Schipperke Facts

The Schipperke is a small black breed of dog with pointy ears and a long muzzle. In their native Belgium, they are considered miniature sheepdogs, but they make popular family pets throughout the world. Read on to find out more amazing Schipperke facts and information!

They’re Nicknamed The “LBD”

While this dog breed’s formal name is the Schipperke, many owners lovingly refer to them as LBDs, or Little Black Devils. This lively little breed can be incredibly mischievous at times, leading it into a lot of trouble. This breed isn’t for the faint of heart! Schipperkes require an owner with a decent amount of experience so they can be properly trained to stay out of trouble.

Schipperkes Have A Big Personality

Schipperkes are small dogs, but they have one of the biggest personalities in the canine world! These mischievous little clowns are known to be a bit bossy at times, and they can make training quite a challenge for the inexperienced owner.

Their extreme intelligence means that they are even more prone to getting in trouble than other dogs, and even though they know exactly what your rules and expectations are, they have a habit of breaking them intentionally.

They Have A Beautiful Coat

A fun fact about Schipperkes is that their sleek black coat is incredibly luxurious, but requires little maintenance. These dogs shed heavily twice a year, but throughout the rest of the year, they are light shedders. They only require brushing about once or twice a week, and don’t require much bathing.

One Schipperke Had A Film Debut

In the 2004 film Two Brothers, a Schipperke dog was used in a few scenes throughout the movie. Schipperkes aren’t traditionally used in film, as they are hard to train, but this lively little dog sure added a lot of personality to the movie! The Schipperke breed also made a cameo in the short story “A Borderline Case” by Daphne Du Maurier.

Their Name Means “Little Captain”

The name “Schipperke” is a Flemish name that roughly translates to “Little Captain.” This is because the Schipperke grew incredibly popular on ships, where it was used to exterminate rats and other vermin. Sailors loved this dog’s huge personality, and it soon earned the affectionate name Schipperke. Despite their small size, Schipperkes often have a way of acting like the captain of their home!

Schipperkes Were Used During World War II

One of the most interesting facts about Schipperke dogs is that they were used to send messages during World War II. While Belgium was occupied by the Nazis, various resistance camps used this small yet energetic dog to travel from camp to camp carrying messages. The occupying enemies were never even aware that these dutiful little dogs were doing so much for the resistance!

They’re A Very Healthy Breed

Schipperkes are known to live long, healthy lives, with a lifespan of about 15 years. While many dog breeds are prone to a variety of health issues, Schipperkes are recognized as being a rather healthy dog breed. Still, you should take care to give them plenty of exercise and keep them on a good diet to avoid obesity and other potential health problems.

They’re Used For A Variety of Jobs

The Schipperke’s intelligence and energy makes them the ideal dog for a variety of important jobs. Historically, they were used as guard dogs and ratters, but today they are also used to sniff out bombs and drugs, as well as in search and rescue! These tiny but courageous dogs are well suited to all kinds of difficult work.

They Can Be Very Loud

The Schipperke has a surprisingly loud bark for its little body, and it loves to mouth off! Not only do these dogs tend to “argue” with their owners during training sessions, but they tend to be very vocal in just about every situation. However, they also use their bark to alert their owners to intruders. In fact, they’ve historically been used as popular watchdogs.

Schipperkes Are Excellent Family Dogs

One wonderful Schipperke fact is that they fit well into families. They adore children and make the perfect companion for younger family members. Not only that, but they are highly affectionate towards and protective of all household members. Furthermore, they get along famously well with cats, as well as other dogs.

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