Past Projects | Schipperke Rescue & Health Foundation Impact

The Foundation has supported research and awareness efforts related to coat disorders within the Schipperke breed, including alopecia associated with dilute and red coat lines.

While less common than in some other breeds, coat loss conditions in Schipperkes, often presenting as progressive hair thinning or symmetrical alopecia, have raised important questions regarding potential genetic influences, particularly in dogs expressing recessive color traits.

These concerns have been explored within the broader veterinary research community, including work associated with the research supported through the AKC Canine Health Foundation, where studies into genetic conditions, dermatologic disorders, and inherited diseases continue to advance understanding across multiple breeds.

 The Foundation awarded a $3,720 grant to the AKC Canine Health Foundation to support research into Red Coat Alopecia in the Schipperke.

Our support has also included:

• Encouraging participation in research initiatives and case reporting
• Promoting awareness of coat related conditions among breeders and owners
• Supporting engagement with established research programs and data sharing efforts

These efforts have helped bring attention to an area that, while not always widely discussed, is important for maintaining overall breed health and integrity.

Ongoing research continues to explore whether these conditions are linked to known forms of color dilution alopecia (CDA) or represent distinct genetic mechanisms within the breed.

A $2,500 grant was awarded to the AKC Canine Health Foundation in support of Research Project #01312, a multi-breed orthopedic study investigating the underlying causes of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD).

This project focused on improving understanding of the genetic and developmental factors contributing to LCPD — a condition that affects the hip joint, leading to degeneration of the femoral head, pain, lameness, and in many cases, the need for surgical intervention.

By funding this research, the Foundation ensured that the Schipperke was included in the study population, an important step in:

• Expanding breed-specific data on orthopedic disease 
• Identifying potential genetic markers or risk factors 
• Supporting earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes 
• Contributing to long-term breeding decisions aimed at reducing incidence 

Participation in broader, multi-breed studies such as this is critical for breeds like the Schipperke, where smaller population size can limit standalone research opportunities. Inclusion allows the breed to benefit from larger data sets while still contributing meaningful, breed-specific insight.

This investment reflects the Foundation’s commitment to proactive health research, ensuring that even less common but impactful conditions are not overlooked.

The Foundation actively supported participation in the CHIC DNA Repository, promoting long-term genetic preservation and research participation. 

Additionally, discussions and planning began to financially support DNA submission for dogs affected by:

• Epilepsy 
• LCP 
• Cushing’s 
• Diabetes 
• Cancer 
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis 
• PRA

Epilepsy remains one of the most significant and complex health concerns within the Schipperke breed. The Foundation has played an important role in supporting ongoing research efforts aimed at better understanding the genetic basis and clinical presentation of seizure disorders.

A key area of involvement has been with research conducted through the University of Missouri, which has led some of the most recognized canine epilepsy studies in the United States. These efforts focus on identifying inherited patterns, collecting DNA samples, and analyzing clinical data to better understand how epilepsy develops and is passed within breeds.

The Foundation supported this work by helping raise awareness within the Schipperke community and encouraging participation from both affected dogs and their relatives. This type of participation is critical, as meaningful progress depends on access to a wide range of genetic samples and accurate health histories.

Our involvement has included:

• Promoting participation in the University of Missouri epilepsy study
• Encouraging submission of DNA samples from affected and unaffected dogs
• Supporting communication between researchers, breeders, and owners
• Helping increase awareness of epilepsy as an important health concern within the breed

Epilepsy is a complex condition that does not follow simple inheritance patterns, making research efforts like these essential. While there is still more to learn, contributions from the Schipperke community have helped move this work forward and continue to support advancements in both understanding and long term management of the condition.

The SCA Rescue & Health Foundation has consistently supported, promoted, and subsidized health clinics and diagnostic testing to improve the long-term health and genetic understanding of the Schipperke.

