Spanish Water Dog vs Schipperke - Breed Comparison

Spanish Water Dog vs Schipperke - Breed ComparisonSchipperke is originated from Belgium but Spanish Water Dog is originated from Spain. Schipperke may grow 17 cm / 6 inches shorter than Spanish Water Dog. Schipperke may weigh 13 kg / 28 pounds lesser than Spanish Water Dog. Both Schipperke and Spanish Water Dog has almost same life span. Both Schipperke and Spanish Water Dog has almost same litter size. Schipperke requires Low Maintenance. But Spanish Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Herding dogs
undefined
Belgium
Spain
Height Male:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
44 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
18 - 22 kg
39 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 7
5 - 8
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Spitzke
Perro de agua Español SWD Turco Andaluz • Turkish Dog
Colors Available:
Solid colors - chocolate to apricot to black.
solid black, beige, brown, or white; bicolour where the second colour is white; or particolour
Coat:
Shortish and thick
distinctive curly coat which is woolly in texture and may form cords when long
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

schipperkeThe Schipperke is a small dog which hails from Belguim and where he is known as a Spitz.

There are however different theories regarding the Schipperke’s origin. It was however during the late 1800s, that Belgian Schipperke fanciers set a standard for the breed.

It was in 1888 that the first Schipperke was imported to the United States and a specialty club for the breed founded in 1905.

spanish water dogBred in Spain to guard and herd sheep, the Spanish Water Dog was also used in hunting because he could retrieve in water. The breed is closely aligned with other water dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog and French Barbel. It is especially true that the Spanish Water Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog share some of the same ancestors. The two breeds are closely related.

In the early days of the breed, they were separated into three different sizes and types. The dogs from Northern Spain were smaller than the others and came from the regions of Cantabria and Asturias. These lighter colored dogs eventually became their own breed – the Cantabria Water Dog. The second group came from western Andalusia marsh lands. He had a long chorded coat. The third group was the strongest and largest and came from the southern Andalusian sierras. This was by far the largest and most influential group, most of whom were herders. Eventually the groups interbred and today’s SWD carries the traits of all three. They were and still are a very versatile breed. In addition to herding they fished or retrieved for hunters.

The breed was revived in the 1970”s by two breeders, Santiago Montesinos and Antonio Garcia Perez travelled through southern Spain to buy or borrow dogs for breeding. By 1980, they had established the Spanish Water Dog Club of Spain and reestablished the breed. They fought to the breed recognized in Spain first. After five years of hard work, the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed permanently in 1999.

The UKC, or United Kennel Club, of the United States, recognized the breed in 2001, accepting them for confirmation by 2004. In the United States the breed was championed by Ken and Jerry Mann to attain that UKC recognition. Still the AKC, or American Kennel Club, held out on their recognition. The Manns showed the SWD in 2000 in the AKC Rare Breed Conformation and the UKC multi-breed show in 2004.

The Manns also used their breed for herding in the United States in entered them into the herding competition. In the they advocated for and got the SWD into the herding group for confirmation with the UKC in 2013. The American Kennel Club approved the requests of the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc and recognized the breed in 2005 as foundation stock. By 2008 the AKC recognized the SWD to be able to compete in field trials by not conformation. In 2015 the SWD will be admitting to AKC conformation and fully recognized as a member of the herding group. They were also recognized by the American Herding Breed Association in 2007.

Description

schipperke puppy - descriptionThis little Belgian dog stands at between 25 and 33cm in height and weighs between 3 and 9kg.

The double coat of the dog is fairly short, but thick and it comes in a range of colors, but always solid, from chocolate to apricot to black.

A typical characteristic of his is the longer-haired ruff around his neck. He also has this longer hair around the hind legs. He has sharp, erect ears and the tail is a natural bobtail or long. Most people choose to have the tail docked.

Temperament:

These little dogs are no pushover. He is stubborn, strong-willed and confident. They are lively, intelligent, curious and energetic and will require plenty of exercise.

Small though he is, he will certainly need training and socialization, otherwise he just goes his own way. Training him will ensure he is obedient and not so strong-willed. They get on well with children, but they tend to be aggressive with other dogs that they haven’t grown up with.

Bring him up the right way and he makes a splendid pet.

spanish water dog puppy - descriptionThe Spanish Water Dog is an athletic, medium size, robust breed that is not as tall as it is long. In countries like the US, the tails are docked but it is not a conformation fault if they are not. The carry themselves with pride and elegance, have a strong head and expressive eyes which are brown. They have flat skulls and wide set eyes. Their paw pads, eye-rims and nose should be darker than their coat or at least the same color. Their eyes are chestnut, hazel or dark brown and their ears are medium height and triangular. His coat is curly and his topline is straight. With a broad chest and arched rib, he is a very athletic looking dog. The breed has much respiratory capacity with broad shoulders and straight sturdy legs. The breed has rounded feet , tight toes, and resistant pads.

