The smallest shepherd dog

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Sheepdogs are always associated with large size and formidable appearance. However, there is also the smallest shepherd dog - Schipperke. This cute creature looks very different from its larger counterparts. It is about Schipperk that will be discussed in our article.

Origin story

The exact origin of the smallest shepherd dog is unknown. There has been a lot of controversy around this issue. However, if you rely on history, then it can be argued that cute creatures were found only in the Flemish provinces and in Belgium. Many still believe that the smallest shepherd is a German dog. However, this is not the case at all.

It is known that back in the fifteenth century there was a legend about a shoemaker who got angry at a neighbor's dog and cut off her tail. But the owner liked the completely new look. Since then, little Shepherd Schipperke dogs have had their tails docked.

But the legend of the sixteenth century says that under William the Quiet there was always a black tailless dog. Documented history of the Schipperke Sheepdog breed begins in 1690. It was at that time that the shoemakers of Brussels began to organize Sunday exhibitions of thesecute creatures. There was a fashion to make wide copper collars for their pets, which sometimes were a real work of art. A person could go outside in dirty shoes, but at the same time he always polished his collar to a shine.

After 150 years, the Schipperke was still incredibly fashionable in Brussels. And still there was an amazing tradition to decorate the smallest shepherd dog with copper collars. For many centuries, the breed has been known by several names, which gave rise to the development of a false version regarding its origin. The inhabitants of Brussels themselves, in their native language, called the smallest shepherd dog in the world Spitz. But at the same time, the animal that is now known to us as the Spitz, people called "Lowlow". So, there is no connection between these two different breeds. On the other hand, many inexperienced dog breeders are still confused about the smallest shepherd dog - is it German or Belgian.

In addition, there was another assumption regarding the origin of the breed: Schipperke is a derivative of "thorn", which means "ship". The species name has been interpreted as "little skipper" or "little captain". However, this version was not confirmed. But still this story took root in another country. When a new breed of small shepherd was brought to England, this beautiful story was taken for her.

The breed has become incredibly popular not only in Belgium, but throughout Europe. Even Queen Maria Henrietta drew attention to Schipperke. She bought herselfwinner of an exhibition in Belgium.

Description of the breed

Schipperke is an energetic little shepherd dog. She looks like a Spitz, but has nothing to do with him. But on the other hand, the smallest German Shepherd does not belong to the German Shepherd either. Experts are inclined to believe that, most likely, the breed arose quite simply. In the Middle Ages, peasants kept larger dogs that helped them in the household. Later, the smallest individuals that had a sentinel mission were called Schipperke, which means "little shepherd" in Flemish.

The modern animal has a thick double coat, a narrow muzzle and erect ears. Outwardly, it, of course, is very similar to a Spitz. But this is a small shepherd. We have always associated the German Shepherd breed with strength and power. She has nothing in common with the Schipperke, except for the very word "shepherd".

And yet the smallest breed of shepherd dog has quite serious characteristics among representatives of its size. Males can weigh up to 8 kilograms. And bitches - from 3 to 8 kilograms. On average, the weight of animals ranges from 4-7 kilograms. The height of males at the withers is 33 cm, and females - 31 cm.

The animal has small brown oval eyes, erect ears in the form of triangles, which are set high on the head. For a long time there was a practice of docking the tails of the representatives of the Schipperke breed. But in recent years, this tactic is used less and less, and in many countriesEurope is generally banned.

The animal has a straight, slightly coarse coat, which forms a mane in the chest and neck area. Dogs also have a soft and dense undercoat. On the ears, paws and head, the hairline is shorter. But on the back of the hips at the Schipperke panties are formed from wool, which makes them seem more well-fed. In general, wool is the hallmark of the breed. Moreover, its color can only be black.

Animal personality

What is good about this dog breed? The Little Shepherd Dog is not very popular as a companion and family animal, but it could well perform in these roles. The Schipperke was born to hunt small rodents. Also good as a guard dog. She is incredibly smart, independent, very energetic and devoted to her master. Schipperke zealously defends its territory and people. The dog has a very developed guard instinct. She warns strangers by barking to stay away. Also, the animal actively reacts to everything unusual, notifying the owners by barking.

Schipperke is very friendly, she quickly gets used to the guests in the house and also treats them very well. This breed is ideal for those people who want to have a watchdog but cannot afford a large dog. It's no secret that small German Shepherd puppies, for example, very quickly turn into a large animal. And keeping such a dog is not for everyone. But Schipperke is just perfect in this regard.

A curious dog is very curious. She must knowwhat is going on around her. Not a single event will be left without her attention. She is interested in absolutely everything. It is thanks to the sensitivity of the breed that it gained fame as an excellent guard dog. In addition, the animal is endowed with a great sense of responsibility.

An interesting fact is that, despite its modest size, the dog will never retreat in battle, even if the opponent is much larger. Schipperke carefully studies any sound or movement and notifies his master about it. And this animal does with the help of a sonorous bark, which sometimes turns into real trills. The dog learns very quickly and responds to all the commands of the owners.

