Sipperke: breed description and content

Shipperke is considered a shepherd dog or a miniature shepherd dog. Among the breeders of these animals, it is in special demand. Despite the fact that it is not suitable for hunting in the classical sense, the shipperke perfectly catches small rodents, rabbits and moles. The material of this article will acquaint readers with the description of the representatives of the breed, the history of the origin of these dogs, the nuances of their character and the main aspects of the content.

From the Flemish dialect, Schipperke is translated as “little boatman” or “shepherd”. Some dog experts believe that the more correct translation is the interpretation of the “miniature shepherd dog”. Most likely, the ancestors of the dog bred in Belgium are the so-called Leuvenar, which are small black dogs. Someone attributed animals to the Spitz, in their homeland they were considered shepherd dogs.

The history of the appearance of small shepherd dogs originates in the XIV century, when the French, who rule Belgium, issued a law banning the keeping of large-sized dogs to all residents except aristocrats. This is the reason for the elimination of leuvenards, from which the Schipperke evolution proceeded. The townspeople had to start dogs, which were supposed to perform the same protective functions as large dogs.

In the XV century, the French were ousted by the Spaniards. At this time there were a lot of small dogs in Belgium. They perfectly caught rats and mice, and also coped with the protection of homes and pastures. In the XVI century, people began to pay attention to improving the characteristics of dogs, although official recognition occurred later. Despite the fact that by this time there were two types of Belgian shepherd dogs (large and small), It was the miniature dogs that people liked more.

It was the fact that the royal family liked the dogs that started the shipper boom. Moreover, they didn’t care so much about the fact that they had acquired a pureblood, as well as mandatory requirements: black color, lack of tail and country of origin. They were extremely important To puppies brought precisely from Belgium. At this time, the Belgians created the first breed club. Breeding of black dogs began, its control at all stages of development, thanks to which today the dogs look almost the same as in the period of the fashionable peak.

However, during the period of hostilities, the livestock population significantly decreased. It was due to the fact that the dogs were spread across the ocean, that after the war the breed was able to be restored and bred without the involvement of dogs of other breeds. Despite the fact that this breed is not in demand in some countries, extinction does not threaten it today. However, the climatic background of a particular region may impose its imprint on the duration of the life resource of an individual.

Description Shipperke something similar to the description of Spitz, not related to the dwarf decorative breeds. However, the shepherd dogs have their differences.Outwardly, they are pretty cute, quite harmoniously folded and characterized by a triple layer of black wool, which is why these animals do not fear the cold. Their fur coat is rather warm, fluffy and thick. Dogs have differences in gender. Based on this, they have different height and weight, and there are differences in the proportions of the physique.

In males, it averages 32–33 cm, the size of the bough does not exceed 31 cm. The head of the sniper is short, but wide, its shape is wedge-shaped. The forehead is broad, the upper lines of the muzzle and the skull are parallel. Muzzle shipperke shorter than the skull and usually does not exceed half the length of the head. The type of muzzle is compact, neat, it narrows towards the nose, the lips of the representative of the breed are dense, the cheeks and cheekbones are filled.

The shape of the eyes of these dogs is almond-shaped, their iris is hazel-colored, and the size is relatively small. They are planted shallowly, do not have a bulge, their stroke is always dark. Ears at shipperke small size, their statement is vertical, they are standing.

The nose is small, always black. Cheekbones and brow arc slightly convex, but moderately developed, they are clean and smoothly go into the face. The bite in dogs is regular scissor, but it can be straightforward, the standard allows incomplete fullness. For example, a separate representative of the breed may be missing the third or second molar. In other dogs, an incomplete formula is the absence of the first premolars. The teeth themselves are quite strong, they are distinguished by a good setting in the jaws.

The chest at the neck is lowered to the elbows, the body is proportional, although it may seem wide and stocky to someone. The constitution tends to be square, the neck is strong and powerful, muscular. Due to the voluminous woolen collar, it appears thick, its upper line is somewhat curved.

The withers of Schipperke are expressive, in view of the dense mane, particularly noticeable in males. The back is straight, powerful, the loin is strong, the croup is broad, its back part is rounded. The lower body line is lowered from the front of the chest to the elbows and elevated to the abdomen. The stomach itself is not sagging and not sunken.

