Schipese

Dog Breed Profile

Schipese History

The Schip is a medium-sized, versatile working dog from the Netherlands. The history of the Schipperke dates back to the 16th century when the ancestors of the typical Dutch schipper (“little ship”) were developed by crossing spitz and spaniel-type dogs with various types of local herding and guarding dogs. The schipperke is recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). A schipper (“small scheep”), or kweeker (“barking scheep”), is a type of small, short-legged, long-bodied mastiff, often used for hunting and farm work. The FCI considers it a separate breed from the more commonly known, larger, taller, and longer-legged Schipperke.

Time of Origin

Unknown

Country of Origin

Unknown

Ancestry

Maltese, Schipperke

Schipese Physical Characteristics

The Schipperke is a small, long, and thin breed that typically stands up to 15.5 inches at the shoulders and weighs between 12 and 18 pounds. They have a wedge-shaped head, dark almond shaped eyes, and a black or liver colored nose. They have a medium length, thick, coarse, and double-layered coat that is short and smooth. The Schipperke has a harsh, choppy bark. They are feisty, outgoing, and spunky.

Eye Colors

Brown

Nose Colors

Black

Coat Colors

Black, White

Height Range

Male Height Range: 9 – 12 inches

Female Height Range: 9 – 12 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 8 – 12 lbs

Female Weight Range: 8 – 12 lbs

Schipese Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

12-15 yrs

Schipese Health Concerns

Distichiasis, Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), Dental Problems, Entropion, Ectropion, Portacaval Shunt, Hypoglycemia, Hypothyroidism, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Shaker Dog Syndrome, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Schipese Temperament and Behaviour

The Schipese is a playful, smart, and energetic breed of dog that is very loyal to its family. They are generally healthy, but will occasionally suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia. They are often aggressive toward other dogs and may try to dominate them, so it is important to socialize them at an early age.

Schipese Activity Requirements

The Schipese is a small, lively, and adaptable dog that was originally bred for hunting. While they are not as high-energy as some other breeds, they do require regular exercise. A daily walk or short play session will be sufficient to keep your Schipese healthy. They will not mind living in an apartment or in a home without a yard, but they do like daily walks. Daily walks are also a great way to help your Schipese socialize with other dogs and people. An adult Schipese does very well on a 20-30 minute walk or 15-20 minutes of vigorous play. Puppies will need more exercise and you may need to take them on more frequent, shorter walks as they grow up.