Schipperke
- Height at the withers
- 25 to 33 cm
- Weight
- 4.5 to 7 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Belgium
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A small, compact spitz-type dog with a fox-like face, a thick black double coat and an abundant ruff around the neck. Some are born without a tail, but a full tail is allowed by the FCI standard. Agile and self-assured, it has boundless curiosity.
History and origins
Developed in Flanders, Belgium, as a small guard dog and ratter, kept by craftsmen as well as on canal barges. Its name, often translated as “little boatman,” may also mean “little shepherd”: the FCI in fact classes it among the sheepdogs.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB (MPS IIIB)
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Schipperke FAQ
How big does the Schipperke get?
The Schipperke stands 25 to 33 cm at the withers and weighs 4.5 to 7 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Schipperke shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the Schipperke live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Schipperke need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Schipperke good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Schipperke live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB and patellar luxation.