The dog has a high tail landing. When the animal is calm, it can reach the hocks and also hang down with a slightly curved end. When the dog moves, it rises to the upper line (usually not higher). Nor does the standard prohibit it from being twisted or curled over its back. Sometimes puppies of this breed are born tailless or may have a rudimentary (shortened) tail.

The standard does not limit this feature and allows for dog shows with three types of tails. However, in a number of European countries, docking is prohibited, so a dog without a tail should not be taken to such an event. According to the regulative standard established by the International Cynological Federation, the color of dogs must be exclusively black. In England, it can be golden, in America colors such as chocolate, bluish and black and tan are allowed.

As for the limbs, they are parallel, the length of the front from the ground to the elbows is comparable to half the height of the animal at the withers. The hind legs are located under the body, because of the flats, they seem wide. They are slightly longer than the front, have shortish, but strong claws. The skin of animals is smooth, the skin fits snugly on the body. The coat of the smallest shepherd is characterized by an abundance of guard hair. They are rectangular, coarse, thick and feel dry to the touch.

Mini Shepherd Dogs only seem to be pretty cute ones. In the soul, these animals feel like full-fledged guard shepherds. Resistance and courage are inherent in them, so they do not know fear at all and are always ready to defend their masters and the territory entrusted to them. Due to its static nature they need an energetic hostwhich will separate their craving for movement and activity. Dogs are unrealistically energetic and cheerful, which is why they can be called positive generators.

These are great companions.who are able to cheer up the owners at the right moment. In addition, Schipperke is very inquisitive, they will not sit out their life on a lounger or on the master's sofa. Movement is the credo of their life, it is important for them to constantly explore something.

They are ready to devote a considerable share of their time and attention to their owners. This feature is used by breeders for training and raising mini-shepherds, and dogs love training in a game form. They love to play with children, they are able to become companions to sports breeders, they tolerate travel well. In the period of fatigue, they can rest on the master's lap, although the rest time with them, unlike cats, does not last long.

However, mimishnaya appearance can deceive an inexperienced breeder, because a dog of this breed, like the classic shepherd dogs, is able to take a leading position in the house. Her domination in the house can completely change the usual rhythm of life, which is why the owner must be persistent and persistent in his training. As a rule, such dogs It is not recommended to get weak-tempered people who let their pets grow up to chance.

Shipperke can live both in an apartment and in a private house. Of course, the individual living in the house, more developed, because he has more opportunities for walking and communicating with the owner. The nature and habits of the animal completely depend on how well it was raised. This explains the difference in the behavior of dogs of the same breed. Pet can be affectionate and calm, cheerful and responsible.

With the right approach to training he will be betrayed not only to one owner, but will also be able to take for "his" all the household. An untrained dog can bark long and deafingly, which is bad if the pet lives in an apartment building, as this may affect relations with its neighbors, and even harm them (for example, it is bad if a person suffering from migraine lives behind the wall).

Due to the presence of a thick and warm fur coat, the dog of this breed can live both in the house and on the street in the aviary or booth. In this case, as noted by experienced breeders, one glance at the pet is enough to understand where he lives. The dog living on the street has a woolen coat richer and thicker. The undercoat of such a fur coat is denser, the fur seems to be more fluffy than the fellows who are kept in a house or apartment.

These dogs tend not to show their attitude towards individuals. If they adore children in one family, other breeders note that their pets do not ask for friendship with children. In some cases, if the child bothers them, they prefer to go to other rooms at home. Poorly trained animals can bark at unfamiliar children or show aggression towards them.

There are advantages and disadvantages to this card. To some, a dog may seem capricious and overly active.However, before you take such a puppy, you need to weigh your chances: a lazy owner, who will shift the upbringing and training of the pet every day, does not fit this dog at all. Breeders also like the size of pets, which is why you can even place these animals in small apartments. Some of them can be transferred at all in the hands and taken on a journey where they do not cause much trouble to the owners.

As for the shortcomings, then they can be attributed alopecia, an autoimmune disease. It manifests itself in the form of bald patches on the skin, and with this disease there may be relapses. This is due to different nuances, including the state of immunity. The advantages of the representatives of the breed include, besides the size, intelligence and dedication. For his master shipperke ready to jump "into fire and water."

