Page 33 - ShowSight Presents - The Schipperke
P. 33
They also enjoy some light gardening (some do dig) and being messenger to alert of visitors (they do bark). Most Schipperkes do get along with other dogs and often enjoy having a “playmate”.
Schipperkes can make good family dogs because they are affectionate and good with children (if raised and social- ized properly), but can tolerate more active endeavors and family outings as well. They can be protective of fam-
“Schipperkes can tend to be
STUBBORN...”
ily members, but are easily assured of a welcomed guest.
You must know that Schipperkes can tend to be stubborn (but then again, who of us is not?), but are very eager to please. Due to this eagerness to please, they train rather easily to many commands, and are good house dogs with proper training. Schipperkes have a mind of their own (if you have not realized that yet), and so are not typically trusted off leash. Many times
their curiosity gets the best of them and “off they go” after a squirrel, or even a leaf for that matter!
They tend to be appropriately sensi- tive, and need very little discipline. No dog should ever be hit for misbehavior, or any reason for that matter! It only takes a stern voice and a, “What did you do?” for a Schipperke to show its sensitive side. Schipperkes have this silly way of show- ing submission, and it often comes in the form of a grin or “smile”. This is not them being aggressive, it is in fact the opposite. Often times, if a Schipperke takes some- thing that they know they should not have, they give themselves away with a very guilty look on their face!
Admittedly though, this breed is not for everyone. Perhaps those of us who love this breed can be referred to as tena- cious, since Schipperkes can be mischie- vous and sometimes present their own- ers with a challenge.
Despite this, most Schipperke own- ers will admit that they find this to be an endearing quality of this breed. They keep us on our toes and often offer up cause for many laughs.
Most people who have once had a Schip- perke just can’t resist them, and admit that Schipperkes have fully taken their heart like no other breed of dog has.
For more information on the Schip- perke, visit the SCA website at www. schipperkeclubofamerica.org.
