The Schipperke is a small, Belgian purebred dog that is known as LBD or Little Black Devil because of its intensely black coat. While the black schipperke is the most preferred variety, the dog comes in other colors like cream, fawn, brown, tan, and even blue.
Traits of the Blue Schipperke
The Blue Schipperke is in fact not blue at all; it has a diluted black coat and dark blue eyes and nose. This dog is prone to be affected by an acute health condition called alopecia or hairlessness. A blue schipperke that has this condition will have low quality, patchy skin. In this condition the production of new hair becomes inadequate and this disease can gradually lead to irreparable hairlessness. The dog, in such a state, becomes quite distasteful to look at.
Even though the blue coat appeals to some, it is regarded as a genetically undesirable coat by some breeders and clubs.
Cost of Blue Schipperke
The price of a blue one may range from $500 to $900. A Schipperke can be adopted at a much lower cost than buying one from a breeder. The cost to adopt a Schipperke is around $300 in. In contrast, buying Schipperkes from breeders is comparatively much more expensive.
Demand of Blue Schipperkes
The AKC, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the FCI only recognize the black schipperke. Nevertheless, blue schipperkes and other non-black varieties are bred and adopted. The United Kennel Club and the Kennel Club, UK, permit colors other than black. The United Kennel Club, however, restricts entry to single and solid color coats. In the nineteenth century when for the first time in Belgium a bar was to be established for the Schipperke all non-black varieties were rejected.
Conclusion
As pets, Schipperkes make for good house dogs given their playfulness and size. They are overall hardy, long-living, loyal and low-maintenance dogs that will with a little training, some space, and a fair amount of activity make for excellent house pets. They, however, need to run around in order to keep healthy and expend their energy. And so, a house with a yard or large compound is recommended for these dogs.