Nowadays, in view of the increasing incidence of selling thoroughbred dogs, it is difficult for an unenlightened buyer to understand how and where to acquire a purebred dog. You should not do this in a hurry, not having become acquainted with the breeder closely, without having full information about him. As a rule, the risk of buying mongrel specimens in official nurseries, where breeders care about their own reputation, is less likely.

In these places, the buyer acquires puppies with the necessary documents (pedigree and veterinary passport). The more pedigree ancestors the baby has, the better. An experienced breeder can introduce a potential buyer to other buyers, the nuances of care and maintenance of the pet. Usually, the buyer acquires a puppy in the nursery, which is already vaccinated and has the first beginnings of socialization.

To have an idea of ​​the standard ahead of time you need to review the nuances of the standard. If they say little to the buyer, you can invite a specialist to purchase who will examine the puppy you like, look into his mouth, examine his teeth, his ears, evaluate his body type, determine the quality of housing conditions and the likelihood of risks of certain diseases. Select puppy should be moderately active and developed.

You should not take a baby who is more lying than moving, and also does not show any interest in the future owner. It is important to pay attention to the setting of the paws, the correctness of the gait, moderate fatness, good appetite. An indicator of health in these puppies is activity: if it is lowered, the puppy is sick.

Regardless of whether the pet lives on the street or at home, it cannot be locked up for the whole day either in the apartment or in the aviary. This is not a decorative, but a working breed of dogs, so the animal needs everyday walking and training. Representatives of this breed need to realize their own usefulness. Otherwise, they will find classes for themselves, and not always good ones. For example, to wake up the owners with a loud bark, to impose order in the closets, in the kitchen and in other rooms of the home.

A trained animal will not allow itself to spin under their feet. It can be maintained without much hassle in the winter outside. These dogs adore the snow, in addition, they are well tolerated and heat. However, regardless of their age and gender, the breeder will be forced to constantly monitor the condition of their wool. It is especially important to work on it during the seasonal molting period, since the undercoat gathered during the winter often remains on the spine, which leads to the formation of tangles.

The molt of these dogs lasts an average of two weeks, at the same time to eliminate dead hair you need to use both single-row and puhoderkoy.On other days to maintain the aesthetic appeal of a dog coat. enough to comb it a couple of times a week with a massage brush.

The fur of a well-groomed dog is shiny and strong. Her skin is not prone to allergies and drying out. If the owner has noticed excessive hair loss from the fur coat, this indicates improper nutrition and the need to consult a veterinarian.

Bathing too often Schipperke is not necessary, even if the owner thinks that the dog should be perfectly clean. The working dog has, as a rule, coarse and straight wool, which is why it is not prone to collecting and accumulating dirt. For dogs participating in exhibitions, breeders buy special shampoos for black wool. With their help, they mask the rust that appears in pets with a long stay in the sun. It is necessary to bathe a pet not more often than once in two months.

Ears and eyes must be inspected continuously, and if they are found to be dirty, they are removed. Sulfur from the ears is cleaned with a wet cotton pad. If an unpleasant smell emanating from the ears is detected, the dog is immediately taken to the veterinarian. Among other signals that require an urgent visit to the doctor, experts note reddening of the skin, swelling, and constant scratching of the ears. You can not engage in treatment alone, because it is often it exacerbates the situation.

Eyes are examined regularly, in order to prevent souring, they are wiped once a week with a lint-free cloth dipped in chamomile broth. At the same time for each eye take a new rag. In the presence of redness and acidification, the dog is taken to the veterinarian. The same rule applies when an animal has a heavy tearing and eyelid swelling.

After each walk, it is advisable not to wipe the paws with a damp cloth, but to wash them. It is better seen that cracks or other wounds appeared on the pads. If they are, they are treated with antiseptic. In order to prevent the occurrence of cracks, it is necessary to lubricate the paw pads with vegetable oil. In addition, it must be included in the nutritional diet.

For the treatment of claws, they acquire claws that are used no more than once a week. After cutting the edges of the claws, file the file with a file, teach the dog to start from a young claw to a similar procedure, encouraging her for patience. It is necessary to clean the teeth of a pet, otherwise they will quickly become covered with yellow bloom and rub off. In addition, dirt accumulates between them, which causes the formation of tartar.

