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Schipperke

The Schipperkes origin comes from larger Belgian breeds, but it main existance came from laws passed in the forteenth century that restricted owning large breed dogs to aristocrats. However, people still needed watchdogs, and dogs for livestock work. Two breeds were established, the Schipperke and the Leuvenaar; Schipperke the smallest of the two.
   They were not present in the firdt dog show held in Brussels in 1840, but were recognized in 1882 with the foundayion of the Royal Belgian Cynological Club St Hubert and standard for the registered breed. And by that time the Leuvenaar was an extinct breed.
Schipperkes were not only at dogs shows but gained Royal Family intrest, which made the "little devils" very popular.
   In 1888, to protect the breed, the Schipperke Club of America was formed. There was such a desire for the dogs, that people were going to Belgium and getting as many as they could.

    Schipperkes are known to be the best house dog and very fond of children. Schipperkes can be very mischevious and curious dogs. They like to know everything that is going on around them. They are ready to protect their family and very reserved with the people they do not know. Schipperkes are an ideal watchdog and a good family friend.
   The female Schipperke usually stands between 10-12 inches and the males between 11-13. The head of a Schipperke resembles a fox. They have small triangular ears. There are many aspects to their coat. It is short on the face, ears, and the forelegs. It is medium throughout the body. There is a ruff arund the neck starting from the back of the ears and continues around the neck. Grooming is quite easy with a Schipperke because there really is none at all. The outer coat must be black in the United States. When a Schipperke sheds, they have a tendancy to have a reddish tinge to the coat.
   Schipperkes can be very energetic dogs, and like other breeds require a lot of attention. They are very eager to learn and easily trained. Do not underestimate a Schipperke, you may be surprised by all the talent you may unleash.

Click to see some puppy pictures.