The Schipperke breed were bred by Belgian boat captains to guard unattended boats, keep rats away and provide companionship.
Schipperkes have small, cobby, square-built bodies covered in long, harsh coats that usually come in black, but can also be found in brown, tan and red. These thick coats grow in several different lengths around the body, including a thick ruff around the neck. Their wedge-shaped heads have pointed ears and fox-like faces, and they have small, dark eyes that give off an inquisitive expression. Schipperkes are usually tailless. They move along with a smooth, nimble gait.
A healthy Schipperke can live as long as 15 years.
- Hip dysplasia
- Black hair follicular dysplasia
- Colour-dilution alopecia
- Pemphigus foliaceous
- Follicular dysplasia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Arachnoid cyst