You can not use human paste, as the dogs do not like the smell of menthol and foam. To walk a dog you need every day two or even three times, while the evening walk should be longer. Treatment from worms and other parasites should be carried out in a timely manner. When detecting ticks, an urgent need to consult a doctor.

Shipperke needs to be fed properly: its food must be balanced, containing vitamins and necessary minerals. It is believed that these dogs eat everything they are given. However, this does not mean at all that food from the master's table is suitable for pets. Neither smoked nor fried food is good for feeding them, it is harmful for digestion. Both natural food and ready-made industrial food are suitable for these dogs. premium class (as well as holistic).

When buying a finished feed you need to pay attention to its type and class. It is important that it is designed for active dogs, suitable for age and has natural meat in its composition. Cheap feed does not bring any benefit and with constant use irritate the stomach of animals, upset the digestive system.

When natural food is chosen as the basis for the diet, the owner monitors its balance and the amount of necessary substances. For example, in the diet should be lean meat (boiled or raw), greens, cereals, vegetables, as well as fruits and sea fish (boneless). Both a puppy and an adult dog need kefir and cottage cheese. The list of prohibited foods includes smoked meats, river fish, chocolates, nuts, sweets, pastries, seasonings.

A pet, regardless of feeding time, should always have an open access bowl with fresh water. Water needs to be changed every day, the food should be fresh and not hot. Feed the dog after walks. Feeding time should not exceed 15–20 minutes, after which the remnants are removed so as not to spoil the pet's appetite.

A puppy shipperke needs early socialization. The sooner the owner starts his training and education, the more chances he has to raise a true friend and reliable companion from a puppy. It is important to understand that this dog will not carry out the owner’s commands if it does not turn out to be interesting, therefore the approach to the lessons should not be boring and monotonous.

You need to train your pet correctly. combining classes with feasible physical exertion, which should be regular, which will allow the animal to splash out the excess energy that accumulates during the period of growth and development. Schipperke is one of the most active dog breeds, inaction literally kills this dog, turning it into an aggressor. If the dog is not occupied with anything, it very quickly finds itself in search of a conflict, will fight with other pets living in the house, will start throwing at the guests.

Frisbee, agility, freestyle, obedience, apportirovka are indispensable games and workouts. Teaching puppy commands and rules in the house should be from the first days of its appearance. It is worth starting with primitive commands and learning your own nickname. As a rule, it takes a little time, because the kid tries to catch all the attention of the owner, as well as his every gesture. If possible, it is necessary to teach the animal the intricacies of early and third-class treaties.

In addition, training can be diversified in swimming and walking on the trail, while the dog can be taught to swim in various ways, including using the “bring” command using a stick. For example, you can find a shallow pond, throw a stick at it so that it falls into the water near the shore. Gradually, the stick can be thrown further, that force the dog to go farther and farther into the water. Gradually, she will reach the boundaries at which her feet will not touch the bottom. After a few commands, you can give your pet some fun, splash in the water.

Emotional pressure on the pet is unacceptable: This leads to the fact that the animal begins to behave aggressively. In addition, the dog of this breed does not consider it necessary to obey the screaming person, even if it is its owner. You can not stoop to whipping: Classes with a dog should be easy and fun. Standard teams need to be diluted with game elements, by means of which the animal will quickly memorize the material being studied.

Reviews of shipperk vary, due to different opinions breeders.Dogs can have completely different temperaments and temperaments. Some of them, according to the owners, are very active and inquisitive. Others, as they grow older, acquire a certain degree, which allows them to be seasoned in relation to strangers and children. However, most of the comments left on the World Wide Web, note that These dogs are characterized by restlessness.

According to reviews breeders, Schipperke live on average up to 10-12 years. However, certain individuals may have diseases such as diseases of the musculoskeletal system and eye diseases. Other breeders are faced with the fact that dogs begin to limp. This is due to excessive physical stress to which their dogs are exposed. Experienced owners note that the load must be feasible, otherwise it will have a detrimental effect on the joints.

Among the true reviews there are different opinions, but most breeders point out the need to monitor the health of the dog. Older animals are subject to such troubles as cataract, epilepsy, retinal atrophy, dysplasia and thyroid disease.

How to train and care for shipperku, see the next video.