SCHIPPERKE — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information Breed Description
Breed Registries:	Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) - Non-Sporting Dogs American Kennel Club (AKC) - Non-Sporting Group United Kennel Club (UKC) - Companion Breeds The Kennel Club [U.K.] (KC) - Utility Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) * - No. 83
Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America. * — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:	Belgium
Weight:	Males: 15 to 18 lbs. Females: 11 to 15 lbs.
Height:	11 to 13 inches at the withers
The Schipperke (pronounced: skipper-key) has been known for centuries in the Flemish Province of Belgium where he was bred as a watchdog and hunter of vermin. He is a bright, active and inquisitive dog that makes an excellent family companion. He is very good with children and suspicious of strangers, making him a good watchdog. Smart, loyal and loving, the Schip needs attention and companionship. He is active and loves to learn, and will excel in such activities as obedience, agility, flyball, tracking and herding. In appearance, the Schipperke is a small, compact dog with a distinctive double coat that is shiny and slightly harsh. He also wears a ruff, cape and culottes. In North America, the only permitted colour is black. He has a fox-like head with an expression of mischief and impudence but never wild or aggressive looking. For additional books, gifts & merchandise, CLICK HERE TOP Health Issues: In general, Schipperkes are a very healthy breed and long lived. Epilepsy, Legges-Perthes disease and thyroid problems have been known to occur occasionally in the breed but the incidence of these problems is fairly low. There is, however, a new genetic disease that has been identified in the breed: Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPS IIIB), also known as Sanfilippo syndrome type IIIB. The disease is fatal but a test has been available since April 2003 and all breeding stock should be tested along with any dog showing symptoms. If you are considering the adoption of a Schipperke puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.) Additional Health Resources: Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPS IIIB) in Schipperkes and DNA testing — For details about the disease and testing information. The Schipperke Club of Canada Health Information The Schipperke Club of America's Breed Health Survey Health and Nutrition — Canada's Guide to Dogs growing section on several health and nutrition related issues. Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Schipperke Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip) QuickCare Pet Insurance Programs TOP Breed Standards CKC Breed Standard Illustrated Standard from the Schipperke Club of Canada AKC Breed Standard UKC Breed Standard The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard FCI Breed Standard No. 83 / 05. 05. 2003 / GB AKC SCHIPPERKE VIDEO 25 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges. — Available from Dogwise.com TOP Grooming Information: Grooming — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada. TOP Training Resources: Training — For information on training your dog, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada. Training Tools & Equipment Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com TOP Additional Information: Schipperke Pedigree Database — from Bonchien Clubs, Sports & Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several dog sports and activities as well as listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For breed specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.) Working Dogs — Dedicated to the working dog. This section includes tributes, information on various dog jobs, and listings of organizations from across Canada.