The Schipperke is a member of the Non-Sporting Group, with an unusual look. All black in color, their body tends to "slope" downwards from the neck to its hind quarters. A small dog breed, they weigh anywhere from 10 to 16 pounds, reaching a height of 11 to 13 inches.

The temperament of the breed is best described as a bold companion, one that is courageous an independent, yet playful and highly affectionate. Schipperke dogs are head-strong and love staying busy. They are easy to train and make great house dogs. They are moderately friendly towards other dogs and pets, with a certain level of weariness towards unknown people.

A Brief History Of The Schipperke

The listed origin of the Schipperke is said to be Belgium, dating back to the 1600s. But the exact details of the true beginnings of the breed is still covered in controversy. One theory suggests that they were boat dogs, used for various tasks for boatmen who traveled between Antwerp and Brussels.

The word schip is a Flemish word for boat, therefore many people considered the name to reference "little boatman." However, the Belgian people referred to the Schipperke as a spitz. A second theory is that these dogs were used as watchdogs and ratters for the middle class and tradesmen guilds.

Whatever the true history of the creation of the Schipperke, documented evidence of the dogs were not found until 1690. Local shoemakers from Brussels would hold competitions of their Schipperke dogs and by the 19th century the popularity of the breed grew to the point where one could be found in almost every household. By the late 1880s, the United States became home of several Schipperke dogs and its numbers have been slowly on the rise every since.

Upkeep Requirements For The Schipperke

This breed has an active need to stay busy. Mental stimulation as well as physical exertion is a must. The small size of the Schipperke helps keep its exercise needs down to a few brisk walks on the leash plus some playtime indoors or outside in the yard. But even during rest time they enjoy looking for something to do.

The Schipperke can withstand moderately cool temperatures but is not meant to live outdoors. They do not fare well in heat and should sleep inside with the family at night. Access to a fenced-in yard during the say is ideal, as these dogs love to stay occupied. Grooming requirements for the Schipperke calls for a weekly brushing of its double coat.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Schipperke is between thirteen and fifteen years. The only major health concern in the breed is MPS IIIB. Minor health issues include hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and Legg-Perthes. Rarely seen is PRA, distichiasis, CHD, and entropion. Veterinarians suggest that the Schipperke get specifically tested for DNA for MP IIIB, thyroid, and hip problems.

A spunky and outgoing member of the Toy Group, the Brussels Griffon is as bold and mischievous as they come. These dogs live life brimming with confidence and unlike many overly suspicious toy breeds, they tend to befriend new dogs quite fast. Known to be creative escape artists, the Brussels Griffon has a habit of climbing. You and your family will have a blast owning one of these breeds if you enjoy a small, entertaining and interactive dog, of which also makes a loud and vocally menacing watchdog.

A Brief History Of The Brussels Griffon

The history of the Brussels Griffon dates back to the 1800s with Belgium being the area of origin. The original function of these anxious little dogs were as companions and small rodent hunting. Today they still enjoy being the center of attention as companions to loving families around the world.

Researchers claim that the bloodline of the breed probably came from the Belgian street dog (known as the Griffon d' Ecurie) and the Affenpinscher. These dogs are said to have been seen as a favorite among cab drivers in Brussels, because they were great at attracting new visitors and warding off potential thieves.

Sometime during the latter part of the 1800s these dogs were crossed with one of Holland's favorite small breeds at the time - the Pug. You can easily see Pug characteristics in today's Brussels Griffon from the shape of its head.

The breed was officially established enough to be shown at Belgian dog shows by the year 1ᘰ. Around the turn of the 1900s, the dog's popularity had skyrocketed in Belgium and the nobility took notice. World War I caused a great decline in numbers, but after the war the Brussels Griffon slowly rose back to new heights in popularity around the world.

Upkeep Requirements For The Brussels Griffon

To own and take care of a Brussels Griffon means enjoying a clownish, outgoing, and vivacious toy dog. They can be stubborn and very active so daily exercise and stimulation is a must. Due to the dog's small size they can get plenty of exercise by running around the house.

This breed cannot live outside, but if given the chance to play during moderate temperatures in a fenced-in yard it will have the time of its life. Grooming requirements for the Brussels Griffon consist of an occasional brushing, perhaps only once per week to remove dead hair.

Health Concerns

The average life span of the breed is between twelve and fifteen years. One of the healthiest breeds of the Toy Group, there are no major health concerns that run common, nor are there any minor issues that are regularly seen. On rare cases there have been patellar luxation, weak bladder, CHD, PRA, cataracts, and distichiasis. Veterinarians suggest that Brussels Griffon dogs get tested for potential eye and hip problems.

The Irish Water Spaniel is one member of the sporting group that does everything with enthusiasm and vigor. These dogs absolutely love to run for hours at a time, swim, play, and hunt. The Irish Water Spaniel also has a funny side, and tends to clown around when having a good time.

In the mix of these wonderful characteristics, this breed has a high rating in terms of training ability and makes an excellent watchdog. A bit stubborn and quite independent, the Irish Water Spaniel tends to be reserved around strange people and other pets, but is generally good around children.

A Brief History Of The Irish Water Spaniel

One of the most distinctive members of the spaniel group, not to mention one of the oldest, the Irish Water Spaniel is reported to have been depicted in various manuscripts from as long as 1,000 years ago.

During the 1100s, there is mention of these dogs by various names, including Rat Tail Spaniels, Shannon Spaniels, and Whip Tail Spaniels. The name Irish Water Spaniel has been found to be the reference to the breed from approximately 1600 and on. Sometime during that period researches documented that an Irish Water Spaniel was given as a gift to the King of France.

Now we do not exactly know whether or not the breed existed in different varieties at this time or if there were just similar breeds that resembled one another. However, what we do know is that in Ireland there were various similar spaniels in existence. They were the Tweed Spaniels, Southern Irish Spaniels, and the Northern Irish Spaniels.

The one type of spaniel listed above that is said to be mostly responsible to the influence of today's Irish Water Spaniel is the Southern Irish Spaniel, which is also known as McCarthy's Breed. The breed was part of the show ring by the late 1800s, in both the United States and Britain, and by 1875 it was considered the most popular dog of the time. Today, the Irish Water Spaniel is rarely found as a common pet or in the show ring.

Upkeep Requirements For The Irish Water Spaniel

Sporting dogs need plenty of daily exercise and the Irish Water Spaniel must have mental exercise to match. Plan on giving your Water Spaniel at least one hour of daily stimulation each day. They are inquisitive and sensitive to your needs which makes them easy to train. And a well-trained spaniel makes a great watch dog.

Like all dogs, the Irish Water Spaniel will lose its coat ever so often, but because of its curly coat the hairs do not fall off; instead they become trapped in the other hairs. This means regular brushing so that the dog's coat does not form cords and mats.

Health Concerns

The average life span of a healthy Irish Water Spaniel is between ten and twelve years. The only two major health issues that are common in this breed are otitis externa and CHD. Minor concerns include distichiasis. Rarely seen is nail-bed disease, seizures, and megaesophagus. Veterinarians suggest that all Irish Water Spaniel dogs get tested for hip problems.