Captain America Syndrome
Schipperke – Choosing a dog breed that is right for you
Getting a dog can change your life. If you get a dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, can be very rewarding experience, but all dogs need love, attention, care and training, so before making that decision, ask yourself these questions:
- Do not have time to give a dog the attention it requires?
- I have the ability to provide preparation appropriate exercise and train a dog?
- Can I pay the expenses that come with a dog?
- I have what it takes to be a pack leader strong?
- I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue?
If, after answering the questions above, you decide to proceed with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about different breeds and their characteristics, personality / temperament, possible conditions of health and exercise grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision.
This article is an overview of a particular race – the Schipperke. Read on to decide whether this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle.
/ Historical Context: The Schipperke originated in the Flemish provinces of Belgium. There was derived Pomeranian or Spitz, but rather created Leauvenaar down from the 40-pound Belgian sheepdog black that was commonly used to look after the cattle in the neighboring country Louvain and follow the wagons along the old highways in the provinces of Belgium. It was bred down smaller and smaller to be a guard dog in miniature. This breed was also used for grazing cattle, hunting or guarding their domain and also used as a turncoat "Barge canal and the dog was usually captain. He does very well on boats and is not prone to seasickness. It makes an excellent watchdog.
He was known as a dog or Spits Spitske until the name "Schipperke" became official in 1888, which is Flemish "little captain" or "small captain, "he also said that means" little shepherd. "This race was popular with workers along the canals, but also with cobblers and other workers. It is said that a shoemaker cut the tail wagging the dog of his neighbor because he was tired of his repeated barking. As it improved the appearance of the dog, it is said that this is why all Schipperkes' tails are cut off at a young age. (Contrary to popular belief, they are not always born without a tail). The Schipperke was first imported into America in 1888.
Physical Characteristics: The Schipperke is a small dog with a profile square. It is 10-13 cm tall at the shoulder and weighs 12-18 pounds. His face is fox in appearance and has a mischievous, questioning and alert expression. It has small oval eyes which are dark brown. Their triangular ears are small and erect, and his nose is black. Its structure and body of solid black to resemble a small bear. It is strong and solidly built, with a thick double layer collar and neck. Sometimes it is born without a tail, but one is born with a tail, the tail is docked.
Personality Temperament /: This breed of dog is very tolerant with children and other animals. It is curious and interested in everything around you. It is an excellent and faithful guardian small, ready to protect your family and property if necessary, and the back to anyone. Can be reserved with strangers, if not well socialized. This breed is confident, independent and playful. It's fast, energetic, high spirited, alert and agile, with a drive high prey, chasing anything that moves. It is very dedicated and loyal, especially with children, and links to his master. It's very smart, eager to learn and easy to train, although it may be difficult to housebreak. The Schipperke does exceptionally well on boats. He may develop behavioral problems such as custody, barking obsessive, separation anxiety, growling, snapping and biting even if not given the proper leadership packing. She likes to howl and can be destructive if bored others or alone.
Possible health conditions: The Schipperke is relatively resistant, but may have conditions Health: Legg-Perthes syndrome, eye problems such as entropion, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), distichiasis (an eyelash that arises from an abnormal point in the eyelid of a dog) and cataracts, as well as hypothyroidism, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and a newly discovered genetic mutation called MPS 111B. The expectation life is about 15 years or more.
Exercise / Grooming: This breed is active and restless and needs a long walk or race day. His is very active indoors, but the best is not able to move freely in a fenced in yard, but may try to escape. Grooming is fairly easy and requires a good brushing once a week with a firm bristle brush. Will "blow" their coat several times a year, losing the undercoat, which could be several days or weeks and may take 2-3 months will grow back, becoming a moderate shedder. The nails should be cut. The teeth should be observed for deterioration. Can be dry shampooed as necessary.
Living Conditions: The Schipperke is a good dog for apartment living. He is very active indoors, but does best with a fenced in yard.
Summary: A Schipperke is a rare type of robust appearance, relatively little dog becomes extremely keen watchdog and requires minimal grooming but is a moderate shedder with an extremely high level of activity and needs strong leadership pack. So now that you've learned a bit about this breed of dog, one question remains – Is a Schipperke breed is right for you?
About the Author
Anita Funkhouser is the owner of http://www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and http://pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs.
MUGEN: Captain America (me) vs. Tourettes Juggy