Spotlight Breed Schipperke 

Spotlight Breed: Schipperke 

Welcome to our Spotlight Breed article of the week!  This is where we feature one of the most interesting dog breeds around the globe.  Today we are excited to spotlight the Schipperke!  Often nicknamed LBD for “little black devil”, this dog comes packed with quite the punch.  They are curious and clever and do their best to protect their family from harm.  However, there is so much more that this breed offers the world!

The small size and easy-care coat of the Schipperke are attractive traits, but their intelligence and curiosity can lead them into trouble.  The adaptability of this breed is so-so (3 out of 5 stars).  They can adapt well to apartment and small-home living, but they still need higher moments of mental and physical stimulation.  The Schipperke is not ideal for novice dog owners.  They are highly sensitive, assertive, and independent thinking which may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage.

The Schipperke needs some help when it comes to all-around friendliness.  Although they are affectionate with their “pack” (family and kids), they struggle around other dogs and strangers.  This proves that friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things!  The Schipperke may try and attack or dominate other dogs or strangers.  Therefore, socialization training is beneficial for this breed, especially at a young age.

This breed is easy to train.  They are more adept at forming an association between a prompt, an action, and a consequence.  Keep in mind that since the Schipperke is an intelligent breed, if they do not get the mental stimulation they need, they will make their own work – usually causing some sort of destruction!  Be aware that the Schipperke has a high potential for wanderlust!  If they see something that they want, they will go after it… at all costs!

As you can see, the Schipperke offers so much to the world.  If you are looking for a best four-legged friend, this breed may be the one for you!  We will leave you with our favorite quote about the Schipperke: “When I look into the eyes of a Schipperke, I don’t see an animal, I don’t see a dog, I see a friend.”