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What
is a Schipperke?
Silhouette Companion Health
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The Schipperke
is truly a unique
representative of
the dog world. A Schipperke
is a small bundle
of black fur that
will fill your days
and nights with constant
companionship and
love. From the instant
he makes your acquaintance,
the Schipperke will
impress you with his
personable ways and
unending energy.
In appearance, the
Schipperke is a small,
compact, thick-set
dog with a distinctive
silhouette unlike
any other breed. His
black, thick coat
grows in several distinct
lengths, in a unique
pattern, which is
enhanced by a "double"
coat: longer, harsher
outer hairs over a
soft, fluffier undercoat.
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Unique
Silhouette
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The correct
Schipperke coat is
abundant around the
neck, forming a ruff
which blends into
a "jabot,"
or apron, down his
chest and between
his forelegs. A distinct
cape appears behind
the ruff over and
across his shoulders,
and on the rear of
his thighs, there
will be culottes as
long as the ruff.
The remainder of the
body coat is shorter,
and shortest of all
on the face and lower
legs.
The Schipperke's head
is foxlike and his
expression very quizzical.
Although occasionally
a Schipperke may be
born without a tail,
most are surgically
removed. Schipperkes
generally range from
10 to 13 inches at
the shoulder, and
weigh up to 18 pounds.
Although the Schipperke
is small in stature,
he is not short on
intelligence or devotion.
Definitely a high
energy dog, the Schipperke
is insatiably inquisitive.
He leaves no new leaf
or new piece of furniture
unexplored, until
he has familiarized
himself completely
with everything about
your house. Always
anxious to please
his family, he is
aware of the changes
in your moods and
adjusts himself accordingly.
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The
Schipperke's silhouette
is unique in the
dog world.
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First
Rate Companion
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The Schipperke
is first a companion
and watchdog. His
first concern is you--his
family. He is always
alert and aware of
what is happening
around his domain,
and his sharp bark
warns all strangers
that he is on guard.
His temperament shows
him to be a positive
dog, exhibiting very
strong likes and dislikes,
capable of making
a decision about a
situation. He is fond
of children and frequently
will attach himself
to the children of
the family, becoming
their loving, loyal
and watchful companion.
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Health
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The
Schipperke is usually
a long-lived dog.
Many have lived to
be 16 to 18 years
of age. Because of
their long lifespan
and little if any
illness, the breed
is generally considered
one with very few
prominent health problems.
Most require little
more than "ordinary"
care, good food, clean
water, proper exercise,
protection from extreme
weather, regular vet
checkups and love
from their owners.
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"What
is a Schipperke"
© 1992 by the Schipperke
Club of America, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Reprinted here with
permission.
No portion of this
material may be reproduced
without the express
permission of the
Schipperke Club of
America, Inc. |
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