• Sponsored a CERF eye clinic conducted by a veterinary ophthalmologist
• Provided patella examinations for participating dogs  

• Supported a comprehensive health clinic including:
• Thyroid testing
• Cardiac evaluations
• Patella exams
• Eye examinations 

• Sponsored an eye clinic
• Provided free eye exams for participating Schipperkes

• Provided 25% financial support for:
• Eye exams
• Patella checks
• Thyroid testing
• Enabled owners to obtain CHIC certification at significantly reduced cost
• 25 patella tests and 26 thyroid tests completed
• Nearly $900 reimbursed to participants

• Hosted a comprehensive mobile veterinary health clinic offering:
• OFA hips and elbows
• Patella evaluations
• Thyroid testing
• Cardiac auscultation
• BAER hearing testing
• Additional services included:
• Microchipping
• Reproductive services (AI, progesterone testing, semen evaluation)
• Ultrasound and general veterinary care 

ONGOING COMMITMENT 

Beyond individual events, the Foundation has continually:

• Supported and subsidized participation in epilepsy research through blood collection clinics at National Specialties
• Promoted large-scale genetic initiatives such as the Schipperke Diversity Project
• Provided funding for DNA testing programs to expand breed-wide genetic data and

The Foundation supported subsidized testing for Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB (MPS IIIB), a serious inherited disorder.

• Funded 40 blood-based tests through the University of Pennsylvania 
• Increased awareness of a critical but less widely known condition 
• Helped prevent the propagation of affected and carrier pairings 

This initiative played a key role in encouraging inclusion of MPS IIIB in comprehensive health testing protocols.

Advancing Genetic Knowledge

 The Foundation has played a significant role in advancing genetic research and expanding access to modern DNA testing tools within the Schipperke community. Through direct funding, partnerships, and active participation, these initiatives have helped bring cutting-edge science into practical use for breeders and owners.

A major milestone in this effort was the Foundation’s support of large-scale genetic testing through Embark Veterinary, which provided comprehensive DNA screening for over 160 genetic conditions, including MPSIIIB (Sanfilippo Syndrome B) — one of the most critical inherited diseases affecting the breed.

These initiatives not only made testing more accessible, but also encouraged widespread participation, helping to:

• Establish a broader genetic baseline within the breed 
• Identify carriers of inherited conditions, including MPSIIIB 
• Support informed, responsible breeding decisions 
• Contribute valuable data to ongoing canine genetic research 

In addition to disease screening, modern genetic testing platforms supported by the Foundation also provide insight into traits and diversity, including:

• Coat color genetics 
• The “fluff” gene 
• Natural bobtail genetics 
• Measures of genetic diversity and inbreeding 

The Foundation has also supported and promoted participation in university-led research and broader canine genetic studies, ensuring that the Schipperke is represented in advancing scientific understanding of hereditary disease.

These combined efforts reflect a long-term commitment to science-based breeding practices, transparency, and the use of genetic tools to improve the health and sustainability of the breed for generations to come.

The Foundation has supported research efforts focused on hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive and often fatal cancer that affects the blood vessels and is commonly seen in dogs. This disease is particularly devastating due to its rapid progression and the fact that it is often not detected until advanced stages, frequently presenting as sudden internal bleeding.

Through contributions to canine health research initiatives, including those affiliated with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, the 

Foundation has helped advance studies aimed at:

• Understanding the biological behavior and progression of hemangiosarcoma 
• Identifying potential genetic and molecular risk factors 
• Improving early detection methods 
• Supporting the development of more effective treatment options 

Cancer research of this nature has far-reaching impact beyond a single breed. By participating in and supporting these broader studies, the Foundation ensures that the Schipperke is included in ongoing scientific advancements while also contributing to knowledge that benefits the entire canine population.

This work reflects the Foundation’s commitment to addressing serious, life-threatening conditions, even those that are complex and not yet fully understood, with the goal of improving outcomes for future generations.