How to Identify a Schipperke

The Schipperke is a well-coordinated breed. It hunts vermin and is very agile. It also makes a good watchdog. It is reserved with strangers, ready to protect family and property. Since it was bred to be a watchdog and a vermin hunter, it is confident and has an independent personality. A curious breed, it is interested in everything around it.

Instructions

1. Look at the general appearance of the Schipperke. It looks like a small dog and is thick and cobby. It has no tail and has a fox-like face. The males are 11 to 13 inches, and females are 10 to 12 inches at the shoulders. It is a square dog, so the measurement from the chest to the rump is roughly the same as the height at the shoulders. While the topline is straight, it appears to be sloped due to the ruff and cape.

2. Make sure the head gives off a questioning and mischievous expression. The Schipperke should look alert, but never mean or wild. The dark brown eyes are small and oval and are far forward on the head. The small ears are triangular in shape and sit high on the head. The ears stand erect when the dog is at attention.

3. Check that the moderate length neck is somewhat arched and is in correct proportion with the rest of the dog. This is important, as it is part of what gives the Schipperke its distinct look. It has a broad, deep chest that reaches to the elbows. The shoulders are well angulated, leading to straight legs that are placed under the body. The small feet are round and tight. The well-muscled rear should balance with the front angulation. The hocks are quite low.

4. Pet the harsh double coat. The outer coat is straight, and covers a softer undercoat. The undercoat is dense and short. It is denser around the neck, adding height to the ruff. The outer coat should be several different lengths: short on the face, ears, hocks and front of the forelegs, medium on the body, and longer on the ruff, jabot, culottes and cape. The ruff starts behind the ears and completely circles the neck. The outer coat is black, but the undercoat may be a bit lighter.