Schipperke

The Schipperke is a small dog on the outside, only weighing 11-18 pounds, but they fit the personality of a “small dog, big personality” to the tee. These little pups are loyal to their family members and will guard their territory with the confidence of a Belgian Malinois. They were originally bred as watchdogs, and it shows, these dogs will not back down from anybody. Besides being a family dog, these highly intelligent dogs are used today for search and rescue, bomb detection, and drug sniffing - not too shabby for a dog that can be held with one hand.

These beautiful black dogs were bred in Belgium and have been around for hundreds of years. The purebred Schipperke is a smaller version of the Belgian Sheepdog, a notorious working dog, and their name derives from Flemish and translates to “little boatman”. The breed was used as a watchdog that was most recognized for guarding boats that were docked in the canals between Brussels and Antwerp. The Schipperke also made an excellent ratter, and they can keep themselves very entertained until this day by chasing after small critters in the garden.

While the Schipperke is a great, loyal family dog, their nickname “Little Black Devil” suits them perfectly well. They have naughty streaks to them and will get themselves into all sorts of trouble. Don’t be surprised at the number of socks that your pup has chewed through, no matter how many times you “trained it out of them”. The Schipperke is among the most intelligent dogs but is also considered to be among the most stubborn dogs. The combination of these traits can make training extremely difficult, and the Shipperke requires an owner ready to dedicate a lot of consistent effort. The Little Black Devil is a working dog at heart and loves having a job to do, so the best games and training methods are the ones that keep your pup's brain as stimulated as possible.

Exercising this dog regularly is very important as they have tons of energy. Allowing them to play in the yard will be fun, but it is important to remember that they are notorious escape artists. Their small size will enable them to fit through holes in the gate that you did not think was possible, and they will chase after cars and animals without understanding the danger they are placing themselves in. As a family dog, the Schipperke wants to be a part of every activity, whether it be a walk in the park or a movie night on the couch. They are more reserved around strangers, however, this stems from their love for their family members and their desire to protect them. These dogs are loads of fun to be around and are renowned for their sense of humor, do not be surprised when their antics have everyone in the room laughing hysterically!

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