Page 22 - ShowSight Presents - The Schipperke

and very intelligent by nature. If you are considering a Schipperke as a family pet that is certainly something that you should be aware of. Due to their intelligence and desire for adventure, they excel at many interest- ing activities. Aside from being great companions, they do enjoy time spent outdoors and eagerly accompany their family on hiking adventures, boating excursions and similar activities.
Although these activities may be fun for many, what if you want to do more with your Schipperke? Schip- perkes are very agile and their small size makes them very easy to travel with. Many Schipperke owners have had great joy training their dog for obedience, rally or agility. The Schipperke is very eager to please its owner and typically finds clearing the jumps and the full out running of some of this training to be fun. Some Schipperkes have been known to show skill in herding sheep while others like to use their ratting instinct in barn hunt trials where they are sent in to locate rodents. There are many fun activities like fly- ball, frisbee or dock diving that Schipperkes may find fun and exciting.
Like any of us, Schipperkes do like to have fun, but they certainly can be serious work dogs. Many Schip- perkes have been used as therapy dogs to visit patients in nursing homes or hospitals and some have even been used as service dogs for many things including alert dogs for seizure patients as well as service dogs for the hearing impaired. This certainly shows off their sensitive side and their attentive personality.
“...THEY EXCEL AT MANY INTERESTING ACTIVITIES.”
One other very serious aspect to the Schipperke is their ability in search and rescue situations and scent trials. One Schipperke team in particular has helped in the search and recovery of missing persons. The Schipperke Club of America has recently welcomed this team of dogs into its Hall of Fame for their efforts.
There are a few other fun, work type activities that Schipperkes are capable of as well. They might enjoy backpacking. In some instances, Schipperkes have also done carting or sledding. In each of these activities the dog would be equipped with a properly fitted har- ness or backpack. These activities are more common in larger breeds, but they are things that Schipperkes enjoy also.
As you can see, there are a great many activities that you as an owner may find very fulfilling with a Schip- perke. They are happy to be couch companions or something far more exciting. All it takes is an equally committed owner, training and of course, love!
For more information on the Schipperke, visit the SCA website at www.schipperkeclubofamerica.org.
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perfect balance with good reach in front and drive in the rear. The topline remains level or slightly sloping downward from the shoulders to the rump. Viewed from the front, the elbows remain close to the body. The legs form a straight line from the shoulders through the elbows to the toes, with the feet pointing straight ahead. From the rear, the legs form a straight line from the hip through the hocks to the pads, with the feet pointing straight ahead.
The Schipperke is a small dog, which double tracks at a “mod- erate” speed. The double tracking movement is ascertained on the up and back. One can evaluate the movement on the go around at a moderate speed as well. It is to be, “a smooth, well coordinated graceful trot.”
TEMPERAMENT
The Schipperke is curious, interested in everything around him and is an excellent and faithful little watchdog. He is reserved with strangers and ready to protect his family and property. He displays a confident and independent personality, reflecting the breed’s purpose as watchdog and hunter of vermin.
A Schipperke will not be your new best friend. He doesn’t miss anything, is faithful, reserved with strangers and indepen- dent. It is best to approach the Schipperke directly. Just have the exhibitor show you the bite and then begin your examination of the head, without timidity. Examine with purpose. Don’t jump from one area to another.
DISQUALIFICATIONS
Disqualifications are a drop ear or ears and any color other than a natural black.
EXAMINATION
When you begin your examination on the table, first look for that silhouette, shape or profile. This is best seen from a side distance of about 10 feet. Then walk toward the dog’s front and ask to see the bite. Let the exhibitor show you the bite. “The bite must be scissors or level.” Begin from the front and proceed with your examination. You will do yourself a favor, along with the dog and handler, to just let your hands slide over the dog. If you keep sliding your hand from the top of the dog’s head, over the dog’s back and then to the rump, you can just keep going and check for the testicles. I usually do this with my right hand and keep my left on the front chest of the dog. Then you can just move that right hand up by the chest and use both hands to slide and check the chest, loin and rump. Try not to jump from one area to another. The dogs don’t like it. Additionally, since Schip- perkes are often shown by owners, you might have a novice. That person will be nervous and you know that will transfer to the dog. So if you are matter of fact about the examine, the dog and owner will be as well. Check for ear carriage on the floor, not on the table. Schipperkes are devoted to their owners and most are owner handled, so check for that desired expression while our dogs are on the floor not on the table.
Honestly, there is not a need to try and specifically measure each layer of coat. If you can see the distinct definition of pat- tern, great! I hope you enjoy our breed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jo Patrick is an AKC judge. In addition, she was a breeder/ handler from the first point to winning Best of Breed at her National Specialty.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2017 • 241