Choosing a Schipperke

Choosing a Schipperke

By: Dr. Dawn Ruben

Common Diseases and Disorders

Diseases that may be seen in this breed include:

  • Hypothyroidism is a disorder affecting the thyroid gland. Low levels of thyroid hormone can lead to lethargy and weight loss.

  • Epilepsy is a disorder resulting in seizures.

  • Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB - is a genetic disease caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-a-D-glucoseaminidase. This results in weakness, incoordination, and generalized balance problems. It affects dogs between 2 to 4 years of age and is eventually fatal.

  • Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint leading the pain and lameness.

  • Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas related to insufficient amounts of insulin production.

  • Progressive retinal degeneration (PRD) is a disease that causes nerve cells at the back of the eye to degenerate.
    The condition usually begins in older pets and can lead to blindness.

  • Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. You may see a cloudy, white color in the pupil, which is normally black. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.

  • Legg-Calve Perthes a disease of the hip joints that leads to lameness.


    Life Span

    The average life span of the schipperke is over 15 years.


    We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.

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