Schipperke Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Schipperke?

Unlike some of the designer breeds and crossbreeds that have popped up in recent years, this one is an old breed that was developed in Belgium. Often referred to as the Dutch Dog, it's a breed that's believed to be descended from a black sheepdog called a Leauvenaar.

The Schipperkes were developed to act as a small watchdog for guarding boats and were also used in speciality shows in the 1960s.

Known also as Spits or Spitske, their current name was given when the breed club formed back in 1888. The word itself - Schipperke - means 'little shepherd' or 'little captain'.

The breed became a fashionable pet with Queen Marie Henriette after she saw one of these dogs at the Brussels dog show in 1885. This rocketed the breed in popularity and it eventually made its way over to the US in 1888. The first US club for the breed was formed in 1905 and the official club, the Schipperke Club of America was founded in 1929.

As of today, it's recognised by the American Kennel Club and ranks 82nd out of 155 breeds.

Who are Schipperke dogs best for?

Schipperkes are active dogs, meaning they're going to demand a lot of attention from you. They're highly intelligent and as such, will require experienced dog owners to help train them effectively.

For owners who want a small-sized dog, they're a great option and despite their energy levels, they don't need a big space.

They'll adapt to apartments and homes of any size, so long as they're getting enough exercise daily. If you're looking for a companion dog, this breed will certainly be the right option for you. They get on well in family households but are just as great for a young couple or those who live alone and need some company.

Novice dog owners may find this dog breed hard to manage but if you're able to deliver good training and plenty of exercise, you should find this breed easier

How much grooming does a Schipperke need?

The distinctive coat is what makes this dog breed stand out from the rest of them. The coat is jet black that's short around the face and medium length on the body. Longer hair sits around the neck which is often referred to as the cape.

With a short, dense undercoat, it helps protect the breed from often extreme temperatures that owners in certain parts of the world will have.

Weekly brushing will ensure the fur isn't going to be flying all over the place. As a breed, they do shed heavily and this often happens around once or twice a year.

Other grooming should include brushing their teeth regularly and nail care to keep them from doing any damage with overgrown nails.

Do Schipperke bark much?

As effective guard dogs, often enough their bark is worse than their bite. They are prone to barking a lot more than other dog breeds, which might not be the best situation for other households.

They can tend to be a bit apprehensive of strangers, so introducing your house guests immediately once they arrive will certainly put them in a more relaxed state when they're around other humans and other dogs for that matter.

Do Schipperke bite?

This breed, despite its nickname, is a great one for those who have children in the household. They are not only loyal but are highly affectionate in their company. With them being high-energy dogs, they can certainly be great for younger kids who have a lot of energy to burn.

Always be careful when it comes to having dogs and children in the same place. Teach the dog how to be gentle with the child and vice versa. That way, you can avoid them doing any harm to one another that could ruin the relationship and cause nipping to happen.

What is the temperament & personality of a Schipperke?

Active and confident, this dog is often referred to as being a big dog with a little dog body. Every dog needs early socialisation and this breed is often selective with its friendship. They will remain quite puppy-like in their behaviours until the age of around 4 or 5 years old.

Overall, they're a great watchdog and will be protective over your loved ones whilst providing plenty of love and affection at the same time.

What is the weight & size of a Schipperke?

As for males, they're around 27-33 centimetres tall and weigh 7 to 10 kilos. Female breeds come in slightly less with the Schipperke in particular.

How much training does a Schipperke need?

You will find this breed is fairly easy to take care of and if you're looking for a home dog, then this breed should certainly fit in with the family. Compared to other dogs, they don't tolerate hot weather well and would much prefer a cooler climate. If you're in a hot area of the world, make sure there's plenty of air conditioning and cool spots for them to hang out.

With daily exercise and a firm hand when it comes to training, they will be pleasant dogs to have around at all times. As an adult dog, you might want to involve them in dog sports so that you're appeasing them even more due to their high activity levels.

Giving them around thirty minutes of exercise daily should be enough to keep them satisfied. It's good to train them from when they're young too.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Schipperke?

When breeding dogs, purebreds are the most prone to picking up health problems in their lifetime. With that in mind, here are a few health issues that this breed may face.

Epilepsy - A disorder that causes seizures, it can be quite a distressing thing to watch. A dog can live a full life, despite there being no cure for it.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis - The most common disease that's evident between the ages of 2 and 5. Hypothyroidism can occur at a later date and symptoms are low energy levels, obesity, and mental dullness.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIB - This is a disease caused by a mutation in the gene. Symptoms of this disease are tremors, and difficulty balancing and navigating obstacles.

What is the lifespan of a Schipperke?

Generally speaking, the Schipperkes will have a lifespan of around 13-15 years, which is a fairly substantial amount of time in comparison to other dogs. As generally healthy dogs, they will likely reach the top end of this lifespan, especially if they come from reputable breeders.

How much should you feed a Schipperke?

For these smaller dogs, you can expect to feed them just over a cup of high-quality dog food.

This breed can easily gain weight and become overweight. For small dogs, it's even more important to keep them in check when giving them their daily feed.

What is the price of a Schipperke in Australia?

Whether you choose to buy a Schipperke puppy or adopt an adult one, they are worth the money you spend. The average puppy will cost around $700 but when you're getting them from the top breeders, you may expect to spend a couple of thousand on these dogs.