The Schipperke can live in an apartment but they are very active. They are better off with a properly enclosed space for exercise. They are a healthy, long lived breed. They make great watch dogs and will eliminate vermin. They can get along with other pets if socialized early. They can also do well with older children if socialized with them as a puppy.

As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Schipperke is 10 to 13 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 12 to 18 pounds. *Special Health Considerations.

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Schipperke is no exception. Be on the look out for epilepsy, cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness), Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), and Hypothyroid. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list. She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up.

Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets. *Grooming. The Schipperke has a medium length double coat.

When they shed, they can lose their entire undercoat in less then 10 days. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease.

Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Schipperke can live between 16 and 18 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions. *History. The Schipperke come from Belgium where they were used to herd sheep. They were also used as watch dogs, horse hustlers and ratters for canal boats. Their name means Little Captain, as captains of barges often owned them.

They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1904. Some Registries: * Schipperke Club of America *UKC United Kennel Club *NKC National Kennel Club *CKC Continental Kennel Club *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. *AKC American Kennel Club *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club *ACR = American Canine Registry Litter Size: 3 to 7 Schipperke puppies Category: Non sporting.

Terms To Describe: Faithful, curious, protective, independent, active, agile, confident, lively, alert, mischievous, *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS They make good watch dogs. They make medium watch dogs. Keeps herself very clean.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS Tend to overeat. *Other Names Known By: Little Captain, Schip, *Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. www.petpages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.