Stanley Koren in his book notes that Schipperke remembers the command in just 5-15 repetitions. The animal fulfills the owner's requests in 85% of cases. It is believed that the attentiveness of such dogs makes the process of their training very fast. A dog always tries to please its owners. But sometimes an animal can afford to be self-willed and independent. Therefore, people need to be made clear who is in charge and what the dog can and cannot do.

Schipperke's sharp mind also has a slight flaw. The animal quickly gets bored with monotony. Therefore, training lessons should be concise, short and varied. A rough technique for a Schipperke is not suitable.

A faithful companion

When an animal knows the rules of what she can and cannot do, she is a great companion. And yet Schipperke are very mischievous and cheerful by nature. Therefore, sometimes they can be harmful. If this is your first time getting a dog, you may needthe help of a professional who will show the basics of raising a pet. Mistakes in training can cause your pet to become moody or aggressive.

Schipperke needs to start educating early. In addition, socialization is very important. By nature, dogs are quite distrustful of strangers, and therefore can bite them. Socialization allows animals to understand who is theirs and who is a stranger. If several dogs grow up together, then no compatibility problems arise. But with other animals, Schipperke get along badly, especially with those who are smaller than their size. This is logical, because initially dogs hunted rats, which means that one should not expect a good attitude towards rodents.

Attitude towards children

Schipperke get along well with children, but in the event that they are socialized and well perceive children's noise and games. In general, animals love children and are not aggressive. They can play with the kids for hours without getting tired. Animals love their family very much and want to be with her all the time. And it doesn’t matter what the owners are doing: watching TV or working. Schipperke consider themselves members of the family, and therefore believe that they should participate in all family activities.

Schipperke care

Schipperke is a highly adaptable breed. They can live in an apartment, in a spacious house, but prefer active families. Animals need to walk. Every day there should be at least one walk in the fresh air. And at this time the animal should actively run and play. Passive walks are not an option for a Schipperke. You need to walk the dog on a leash, and let it frolic in safe places. Since animals have long hunted rodents, they have developed a pursuit instinct. That is why sometimes dogs want to wander in search of something. Schipperke should not be kept in an aviary.

Regardless of the size of your home, the Schipperke is a wonderful pet. If you are looking for an affectionate, intelligent and loyal dog, then you will not find a better pet. With the right approach to education, you can get the perfect companion.

Schipperke is a very clean dog that does not require much grooming. But still, you need to look after the animal's hair, because it is thick and double. It is enough to comb it just a couple of times a week, but during the molting period you can not do without a daily procedure. After shedding, the dog looks like a smooth-haired dog. And only after a few months the hair is restored. The rest of the animal care is no different from other breeds. Eyes, ears and nose should always be watched.

He alth

Schipperke has no he alth problems. According to studies, their life expectancy is about 13 years. Sometimes Schipperke live up to 15 years. Up to 15% of dogs may develop Sanfilippo syndrome. It appears between the ages of two and four.

Food

Schipperke are unpretentious in food. Therefore, the owners never have problems with food. Dogs eat whatever is offered to them. This is a very big advantage of the breed, because the owners do not need to think about how to feed theirpet. At night, you can treat your dog to something tasty. By the way, a single meal is acceptable for this breed. Food should be given in moderate portions, without overfeeding the pet. It is better to choose a balanced food, especially when it comes to a puppy. Since dogs are incredibly active, they need good and complete nutrition with minerals and vitamins. In the diet of puppies, there must be dairy products, cereals, greens, vegetables, beef, fish and vitamin complexes. Dogs should not be given tubular bones, they provoke intestinal injuries.

Puppies should receive vitamins A and D daily. Pet stores sell special vitamins for dogs. But you can also use children's vitamin complexes, for example "Oligovit". Sometimes you can give the animal cottage cheese and eggs. For a good metabolism, the animal must consume a lot of cereals. They must be present in the diet every day. They definitely need to add greens and vegetables. Sometimes animals do not eat boiled vegetables well, then you can offer them raw. The presence of milk on the menu is also a must. You can give not only pure milk, but also soups based on them.

Vaccinations

Schipperke must be vaccinated against such ailments: distemper, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, leptospirosis, rabies and trichophytosis. After vaccinations, puppies should not be taken outside or overfed. Immunity after the first injection is developed within 12 days. This period is very dangerous for the puppy, so the owners shouldbe as attentive as possible to the pet and alleviate his condition. After the injection, fever, diarrhea and weakness are observed. Three weeks later, the babies are re-vaccinated. Usually after the second injection, the animals feel much better.

And yet, within 12 days, the baby must be protected from other animals and not taken outside. After this time, puppies can be walked. At the age of six months, dogs are vaccinated against rabies, as well as a comprehensive vaccination against several ailments. It is strongly not recommended to vaccinate if the animal is changing teeth. It's just worth waiting until the exchange process is complete and only after that return to the issue of vaccination.

Instead of afterword

Schipperke are cute and funny creatures that can cheer up everyone around. If you are dreaming of a great watchdog that is also a great companion, this breed is ideal. Cute, small animals can become real family members. They are not only devoted to people, but also love them with all their heart and need constant communication.