Schipperke usually weigh between 3 and 9 kg (7 to 20 lb). The Schipperke puppies are born tailless or with tails in different lengths. In Canada and the United States, they are usually docked soon after birth. In countries that have bans on docking, the Schipperkes display their natural tails which curve over the back of the dog (if the dog is happy and the tail is long enough).
The Schipperke is also known as the "Tasmanian black devil" and "little black devil," often because they can be stubborn, mischievous, and headstrong because they are naturally curious and high-energy dogs; when Schipperkes are bored, they often damage property. Schipperkes are very smart, and sometimes debate listening to owners and doing whatever benefits them the most.
The Schipperke are quick, energetic little dogs. High-spirited, alert, and self-confident. Very devoted and loyal, especially with children. It really bonds to its master. Pet cats will be happily accepted and they are usually good with other dogs. They are very smart, curious and mischievous. These dogs do exceptionally well on boats. Among the Schipperke's best qualities are the ability to defend its home against intruders - backing down from nobody, and being an excellent friend to children. Some can be difficult to housebreak. Socialize well to prevent them from becoming wary and aloof with strangers. Easy to train as it is intelligent and eager to learn.
Often times small dogs such as the Schipperke developed what is known as Small Dog Syndrome, varying degrees of human induced behaviors, where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. When a dog is allowed to rule the home, they can develop behavior problems, such as, but not limited to guarding, obsessive barking, separation anxiety, growling, snapping and even biting.
Schipperke who have been allowed to take over are said to have become hot-tempered, willful and protective. If someone new visits, they will adopt a watchful position and try to defend its territory, whether it is an apartment or a piece of land, against both two-legged and four-legged intruders. They may become an obsessive barker as they try and tell YOU what to do or try and TELL OTHERS to leave THEIR area.
Schipperke like to howl. After the initial bark to alert you, they need to be told enough is enough and to quiet down. Schipperke who are given rules to follow, limits to what they are and are not allowed to do, along with a consistent, firm pack leader, and a daily pack walk, will not developed these negative behaviors. Dogs who have already developed them, will change for the better, as soon as their canine instincts are being met.
The breeds temperament shows it to be a positive dog, exhibiting very strong likes and dislikes, capable of making a decision about a situation.The breed is fond of children if properly socialized and supervised and frequently will attach itself to the children of the family, becoming their loving, loyal and watchful companion.
The Schipperke has no particular health problems, and individuals often reach the old age of 17 or 18 years. Nonetheless, inactivity, lack of exercise and over-feeding are very harmful, and can lead to joint and skeletal problems and tooth, heart, lung or digestive conditions.
The one minor caveat to the Schipperke's good health is MPS IIIB, a genetic mutation that occurs in at most 15% of the total breed population. The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has developed a test for the disease and began accepting samples in April 2003. Their website at http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/researchatpenn/article.php?654&sci has more specifics. If you seek to acquire a Schipperke be sure to ask the breeder if they have tested for the condition. A large effort is underway by many responsible breeders to eliminate this fatal and debilitating disease from the population.
