Frequently Asked Questions about Schipperkes
Some of the most common questions we have been asked about
Schipperkes, and our answers:
Most of us call them "SKIPPER-KEES" with emphasis on the "SKIP" part...or we just call them "SKIPS."
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In regard to nicely pedigreed Schipperkes, the average male in good condition will weigh from 15 to 18 pounds and stand 11 to 13 inches at the withers. A bitch will be an inch or so shorter and weigh less, usually from 11-15 pounds depending on build and bone structure. A Schip in full coat will look heavier than its actual weight.
In regard to rescue Schipperkes, they can come in any size, large or small. As part of our regimen of foster care, we attempt to adjust the diet to achieve the weight that is ideal for the individual dog.
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Healthy Schips usually shed their undercoats twice a year--in the spring and again in the fall. A bitch who has whelped will shed undercoat about two months after having her litter, and dogs who have been ill or undergone strong medication will sometimes shed following these events. If your Schip seems to shed more often or for too long, check with your vet.
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Are they High-strung? Nervous? Yappy?
In general, a well-adjusted Schipperke is not considered to be high-strung, nervous, or yappy ... however, they are very intelligent dogs who like to involve themselves in their environment. Thus, they do tend to bark as they react to changes in that environment. Like any breed, including homo sapiens, Schipperkes who are faced with unfamiliar situations will become unsettled and, if not reassured, can become anxious. Dogs who come from parents of generally calm dispositions will tend to be calm as well, but their treatment as puppies and young dogs is far more important in shaping character and disposition. This is why it is important to buy from a breeder whose breeding stock and socialization practices are known. Many rescue Schipperkes become highly agitated and nervous during thunderstorms. Thus, special attention is required to assist them in calming down during periods of thunder and lightening.
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If treated well, they respond with love and loyalty -- and the size of their people doesn't seem to matter. Generally, a young Schip who is raised with young children will get along quite well with children of any age. Schips who are raised without benefit of exposure to young children will require monitoring until the dog becomes comfortable with the noises and sudden motions of babies and toddlers.
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Many Schipperke breeders started out with Schips as a second breed, usually after having owned a larger breed for some time. The average Schip seems to have no difficulty in adjusting to life with other dogs, even large ones, or with cats, horses, cows, etc. Many of them have a herding or prey instinct that causes them to dig for moles and gophers, bark at ground squirrels, and go alert when attacked by the occasional brooms or box. More than one Schipperke of the same sex in any household, however, can be a problem until the order of seniority is established.
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The relative smallness of the puppies (average weight of 4-6 ounces) requires great care during the first few days. Once through their tail docking and first few days of sucking up their mother's milk, though, they are very sturdy little creatures. It should be noted that litters are small (2-4 puppies) and the expense of whelping and caring for the litter helps eliminate the profit motive as an incentive to breed.
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In general, the Schipperke is considered to be a dog with a tail. Usually the pups are born with tails that are docked at the age of 3 or 4 days. Within a given litter, the pups can be born with a full tail, a half tail (or stub), or a nub. The tail-less silhouette is a requirement of the breed standard for showing.
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Can they adapt to apartments? Small yards?
Yes, but special care must be taken to meet their needs for exercise, especially during their first two or three years. They are active, sociable, curious dogs, and it is dangerous to their well-being to confine them to a small space or to let them run loose. Most breeders will not sell a Schip unless the minimum requirements of a fenced yard and abundant human companionship will be met.
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Depends on your patience. As indicated, they are inquisitive and not usually satisfied to do something every time, just because they are told to. They are intelligent enough to adapt well to a training program and a regime with emphasis on praise. They may seem slow to learn initially, however, after they reach about eighteen months of age, they learn at a much faster rate, and will often surprise their owners with the depth of what they have mastered. Schips are quite trainable in obedience, agility, freestyle dance, etc., however, they do require variety in their training as they can become bored quite easily with the same routine.
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Are they prone to any diseases?
Schips are not really prone to any viral diseases. They require all the usual protections from diseases, such as parvo and distemper, in addition to protection from parasites. There is a very debilitating and painful genetic disease called MPS-IIIB that affects humans, emus, and Schips. When considering the purchase of a Schipperke, you should request proof of MPS testing for both the sire and the dam. The University of Pennsylvania conducts the testing and issues a letter specific to each individual dog that was tested and which provides the results of the testing. MPS affects the offspring only when both the sire and dam are determined to be carriers of the genetic marker.
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Schips require normal grooming that includes regular brushing, bathing, and nail trimming ... usually about twice a month. During shedding periods, more frequent brushing will help to remove the loose fur and encourage new growth.
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A healthy Schip should live to be 12 to 16 years old. One that consistently chews your shoes or gets into the laundry basket will probably live much, much longer. Schips have been known to live to the age of 20+ years.
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The cost depends on the quality and reputation of the parents and the breeder, as well as of the individual dog. A puppy from parents with established credentials from stiff show competition, in good health, with no obvious faults will command prices of $1000 (or more) at a very early age. A so-called "pet-quality" puppy will cost at least half of that amount, and you'll be required to neuter the animal. In assessing the cost of a Schipperke, one must give primary consideration to finding a healthy dog from a reputable breeder.
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Your first source of a Schipperke is through a reputable breeder. Our breeder referral page will give you access to the list of breeders provided by the Schipperke Club of America.
Be sure to buy only from breeders or individuals who will provide you with the pedigree and medical history of your dog, and the opportunity to visit their kennel and see the parents of your pup. Avoid pet shops or "puppy mills" who cannot or will not provide you with detailed breeding records.
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As mentioned above, the Colonial Schipperke Club is very active in finding homes for "pre-owned" Schipperkes. These are Schips who, for reasons normally not of their making, have lost their people. They may be lost or stolen dogs, dogs who suffer from the deaths or divorces of their owners, or dogs who are given up for a variety of reasons by their original owners. Colonial members often provide foster care or brokering services to match up these dogs with new owners. If you are interested in possibly adopting one of our rescue Schips, please visit our Rescue page for more information.
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