The Schipperke Trivia Quiz

Answer: No

While other colors can be registered, they are disqualified from competeing in the conformation ring. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a few white hairs, or graying due to age 7 and above cannot be penalized. A Schipperke with a rusty cast to the black coat is penalized, though.

The Schipperke can be come in colors such as fawn and tan with registries other than the AKC.

Answer: yes

They are tail-less, but they don't have tails due to them being docked as puppies.

Answer: Belgium

The Schipperke is known as the Belgian barge dog. The Schipperke is not the smallest spitz; the Pomeranian has that honor.

Answer: Prick ears

The Schipperke must have prick ears, as drop ears (ears the don't prick) are penalized in the AKC. It's the prick ears that help give the Schipperke its fox-like appearance.

Answer: Yes

The Schipperke is known to be a vocal dog, as it barks and howls frequently. The Schipperke is a big dog in a little dog's body, as it feels the need to protect any space that is "his."

Answer: False

The Schipperke generally gets along with other dogs. It can be aggressive towards dogs of the same sex, however. The Schipperke does have a high "prey drive", so cats and other small furry animals should not be kept in the same house as a Schipperke.

Answer: No

The Schipperke is suspicious of strangers, and will bark and/or bite if a stranger comes into his territory. However, early socialization can take care of part of that problem.

Answer: Twice a year

A fairly easy keeper, the Schipperke only requires brushing once a week to maintain the luscious coat. It sheds twice a year, known as "blowing" their coat. During this time, combing and using a slicker brush may help to remove any loose hair.

Answer: Non-sporting

The Schipperke belongs in the Non-sporting group because they are not bred to herd, nor to hunt, nor are they a hound. The Schipperke is a small dog, ranging from 11-13 inches in males, and 10-12 inches for bitches. It's their small size that makes them ideal for the Belgian barges that some call home. They are also good in apartments, because of their small stature.

Answer: Both of them

Hip dysplasia can be tested for at the vet's office. One of the tests used to find out if the animal has hip dysplasia is a radiograph. It's a type of x-ray that's used to find out the grade of the hip joint. Some of the grades are "excellent," "good," "fair" and "borderline." The radiograph is taken at a veterinarian's office, and then sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for review of the grade of the hip joint. The test, commonly referred to as the dog being "OFA'd" is done after the dog is two years of age. Hypothyroidism can also be tested at the vet's office.

All of the info came from the following sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schipperke
http://www.akc.org/breeds/schipperke/index.cfm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/schipperke.htm
http://www.offa.org/thygeninfo.html