A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Schipperke
The Schipperke is a small Belgian spitz-type companion with a black coat and a curious, watchful outlook. Make boundaries secure and expect increased brushing when the undercoat sheds.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Schipperke questions
Do Schipperkes shed?
Yes, in bursts. The coat needs only weekly brushing most of the year, but Schipperkes go through a shedding season once or twice a year when more frequent brushing helps keep loose hair under control. The coat is kept natural, so there is no clipping to plan for.
How big does a full-grown Schipperke get?
Males stand 11 to 13 inches tall and females 10 to 12 inches, with a weight of 10 to 16 pounds. The Schipperke is a small, thickset dog that looks square in profile.
How long do Schipperkes live?
Schipperkes typically live 12 to 16 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
How do you pronounce Schipperke?
The correct pronunciation is SHEEP-er-ker, though SKIP-er-kee is what you will often hear in the United States. The name is Flemish for "little captain," a nod to the breed's years as a watchdog and rat catcher on Belgian canal boats.
Are Schipperkes born without tails?
Not as a rule. The tail is traditionally docked so that none is visible, and there is no evidence the breed was ever tailless by nature, although some puppies are born without one. Ask a breeder what to expect from a particular litter.
Do Schipperkes bark a lot?
They can. Schipperkes bark readily and make excellent watchdogs, and they can become barkers if they are not taught otherwise. They are reserved with strangers and quick to watch over their home.
Can a Schipperke live in an apartment?
Yes, with daily activity. The breed is equally happy in an apartment or a house with a large yard, and a brisk daily walk or a romp in a fenced area covers its exercise. Use a leash outside fenced spaces and start recall training early, because Schipperkes like to go exploring.
Is a Schipperke a spitz or a small Pomeranian?
It looks like one, but the breed does not descend from the Spitz or the Pomeranian. It is a smaller version of a black Belgian sheepdog called the Leauvenaar, the same stock the Groenendael comes from. It was bred down to work as a ratter and watchdog on barges and in city shops.