Characteristics

schipperke dog - characteristicsWith his bright little face, the Schipperke dog is a surprising dog, being fearless, confident, protective and devoted – everything people looking for in an excellent pet want.

His small size makes him able to slot into life in the city or the countryside. He is also looked upon as low maintenance. Add to this the fact that he is intelligent too. He is a feisty dog, and that’s why we say he is surprising because while he can be your sweet companion dog, he can turn into a robust, feisty, daring little panther. He’s got everything going for him to make you a splendid pet.

1.Children friendliness - yes

2.Special talents - water/swimming search and rescue

spanish water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - very adaptable with the right exercise. Neither heat nor cold bother them.

4.Learning ability – Smart but need a reliable recall.

Health Problems

schipperke puppies - health problemsThe Schipperke has no real health problems that he specifically gets, and he can live to be 13 years or older.

Over-feeding, bad food choices and lack of exercise are going to shorten the lifespan of this dog. Some dog illnesses to be aware of with the Schipperke is cancer, bloat, epilepsy, dental problems and luxating patella.

Luxating Patella:

This is a condition where the knee cap of the dog moves out of its natural position. The patella moving out of the normal groove of the thigh bone can be because of genetic or traumatic reasons.

The symptoms of luxating patella include limping, skipping along as well as an abnormal sitting posture. Arthritis can also set in. Strangely, many small dogs live all their lives with luxating patella and they live like that free of pain. However for many other dogs it can mean pain and it can require surgery.

spanish water dog puppies - health problemsThe Spanish Water Dog has much of the same health problems as the other water dogs and dogs their size and heritage. Here are some of the health issues they are prone to.

  • PRA- Progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
  • Hip dysplasia- can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Cherry eye – can be successfully treated.
  • Cataracts – usually in old age and not removed.
  • Hypothyroidism – affects the immune system of middle aged dogs.
  • Allergies – skin and food.

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency – inability to digest food – can be treated.

  • Addison’s Disease – Adrenal glands not functioning. Can be treated.

• CHG – Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter – inherited and pups don’t grow correctly.

• Neuroaxonal Dystrophy – cognitive and muscular dysfunction. Vitamin E and insulin deficiency

Caring The Pet

Diet:

schipperke dogs - caringDry kibble is always a good choice for dogs as its helps to keep the dog’s teeth clean. You want to make sure you buy one of the best quality foods, full of minerals and vitamins as opposed to fillers, colorants and preservatives. The food you give your Schipperke can have a huge impact on his health.

Your puppy will require 4 meals a day but later this becomes 2 bowls of food. To add some variety to your pet’s diet, feed him some home made food occasionally which can be added to his dry kibble twice a week.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your Schipperke.

Try and include some raw meat into the diet as this can help in fighting off horrible skin diseases. Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

General care:

Ensure regular vet checks for your dog, particularly when he is showing signs of being sick.

Check your pet for ticks and fleas. Parasites can be very bad for your pet’s health. Your dog will need all his vaccines to stave off deadly canine illnesses.

Brush your Schipperke twice a week to make sure you get rid of loose hairs. A Schipperke doesn’t shed a lot.

Keep his nails trimmed. If you are unsure on how to do this, professional groomers can do this for you.

Ears and eyes should also be checked.

He’s an energetic little dog so make sure that he gets lot of excellent forms of exercise from walking to hikes to ball games, frisbee – you name it, you won’t tire him out easily.

spanish water dog dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Because of the breed propensity to some genetic dietary issues it is important to feed high quality food made from mostly meat. Avoid grains as much as possible. Don’t feed adult foods to the puppies. Feed puppy breed specific or medium size dogs.

2.Feeding the adult - Feed the adult as little grain and as much protein as possible. Feed adult breed specific or medium size dog’s food.

3.Points for Good Health - speed, stamina and agility

4. Games and Exercises – This is a working breed. Remember they are both herders and hunters and need exercise. They love strenuous hiking, running, jogging, long walks, swimming and playing fetch. Don’t over work the puppy/young dog until they have matured and their growth plates close.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Spanish Water Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Spanish Water Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Spanish Water Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Spanish Water Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Spanish Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Spanish Water Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Spanish Water Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Spanish Water Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Spanish Water Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Spanish Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Spanish Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Spanish Water Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Spanish Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Spanish Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Spanish Water Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Spanish Water Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Spanish Water Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Spanish Water Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Spanish Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Spanish Water Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Spanish Water Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Spanish Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Spanish Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Spanish Water Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Spanish Water Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Schipperke vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Schipperke vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Schipperke vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Schipperke vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Schipperke vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Schipperke vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Schipperke vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Schipperke vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Schipperke vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Schipperke vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Schipperke vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Schipperke vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Schipperke vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Schipperke vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Schipperke vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Schipperke vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Schipperke vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Schipperke vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Schipperke vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Schipperke vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Schipperke vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Schipperke vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Schipperke vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Schipperke vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Schipperke vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison