ESSENTIALS OF THE BREEDThe Schipperke may weigh as much as 18 pounds/8kg although most are smaller. Males usually measure about 13 inches/33cm at the highest point of the shoulder and bitches about 12 inches/30 cm. The Schipperke has a foxy face, erect ears, small dark brown eyes, a full mouth of rather large teeth, a fairly short neck, short and firm back, and a tail which is docked and either non=existent or no more than 1 inch/25 cm. The legs have bone in proportion to the size of the dog. Its feet are small, round and tight. The coat is abundant and slightly harsh, naturally short on the face, ears, front of the legs and the hocks. In the United States it is always black, but the British Standard allows other colers--cream is very popular. The longer coat around the neck begins at the back of the ears and forms a ruff and a cape; a jabot extending down between the front legs is also longer on the rear where it forms a culotte. The Schipperke is unique in it appearance and its action is always proud and jaunty.
