Schipperke — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Schipperke — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Origin and group: a Belgian breed whose Flemish name means "little shepherd"; AKC companion-type, FCI Group 1 (sheep and cattle dogs), Section 1 Sheepdog, without working trial.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Size: AKC height 11 to 13 in for males and 10 to 12 in for bitches; FCI weight 3 to 9 kg, with an average of 4 to 7 kg sought.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Build: a small, thickset, cobby, tailless dog of square profile with a fox-like face; the distinctive stand-out ruff, cape and culottes make it look higher at the shoulder than the rump.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Coat and colour: a highly characteristic coat of several natural lengths — short on face, ears, forelegs and hocks, medium on the body, longer in the ruff, cape, jabot and culottes — straight and slightly harsh, with a dense soft undercoat. The outer coat must be black (the undercoat may be slightly lighter); any natural black is required, and lack of coat-length differentiation is heavily penalized.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Head and temperament: small triangular erect ears (a drop ear is a disqualification), small oval dark eyes and a black nose give a questioning, mischievous, alert expression; the dog is curious, faithful, reserved with strangers and confident, reflecting its vermin-hunter and watchdog past.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Faults (FCI): cloddy or rectangular build, foxy head, narrow or flat chest, faulty angulation, poor movement, and a coat that is too short, too long, soft, silky or lacking ruff/mane/frill/culotte; timid or apathetic temperament; loss of specified teeth is a severe fault.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Disqualifications: AKC — a drop ear or ears, or any colour other than natural black. FCI adds aggressive or overly shy dogs, physical or behavioural abnormality, lack of breed type, over- or undershot jaw, loss of nose/lip/eyelid pigment, falling or semi-erect ears, a long/soft/silky coat, a non-black topcoat (except minor grey/brownish/reddish tones or tiny white spots), and weight clearly outside the limits; males should have two normal descended testicles.