics is a long ruff that surrounds the neck and then a strip trails down towards the rear of the dog. They also have longer coat on their hind legs called culottes. Dogs of this breed usually weigh between 3 and 9 kg (7 to 20 lb). The Schipperke puppies are born with tails in different lengths. In Canada and the United States, they are usually docked the day after birth. In countries that have bans on docking, the Schipperkes display their natural tails which curve over the back of the dog (if the dog is happy and the tail is long enough). The Schipperke is also known as the "little black fox", "Tasmanian black devil" and "little black devil," often because they can be stubborn, mischievous, and headstrong because they are naturally curious and high-energy dogs. Schipperkes are very smart and independent, and sometimes debate listening to owners and doing whatever benefits them the most. |
| Breed Origins: | Schipperkes were first recognized as a formal breed in the 1880s, their standard being written in 1889. Much of what is known of their origins and early history comes from Chasse et Pêche (French for "Hunting and Fishing") magazine, articles of which were translated into English and published by the English magazine The Stockkeeper. The breed name of "Schipperke," officially taken in 1888, in English-speaking nations to mean "little sailor". In the 1920s, however, it was revealed that in Belgium the name was actually a corruption of the Dutch word "Shapocke" or "Scheperke", meaning "little shepherd". Their resemblance to the Belgium Sheepdog (Groenendael) is unmistakable. It has been suggested that the idea of "little sailor" was an invention of the English, who mistook the Schipperke for a Dutch barge dog. With Belgium too often being mistaken for Holland which is in the Netherlands, not Belgium, some reports say they were found frequently as working dogs aboard barges in the canals, with three jobs onboard: security (barking vigorously when anyone approached the barge), keeping the barges free of vermin, and nipping at the towing horses' heels to get them moving to tow the barge. Due to their bravery and adventurous character, not to mention low center of gravity, Schipperkes are to this day known as excellent boat dogs, and are often found cruising the world aboard sailing yachts and powerboats. They are not prone to seasickness. Before the name "Schipperke" was officially taken, the breed was also known colloquially as "Spitzke". It is thought that the name change was to distinguish it from the German Spitz. Schipperkes are widely referred to in the U.S.A., albeit erroneously, as "Belgian barge dogs" or "Belgian ship dogs." It is often said that Schipperkes live up to their name. In World War II, the Belgian Resistance used the dogs to run messages between various resistance hideouts and cells, and the Nazis never caught on. Beatrix Potter, English author of the Peter Rabbit books, created a story called The Pie and the Patty Pan with a Schipperke named Duchess, who receives an invitation to tea. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tale_of_the_Pie_and_the_Patty-Pan |
| Breed Personality: | An energetic and jolly breed, this dog will protect his home and family from intruders. Does great in a home with children, but should be socialized as a pup around other animals as they can be territorial. Barking at the sight of intruders, two-legged or four-legged, this breed is great for alert purposes.The Schipperke requires firm yet gentle and consistent training. A very alert and energetic dog, this breed can be difficult to train as they have the tendency to lose interest fairly quickly. Given the proper training methods, and sometimes obedience classes, this breed can be very well mannered and polite. |
| Misc: | As the Schipperke are a very ancient dog type, many smaller types of Spitz resemble each other. Medium to small sized breeds similar in appearance from various places in the world include the Wolfsspitz (Keeshond), Großspitz, Mittelspitz, Kleinspitz, Zwergspitz (Pomeranian), Samoyed (dog), Schipperke, Norwegian Elkhound, Volpino Italiano (Italian Spitz), Laika (Russian Spitz), Finnish Spitz, Indian Spitz and Japanese Spitz. |
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