If you love small, smart dogs with heaps of personality and an impish, tricksy streak, you’ve probably met a Schipperke. These intriguing little pups with their glossy dark coats, sharp intelligence, and bushy tails could be just the right furry friend for you. But there’s a question that tends to linger at the back of a potential pet parent’s mind. That question is, “Forget about mountains of glitter, do these dogs produce mountains of fur?”.
The answer is a touch more complicated than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Let’s wander off into the wonderful world of Schipperkes and shed some light on the subject.
Schipperkes, known as “little captains” from their native Belgium, are a unique breed characterized by their distinctive fox-like faces, small stature, and their almost unnatural, ever-awake, ever-watchful nature. Beloved for their loyalty, curiosity, and dynamism, they are one of the best pals you could ever have in your life. But it’s the Schipperke’s coat that makes them truly stand out.
Schipperkes are double-coat dogs, meaning they’ve got an outer coat and an undercoat. The fur on the outer coat is somewhat harsh and guard-like, while the undercoat is much softer and denser. This double whammy of fabulous fur helps to protect the dog from weather extremes, but it also means. Yes, you guessed it – Schipperkes do shed! And by shed, we mean that they will change their undercoats twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall.
During these periods, a Schipperke owner can expect to witness what some affectionately term ‘fur-splosion’. Dogs blow their coats, effectively shedding a majority of their undercoats within a couple of weeks. Think tufts of furry tumbleweed roaming your living room and the need for lint rollers to become an integral part of your life.
However, outside of these annual coat-blowing marathons, Schipperkes are known for their relatively modest day-to-day shedding. So, if you’re not a fan of daily dust-ups with the vacuum cleaner, these little captains could still be a great fit for you!
To keep the shedding under control and their beautiful coat looking its best, there are a few simple but effective things that you can do as a loving Schipperke parent:
1. Regular Brushing: This is the best way to keep your Schipperke’s coat tidy and free of loose hair. Use a slicker brush at least once a week to remove dead hairs, stimulate the skin, and distribute natural oils throughout the coat.
2. Bathing: Schipperkes are remarkably clean dogs who don’t have a strong odor. They can go a fairly long time between baths (two to three months). Too much bathing can strip their coat of natural oils causing dryness and irritation. When bath time comes round, remember to use a canine-safe shampoo so you don’t mess with the pH balance of their skin.
3. Healthy Diet: A diet rich in proteins and fats will help keep your Schipperke’s coat silky, healthy, and less prone to excessive shedding. Talk to your vet about the best diet options for your little captain.
4. Regular Vet Check-ups: An excessively shedding Schipperke might be the sign of an underlying health issue. Regular vet check-ups can help ensure that your dog is as healthy internally as externally.
So, a Schipperke isn’t the breed for you if you’re looking for a fur-free existence. However, with regular grooming, these little rascals’ shedding can certainly be managed. And remember, a bit of fur is a small price to pay for the loyalty, love, and dynamism our “petit capitaine,” brings into our lives! Remember, having a Schipperke means embarking on a fun-filled adventure, with or without a little fur in your morning coffee. Now, isn’t that something worth barking about?
