Schipperke vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison

Schipperke vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed ComparisonBoth Schipperke and Bouvier des Flandres are originated from Belgium. Schipperke may grow 37 cm / 14 inches shorter than Bouvier des Flandres. Schipperke may weigh 43 kg / 94 pounds lesser than Bouvier des Flandres. Schipperke may live 3 years more than Bouvier des Flandres. Schipperke may have less litter size than Bouvier des Flandres. Schipperke requires Low maintenance. But Bouvier des Flandres requires Moderate maintenance

History

schipperke - historyThe 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.

bouvier des flandres - historyThese large dogs have descended from Flemish cattle dogs, and in French, the word Bouvier means herdsman or cattle herder. This is because the dog was used for driving cattle. The Bouvier comes from the Flemish region of Belgium where it was bred as a working farm dog. It is believed that the breed may have come from crossing local farm dogs with imported Irish Wolfhounds, Schnauzers, Tibetan Mastiffs, Brabanters, Griffons and Beaucerons.

It was in 1910 that the first Bouviers appeared at the international dog show in Brussels, with a standard for the breed being adopted in 1912.The American Kennel Club recognized the dog in 1929. It was after World War 11 that Bouviers were brought to America and the American Bouvier des Flandres Club was founded in 1963.

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.

bouvier des flandres puppy - descriptionThe Bouvier is a large compact, well built dog with strong muscled limbs. He stands at roughly 59 to 70 cm high at the withers, weighing between 27 and 52 kg. He has a large head with a thick and abundant coat which is of rough appearance. The coat is mostly black, but you’ll also find a range of other shades such as brindle, grey and fawn.

The back of the dog is level and broad, and is typically wider in female dogs. The back legs are strong and muscular. Some Bouvier des Flandres are born tail-less and this is most attractive. Most Bouvier dog owners used to have the tails docked because of the excellent appearance, but with docking now being banned, the tail is kept long. The muzzle is wide, the nose large, the eyes dark brown and the ears high set and floppy.

The Bouvier is intelligent, energetic and full of confidence while being calm and balanced in temperament. The puppies are vocal and full of antics, but as the Bouvier grows into adulthood, he mellows and becomes a steady family friend who gets on well with each human family member. He loves spending time with his family and becomes both friend and guardian, making a good watchdog too.

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.

bouvier des flandres dog - characteristicsThe Bouvier is such an amicable dog and strong and energetic too. He makes the most marvellous companion and will happily adapt to life in the city or in the country, although, with his big size, he is better suited to a home where there is enough space to run around in.

He is loyal, loving and protective and when you make sure to make him an active part of your family, you’ll find in him all the characteristics of a true friend.

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.

bouvier des flandres puppies - health problemsThe big teddy-bear of a dog is a healthy breed, but as a large dog, you will need to look out for certain health problems with him.

Hip Dysplasia:

Xrays have been done on many Bouvier des Flandres by the Club and by the Orthopedic Foundation of America and it has been found that a significant percentage of Bouviers were dysplastic. Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip joint and many large breed dogs battle with this. It can be very sad for dog lovers as they watch their dog battling to get up after lying down and sometimes lameness in the hind legs.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is a common problem in many dogs, and the Bouvier isn’t excluded one bit. If you don’t brush your pet’s teeth with special dog toothpaste and toothbrush, there is tartar build-up which can lead to bad breath and gum infection. Dental disease can lead to pain in the teeth and even the loss of teeth. Bad teeth affect the entire body, and the heart, kidneys and joints can all be negatively affected.

Obesity:

The Bouvier is a large dog prone to obesity. This is a serious disease that can lead to all kinds of digestive disorders, back pain as well as heart disease. It can be easy just to give in to your pet’s pleading eyes, but in the long run, excessive weight can spell a host of health problems.

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.

Training:

bouvier des flandres dogs - caringYour Bouvier is an intelligent, independent dog and you will be doing him a favor by having him socialized and trained. He becomes such a pleasure to have around, being obedient and willing to respond to your commands.

Exercise:

Every dog, and particularly large dogs like the Bouvier, should be able to rely on a daily walk, a run in the park or on the farm and have special games from his owner. Not only does participating in activities together build a strong bond between dog and owner, its important to avoid boredom and frustration with your dog. You bought him so you therefore have a responsibility toward him.

Grooming:

Your Bouvier des Flandres has a thick, medium-length coat that gets a shaggy look to it. The breed needs regular brushing every second day or so to get rid of loose hairs and to prevent the hair matting. He will require some professional grooming to look and feel his best. With his thick coat, he is hypoallergenic which can be a relief for allergy sufferers.

Diet:

The Bouvier has to be on high-quality dog food, whether you give him home-made food or commercially manufactured food. It has to have the right amount of vitamins and minerals. If you’re unsure about feeding a dog, remember that the amount and type of food you give your pet must be appropriate to your dog’s age, size and energy levels.It can also be wise to know which human foods are bad. Speak to your vet about your dog – they are a minefield of useful information about your pet. Fresh, cool water should be be available at all times.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Belgium
Belgium
Height Male:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
55 - 70 cm
21 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
27 - 52 kg
59 - 115 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
25 - 52 kg
55 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 7
5 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Spitzke
Flanders Cattle Dog
Colors Available:
Solid colors - chocolate to apricot to black.
Black, Brindle, Fawn, Grey
Coat:
Shortish and thick
Medium length, coarse, shaggy, dense
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, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Schipperke vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  2. Schipperke vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  3. Schipperke vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed Comparison
  4. Schipperke vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  5. Schipperke vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. Schipperke vs Malti-Pom - Breed Comparison
  7. Schipperke vs PekePoo - Breed Comparison
  8. Schipperke vs Fruggle - Breed Comparison
  9. Schipperke vs Lhasapoo - Breed Comparison
  10. Schipperke vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  11. Schipperke vs Hawaiian Poi Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Schipperke vs Prazsky Krysarik - Breed Comparison
  13. Schipperke vs Pugalier - Breed Comparison
  14. Schipperke vs Kyi-Leo - Breed Comparison
  15. Schipperke vs Muggin - Breed Comparison
  16. Schweenie vs Schipperke - Breed Comparison
  17. Tsvetnaya Bolonka vs Schipperke - Breed Comparison
  18. Scottish Terrier vs Schipperke - Breed Comparison
  19. Schipperke vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  20. Schipperke vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  21. Schipperke vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  22. Schipperke vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Schipperke vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  24. Schipperke vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  25. Schipperke vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Old English Sheepdog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  27. Briard vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  28. Rough Collie vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  29. Bouvier des Flandres vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Bouvier des Flandres vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Bouvier des Flandres vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  32. East German Shepherd vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  33. Saarlooswolfhond vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  34. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  35. Huntaway vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  36. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  37. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  38. South Russian Ovcharka vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  39. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  40. Samoyed vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  41. Labradoodle vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  42. Cane Corso vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  43. Mixed vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  44. Bullmastiff vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  45. Dogue De Bordeaux vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  46. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  47. Great Pyrenees vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  48. Presa Canario vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  49. Labrador Husky vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds