Schip-A-Pom
Schip-A-Poms, also known as Pomerkes, are a crossbreed resulting from breeding a Pomeranian and a Schipperke. As a result, Schip-A-Poms are small, foxlike dogs – usually black – that are loving and caring pets. They tend to have a more protective nature towards their owners and are also yappy and somewhat mischievous. They have a beautiful, fluffy coat that needs to be brushed daily.
The Schip-A-Pom is an inquisitive and outgoing dog who is very attached to his owner, being loyal and very affectionate. They are not the best-suited dogs for children, as they are sensitive to rough handling, but make great companions for adults. They are considered easy to train, but because they can also be stubborn, patience is required. Training and socialisation are essential to bring the best of this crossbreed.
About & History
Schip-A-Poms are small designer dogs that result from crossing a Pomeranian with a Schipperke. Because they are hybrid dogs, intentionally crossbred for the purpose of creating a pet that combines the unique features of both their parent breeds, the Schip-A-Pom is often referred to as a boutique dog.
The origin of this crossbreed is unknown, as is the date when it first appeared, although it is probably a recent creation. Knowing the history of both parent breeds helps us understand where the Schip-A-Pom is coming from.
The Schipperke
The Schipperke is a Belgian dog breed that means little shepherd. Daring and intelligent, the Schipperke was used as a herd dog since the 16th century and was a favorite among the craftsmen and shoemakers of 17th century Brussels.
His beautiful Spitz-like looks also earned him a place in show contests two centuries later. He became worldly known, traveling to North America, where he was one of the first breeds to be recognised by most Kennel Clubs.
The Pomeranian
Pomeranians are bold, feisty, and funny-looking toy dogs originally from the region of Pomerania, in Central Europe. They are related to the Spitz, with the first reports of this breed dating back to the 18th century.
A century later, Pomeranians became very popular after Queen Victoria of England became an enthusiast of the breed. Since then, the Pomeranian has downsized and become the lovely, foxlike dog we know today.
Appearance
Being half Schipperke and half Pomeranian, the Schip-A-Pom will, of course, resemble both breeds. This small-sized crossbreed has a longer body in proportion to his legs, which are short. Most Schip-A-Poms are black and furry, with curled up tails, just like the Pomeranian.
Males and females are the same size, weighing no more than 10 kg (22 lbs). They are short – about 25-30 cm tall (10-12 inches). Their muzzle tend to be longer or shorter, depending on which parent they take after. They have a double coat, dense, of medium-length and straight, with a smoother undercoat and an outercoat that is coarser.
Although black is the most common coat color, they may have other coat colors as well, including black and white, blue, sable, brown, cream, red, and Isabella, which is a coat color most commonly associated with the Weimaraner dog.
Character & Temperament
The Schip-A-Pom is an adorable, small dog who is intelligent and playful and makes an excellent companion for those willing to deal with his more sassy and mischievous side. He is extremely affectionate and loving towards his owners, craving their attention and doing what it takes to get it, but they may not be the ideal dog for families with small children, as they are impulsive dogs who do not tolerate the rough handling that most children (especially younger toddlers) tend to have with their dogs. Schip-A-Poms are quite sensitive and know what they want.
Schip-A-Poms are smart and curious, always aware of their environment and therefore quick to spot the arrival of strangers. They are good watchdogs, as they are alert and bark a lot. Regardless of their more stubborn nature, Schip-a-Poms are considered easy to train, due to their herding ancestry. With the right socialisation, they are well-rounded dogs, who get along well with other pets and people.
Trainability
Despite being quite headstrong and known for their more independent side, Schip-A-Poms are easy to train, if a consistent and positive training approach is used. Some owners have claimed that Schip-A-Poms may be more difficult to housetrain, which requires patience.
This is also related to the fact they are small dogs, with smaller bladders, so they need to be taken out more times than larger dogs. Socialisation is also a must, so that Schip-A-Poms grow up to be friendly towards other animals.
Health
Schip-A-Poms are generally healthy dogs with long lifespans that can go up to 16 years. Nonetheless, some may suffer from diseases inherited from either parent. Among the most common are:
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse occurs when the cartilaginous rings of the trachea collapse, obstructing the passage of air, which causes a deep and dry cough in affected dogs. It is a congenital condition of unknown cause associated with certain small dog breeds and crossbreeds.
Cough often follows exercise, eating, drinking or excitement. Hot, humid weather, as well as obesity, worsen the condition, which can most of the times be medically managed by the use of bronchodilators, cough suppressants, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery is also an option for dogs that do not respond to medical treatment.
Cataracts
Cataracts is a condition of the eye, in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, impairing normal sight and eventually leading to blindness. Cataracts appear as a visible white opacity in the eyes.
This condition is inherited and can be resolved surgically by removing the lens and replacing it by a new artificial and clear one. Dogs have their vision restored immediately after surgery, as this treatment is highly effective and safe.
Heart Disease
Sick sinus syndrome and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are among the most common heart conditions that may occur in Schip-A-Poms. Sick sinus syndrome is a heart arrythmia that may cause dogs to faint as the sinus node, the location in the heart that triggers it to start beating, fails to initiate an electrical impulse that would cause the heart to contract. When this occurs, beating is initiated by other parts of the heart muscle, creating long pauses and changes in the heart rhythm.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a birth defect resulting from the non-closure of the ductus arteriosus, an arterial shunt that connects the aorta artery to the pulmonary artery during the fetal stages of development. When this happens, differences in pressure between both arteries occur, with blood needlessly recirculating into the pulmonary artery and less blood being pumped into the aorta to reach the rest of the body. This makes the heart work harder to make the blood circulate, enlarging in size, which may later lead to congestive heart failure.
Exercise and Activity Levels
The Schip-A-Pom is playful and active, requiring moderate amounts of exercise. Because they are small, they can live happy and healthy lives in small spaces. Forty-five minutes to one-hour of daily exercise, which should include brisk walks, running, and playtime, should suffice to keep up with the energy levels of Schip-A-Poms.
Grooming
Due to their abundant, fluffy coat, Schip-A-Poms need moderate maintenance, but no trimming. They tend to shed, especially in the turning of seasons, so the best grooming routine is to brush him every day to remove dead hairs and debris, as well as to keep his coat untangled and great-looking.
As tends to occur with smaller dogs, they may be prone to dental issues, as they usually build up tartar on their teeth, so it is recommended that owners brush their teeth regularly.