The Schipperke (skip-per-key) is a small, cobby, black dog. Descriptions of the personality of this breed of dog range from "the devil incarnate", to "a well rested two year old", and "a small package of dynamite".  Obviously, the Schipperke is not for everyone. If you like sedate, quiet, couch potato type dogs, weekends in front of the T.V., and sleeping late, perhaps you would like to try one of those new electronic virtual reality dogs. This way no one really gets hurt. Sitting around definitely is not a part of the Schipperke nature.
     The Schipperke is a very intelligent dog. Once you have trained your Schipperke to do something, it will quickly learn and then, will not forget it from that point on. Their speed of learning and the confidence these dogs display is nothing short of impressive.  Schipperke's possess an indomitable spirit, and  is very lively and vivacious.  This is no soft character. They can became extremely attached to their master, it becomes very uncomfortable when master is not around. However, strangers are treated with indifference, and even suspicion. This dog is not everyone's friend.
     These dogs sleep very lightly, they know what is going on around them at all times.  They also have the intelligence to know the difference between real danger and imagined. This dog is very fast, surprisingly fast.  The Schipperke will bark furiously and loudly, and the bark is very penetrating to the ears. They can be taught "house rules" and once they understand what is expected of them they will be obedient. Positive reinforcement, praise, patience, and a close bonding between the master and the dog is necessary for any training to be effective.  If these dogs get bored, or frustrated, they can become rather destructive.  They are not trying to be mean, they are simply looking for something to do.
     The Schipperke are wonderful athletes for those very active families.  Some dogs have been known to accompany long distance runners while they were training up to 20 K. (up to 12 miles).
     Other animals need to be introduced to a Schipperke at a young age.  Remember the Schipperke was used for control of vermin, so pet rats, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, ferrets, etc. may have a very short life span if care is not taken to protect them from this dog.
     The Schipperke is very kind to children as a rule, especially if they are part of the Schipperke's family.  They love to play fetch-the-ball, hide-and-go-seek, and run, jump, and swim. One point to remember is that the Schipperke must be treated with respect.  It will not allow itself to be treated as a punch bag, poke-a-dope, or teased.
     Schipperkes are very devoted to their families, and will defend them to the death.  They may be small dogs, but they possess tremendous courage and devotion.
     The Schipperke is a long lived dog, 16 to 18 years is usual, some have lived over 20 years. As long as they are well cared for these dogs thrive.  They possess a thick double coat, the longer harsh guard hairs cover a short somewhat down-like undercoat. The coat really should be short and dense with a good definition of cape, jabot and culottes.
Their height at the shoulder ranges from 10 to 13 inches, and should weigh around 18 pounds.  They do like food in small amounts, however, if a lot of small amounts add up too often through out the day, they will tend towards becoming overweight.
Good food, clean water, proper exercise, weekly grooming (including teeth, nails, brushing of the coat, checking the ears, etc.), regular visits to the veterinarian, and lots of love from its family, will keep the Schipperke a very contented family dog and he will return that love and more.

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