Schipese
Shipese
The Schipese is a designer dog breed that results from the crossbreeding of two small companion breeds: the Schipperke, a compact, all-black dog with roots in Belgian herding, and the Maltese, a charming, all-white breed cherished by both celebrities and royalty for centuries. Known for their playful and loving demeanor, these dogs can also display a stubborn or mischievous streak. To prevent any anxious, fearful, or unruly behaviors, it is crucial to engage in early training and socialization, which helps preserve their natural cheerfulness and good behavior. While they do require more grooming than many other breeds, their smaller size means they need less exercise and adapt easily to apartment living.
Breed Origin
The Schipese is a carefully crafted hybrid, commonly known as a designer or boutique dog, resulting from the crossbreeding of the Maltese and the Schipperke. The Maltese, a vibrant and spirited companion, has been adored by royalty for centuries, while the Schipperke has historically been a beloved pet among canal workers and artisans in Belgium. The Maltese's roots can be traced back to a small island off the coast of Italy, known as Malta, making it one of the oldest companion breeds. Although it shares a lineage with other small, intelligent breeds like the Bichon Frise and Havanese, the Maltese branched off from these relatives approximately three thousand years before Christ. Its luxurious long white coat and delightful personality have made it a favored companion of the elite since ancient Greek times. Despite a brief decline in the 1600s, the Maltese has retained its global popularity, cherished by notable figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Josephine Bonaparte, Halle Berry, Mary Queen of Scots, Liberace, and Marie Antoinette. On the other hand, the Schipperke is a relatively newer breed, though it is not entirely contemporary. These small, black dogs, known for their fox-like faces, are believed to be descendants of the now-extinct Leauvenaar, a black sheepdog that weighed around 30 pounds and originated in Belgium. The Schipperke became popular among canal workers and craftsmen, leading to the creation of one of the first breed-specific dog shows. This event, held in 1690 at the Grand Palace of Brussels, gathered Schipperke owners who proudly displayed their beloved pets, often adorned with intricately designed brass collars made specifically for the occasion.
Breed Appearance
The Schipese is recognized as a toy breed, typically measuring under a foot in height and weighing less than twelve pounds. This hybrid dog generally has a body length that corresponds with its height, characterized by a well-proportioned head and a medium-length, tapered muzzle. However, there are variations; some may display the slightly elongated muzzle typical of the Schipperke, while others might have a shorter, finer muzzle similar to that of the Maltese. The coats of the parent breeds are quite distinct, and the Schipese can inherit characteristics from either side. The Maltese features a long, flowing single-layer white coat, while the Schipperke is known for its unique double-layer black coat, which includes a soft, thick undercoat covered by medium-length, coarse hair that stands away from the body. Unlike the Maltese's consistently long fur, the Schipperke's coat presents varying lengths, with shorter hair on the lower legs and around the face.
Care Routine
The coat of each Schipese dog can vary greatly from one individual to another, but generally, these hybrids require more grooming than the typical dog. It is recommended to bathe them two to three times a month with a high-quality dog shampoo. Consistent brushing is crucial, ideally several times a week, with daily brushing providing even greater benefits. Dogs that inherit the Schipperke's double coat tend to shed more than those with the Maltese's single-layer coat. Regular brushing is essential for the former to eliminate dead hair, while the latter's long, silky fur needs attention to avoid tangles and matting. Furthermore, due to their small size, Schipese dogs are prone to dental problems, making it essential to focus on their dental hygiene.
Behavior & Temperament
The Schipese is a lively and affectionate dog, known for its adventurous spirit and playful nature, often accompanied by a touch of mischief. While Schipperkes can exhibit impulsive behavior, making them great companions for adults and older children, they generally do not tolerate teasing or harsh treatment well. Introducing a Maltese into the household may encourage the Schipese to develop a gentler attitude around younger kids. It is crucial to supervise all interactions between children and dogs to ensure everyone's safety. Early socialization, characterized by consistency and positivity, is vital for preserving the dog’s bold and cheerful personality while preventing the development of fearful or anxious behaviors. This crossbreed is expected to be relatively easy to train, thanks to the quick intelligence and strong memory inherited from both parent breeds. Although the Schipperke may sometimes show stubbornness and a playful streak, the Maltese’s gentle nature and desire to please can help temper these tendencies.
Play & Exercise
This energetic little dog is full of life, making it relatively straightforward to ensure it receives sufficient exercise. Generally, dedicating about 30 to 45 minutes to vigorous activity each day is enough to keep this pup in top shape. However, it's more effective to divide these exercise sessions into shorter bursts throughout the day. Along with quick strolls around the neighborhood or trips to a local park, this breed can also excel in a variety of activities, such as advanced obedience training, agility competitions, and even freestyle dog dancing. Additionally, some of these small dogs can perform well in herding and managing sheep. Their sharp alertness and compact stature also render them excellent watchdogs, especially in apartment living.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
1.0 Cups
Daily Activity
40 Minutes
Average Lifespan
14 Years
Origin
Unknown
Type
Crossbreeds
Size
Small
Origin Country
Unknown
Brush Frequency
Daily
Coat Texture
Straight
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Height & Weight
Weight
10 lbs (5 kg)Male: 10 lbs (5 kg) , Female: 10 lbs (5 kg)
Height
11 inches (28 sm)Male: 11 inches (28 sm) , Female: 11 inches (28 sm)
6 Months
7 lbs ( m 7 lbs, f 7 lbs )
9 inches ( m 9 inches, f 9 inches )
12 Months
10 lbs ( m 10 lbs, f 10 lbs )
10 inches ( m 10 inches, f 10 inches )
18 Months
10 lbs ( m 10 lbs, f 10 lbs )
10 inches ( m 10 inches, f 10 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
Black
White
