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ABOUT DOG BREEDS
 SHIPPERKE
Description Temperament Height and Weight Health Problems
Ideal Living Conditions Exercise Life Expectancy Litter Size
Grooming Origin Group Color
Breed Clubs Breed Rescues

Description
The Shipperke has a very robust build. Its body is medium-sized with a deep and wide chest. The breed's head is moderate in size, but well proportioned to its body. It has a muzzle that is average in length and a well defined stop. The ears are relatively small in size and "V" shaped. The neck is elongated and slightly angles to its straight back. Its coat is straight and very coarse on top. the undercoat is much softer. The coat varies in length. It is most profuse and long at the collar. The breed does not have a tail. The breed stands on well-muscled and straight front legs and angled back legs.
Temperament
The Shipperke is a good family pet. It generally gets along fine with everyone in its family, except cats. It will coexist peacefully with other dogs. This breed is a natural protector and makes an effective guard and watchdog. The breed is aloof with people it doesn't know. The Shipperke is responsive to training, but may be stubborn.
Height and Weight
Male and female Shipperkes weigh about 12-18 pounds. Male types stand about 11-13 inches tall, while female types are about 10-12 inches tall.
Health Problems
The most common health problems associated with the Shipperke include luxating patellas and epilepsy. The breed may also develop hip dysplasia, a common condition among breeds similar to its size.
Ideal Living Conditions
The Shipperke will remain active whether it lives indoors or outdoors. However, it will require more exercise if it resides indoors. If the breed spends any amount of time outdoors, it should be enclosed within an average-size fence that is well built. This will keep the curious breed from attempting to escape.
Exercise
If given the space, the Shipperke will spend countless hours running around. It has a moderate energy level and shold obtain a significant amount of vigorous exercise daily. Training time spent with the breed counts toward exercise.
Life Expectancy
The Shipperke lives an average of 15 years.
Litter Size
The Shipperke has an average of 5 puppies.
Grooming
Like a cat, the Shipperke grooms itself. It doesn't shed much, but brushing helps to remove loose hair.
Origin
The Shipperke was developed in the 19th century to assist hunters of small game.
Group
Non-Sporting
Color
Black is the only acceptable color for the Shipperke.
Breed Clubs
Schipperke Club of America http://www.schipperkeclub-usa.org Schipperke Club http://www.schipperkeclub.co.uk Schipperke Club of Canada http://www.schipperkecanada.net Central Rockies Schipperke Club of Greater Denver http://www.schipperke.com Schipperke Club of Central Florida http://www.rumbopet.com/schipclub.html Lone Star Schipperke Club, Inc. http://www.geocities.com/heartland/valley/6005
Breed Rescues
Schipperke Club of America Rescue http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/M164.html Sandy Paws Schipperke Rescue http://www.bullmtn.com/rescues Schipperke Rescue and Adoption Services in Mid-Atlantic http://www.schipperkes.org/html/rescue.html Angelsgate Schipperke Rescue http://www.angelsgaterescue.com Midwest Schipperke Rescue http://www.midwestschipperkerescue.com

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