Buying or Adopting a Schipperke
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Schipperke until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Schipperke the right breed for you?
Schipperke Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for a Schipperke?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
- No young children in the household
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Schipperke stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (dog agility, rally obedience); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Schipperkes are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- An owner who is okay with moderate/heavy shedding
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Schipperke to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Schipperke, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Schipperke?
Schipperkes are not particularly common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Schipperkes rank 112th.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find a Schipperke available from a Dog Rescue group. Schipperkes may be turned over to Rescue because of their high energy level. They might be chasing other animals, or running away from their owner. There might be dominance issues. Other Schipperkes are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Schipperkes are very rarely found here. Schipperke Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that a Schipperke turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Schipperke from a show breeder, who breeds Schipperkes to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You might also be able to buy a Schipperke from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Schipperke puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal knees
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have a normal thyroid
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Schipperke ends up with cataracts and bad joints.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Schipperkes are occasionally found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Schipperke Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Schipperke puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Schipperke puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
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