Skitra Schipperkes

Schipperkes are small black dogs that originated in Belgium. They are unique in that they have no tail (docked), have a coat that is differing lengths and have a big attitude. They are an energetic dog that needs an experienced owner, someone who has never trained a dog should steer clear of this breed.

They have a thick coat that requires regular brushing, once a week is good, although they can go longer. It is called a double coat, which means they have longer, preferably harsh guard hairs, with a softer dense under coat. When they are blowing out their old coat, which happens twice a year, they should be brush more often as old fur can remain in and cause hotspots and discomfort. Schips are not known to have a strong doggie odor unlike many other breeds. In my experience, they usually smell like their bedding, so if your home is clean and fresh smelling, your schip will be as well.

There are differing opinions on what the Schip is, is it a herding dog? terrier? even a spitz?. All I know is that they, along with the other domestic dogs are comprised of many. Now, I know that makes them sound like a mixed breed/mutt, but well over a hundred years of breeding makes the difference. As their history was not carefully documented, it is unknown exactly how long the Schip has been around, but there are pedigrees that trace back to the late 1800's. The typical Schip should have a desire to hunt vermin, which although known to be a terrier trait, is not exclusive to them. Same as herding, breeds not known to be herders have gotten titles for doing just that. Regardless of their origin, the important thing is to not lose the instinct and temperament that defines them. Without these, the Schip would just be another dog.

What I have found is that a Schip fills a house more than any other breed I've had, when one is not there, the house seems off sort of. Even Husband's dog, Kari, who at 13, sleeps as much if not more than a cat, is missed when he takes her for a drive. I've thought about replacing her with a stuffed toy, and seeing how long it would take him to notice.

In the 14 and half years I have had schips, I have encountered very few health issues with my dogs. The issues to be most aware of are: epilepsy, MPS3B, both are serious. Epilepsy can range from mild to extreme seizures, a dog with mild seizures can live a long happy life, but with extreme (grand mal) that can shorten the life of the dog. There is currently no test to find if a dog carries the gene for epilepsy. MPS3B (MPSIIIB) typically is fatal and has no cure, seizures occur similar to epilepsy. There is a test to detemine if a dog has MPS3B, dogs are classed as: Clear/normal, carrier or affected. Clear means there is no gene for the disease and therefore will not be passed to any puppies they may produce. Carrier means they do not have seizures and are healthy in that regard, but they have the gene for the disease and can pass it on to the next generation. Affected means they have the gene and seize and will pass it on to any puppies they produce, whether as an affected or just a carrier.