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Schipperke
Overview
Originally from Belgium, the Schipperke weighs between 11 to 18 pounds. They are small black dogs with pricked ears and a medium length outer coat and a thick under coat. The Schipperke is the proverbial "big dog in a little dog's body." He's active, confident, and curious. This breed is very friendly, adaptable, and easy to train and care for.
Common Health Conditions
- Cushing’s Disease is a malfunction of the adrenal glands causing them to produce too much steroid hormone. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Little Skipper is more likely than other dogs to be affected.
- The pancreas is the organ that produces digestive enzymes and insulin. Some dogs, like your Schip, are prone to developing pancreatitis, which is inflammation of this important organ.
- In Schipperkes, the cartilage rings are sometimes weak or have formed incorrectly. The trachea can collapse and become too narrow, which leads to coughing and difficulty breathing.