COAT PATTERN

The adult coat  is highly characteristic and must include several distinct lengths growing naturally in a specific pattern.  The coat is short on the face, ears, front of the forelegs and on the hocks; it is medium length on the body, and longer in the ruff, cape, jabot and culottes.  The ruff begins in back of the ears and extends completely around the neck; the cape forms an additional distinct layer extending beyond the ruff, the jabot extends across the chest and down between the front legs.  The hair down the middle of the back, starting just behind the cape and continuing over the rump, lies flat.  It is slightly shorter than the cape but longer than the hair on the sides of the body and sides of the legs.  The coat on the rear of the thighs forms culottes, which should be as long as the ruff.  Lack of differentiation in coat lengths should be heavily penalized as it is an essential breed characteristic.

(from the Schipperke standard...highlights and underlining from me!)

The highlighting and underlining are the areas I feel as a breeder are extremely important in understanding correct coat and pattering.

A beautiful example of correct pattering!

(from the Illustrated Guide, artist Anita Fredricks)

Correct patterning is even noticeable in newborn puppies!

The correct coat and pattern is essential to the correct schipperke silhouette!

The coat is abundant, straight and slightly harsh to the touch.  The softer undercoat is dense and short on the body and is very dense around the neck, making the ruff stand out.  Silky coats, body coats over three inches in length or very short harsh coats are equally incorrect.

TRIMMING

As the Schipperke is a natural breed only trimming of the whiskers and the hair between the pads of the feet is optional.  Any other trimming must not be done! The outer coat must be black.  Any color other than a natural black is a disqualification.  The undercoat, however, may be slightly lighter.  During the shedding period, the coat might take on a transitory reddish cast, which is to be penalized to the degree that it detracts from the overall black appearance of the dog.  Graying due to age (seven years or older) or the occasional white hairs should not be penalized.

NOTE:  Even when the Schipperke is out of coat,

 pattering is still noticeable on the correctly coated dog.

NOTE:  Hair does not grow evenly without the help of a pair of scissors!

Unscissored...

Undeniable! 

Correct coat and patterning is noticeable at any angle!