The Schipperke (pronounced SHEEP-er-ker or SKIP-er-kee) is a small, energetic breed from Belgium, originally bred as a barge watchdog. With its bright, expressive eyes, foxy face, alert pricked ears, and compact square body, this lively dog is always eager to be part of the action.
Known for their mischievous and playful nature, Schipperkes are full of energy and thrive in active households. They are intelligent, curious, and always on the move, making them fun-loving companions for the right owner.
Discover more about the Schipperke’s temperament, care needs, and fascinating history.
🐶 Schipperke Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 10 to 16 pounds
Coat: Abundant, straight, and slightly harsh to the touch
Coat Color: Solid black coat; shades of cream, ivory, wheaten, gold, red, white, blue, and chocolate occur rarely
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
Temperament: Curious, faithful, playful, fearless, agile, independent, confident
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin: Belgium
Characteristics of the Schipperke
Schipperkes can get along well with other family pets if raised with them, but they may be wary of unfamiliar animals. Due to their strong prey drive, they are not a safe choice around small pets like hamsters, rabbits, or birds, and some may even chase or pester the family cat.
As excellent watchdogs, Schipperkes are naturally alert and protective, often showing suspicion toward strangers. Their territorial nature makes them loyal guardians of their home.
The Truth About Their Tails
While once thought to be a “tailless” breed, Schipperkes actually have spitz-like tails that curl over their backs. Historically, their tails were docked shortly after birth, but this practice is now banned in many countries due to ethical concerns. Though controversial and opposed by animal welfare advocates, tail docking is still legal and practiced in the United States.
🐾 Schipperke Traits
Affection Level: Medium
Friendliness: Medium
Kid-Friendly: Medium
Pet-Friendly: Medium
Exercise Needs: Medium
Playfulness: High
Energy Level: High
Trainability: Medium
Intelligence: High
Tendency to Bark: High
Amount of Shedding: Medium
History of the Schipperke
The Schipperke has been a beloved breed in Belgium since medieval times. Though often mistaken for a spitz-type breed due to their appearance, Schipperkes actually descend from the now-extinct Leauvenaar, a black sheepdog that also contributed to the development of the Belgian Sheepdog.
Originally known as the quintessential boat dog, Schipperkes were prized for their ability to hunt rats and serve as watchdogs on ships and barges. Their name, “Schipperke,” means “little captain” in Flemish, a nod to their strong connection to life on the water. Even today, they are known for their love of boats and swimming.
Though the correct pronunciation of their name is “SHEEP-er-ker,” in the United States, they are more commonly called “SKIP-er-kee.”
Schipperkes are one of the smallest breeds in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Non-Sporting Group, which includes a diverse mix of breeds that don’t fit into the six other groups (Herding, Hound, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, and Working).
The breed first arrived in the United States in the late 1800s, and in 1929, the Schipperke Club of America was established as the breed’s official national club.
Schipperke Care Guide
Schipperkes are high-energy, intelligent dogs that require daily mental and physical stimulation. Without proper outlets for their energy, they may develop destructive behaviors such as barking, chewing, and digging.
Their curious and adventurous nature makes them skilled escape artists, so they should never be trusted off-leash. A secure, fenced yard is essential, with no gaps or small holes they could squeeze through.
Exercise Needs
Schipperkes are energetic and playful, but their small size makes it relatively easy to meet their exercise needs. Two brisk walks per day, totaling at least 30 minutes, will usually keep them happy, though many Schipperkes enjoy even more activity.
They have a natural love for water and swimming, thanks to their history as barge dogs. Other great activities include:
✔ Fetch – Play in the yard or indoors.
✔ Interactive Toys – They love puzzle toys and stuffed toys (though squeakers may not last long!).
✔ Agility & Obedience Training – Engages their mind and body.
Grooming Needs
Schipperkes have a glossy black coat that is easy to maintain, requiring only weekly brushing to remove loose hair. However, they do experience seasonal shedding, during which more frequent brushing will help manage hair around the house.
Coat Maintenance
✔ No trimming required – Just brush regularly to keep the coat looking neat.
✔ Bathe as needed – Use a gentle, moisturizing pet shampoo, then towel or blow-dry.
✔ Teeth brushing – Daily brushing with dog-safe toothpaste helps prevent dental issues.
✔ Nail trimming – Trim every few weeks to prevent overgrowth.
✔ Ear cleaning – Check ears regularly and clean with a pet-safe ear cleaner as needed.
Training & Socialization
Schipperkes are intelligent but independent, making training a challenge if not approached correctly. Positive reinforcement with tasty treats works best to keep training engaging and fun.
✔ Early training is crucial – Start with basic obedience and socialization early.
✔ Puppy classes help reinforce social skills and prevent aggressive tendencies.
✔ Schipperkes love learning tricks – They thrive when given a job or challenge.
Because Schipperkes have a strong personality and a tendency toward aggression, early socialization with people and other dogs is essential. A structured training routine helps them grow into well-behaved, confident companions.
With proper exercise, grooming, training, and socialization, a Schipperke can be a loyal, fun-loving, and well-mannered family member.
Common Health Problems
Schipperkes are generally healthy dogs, but like all purebreds, they can be prone to certain hereditary health conditions. Responsible breeders conduct genetic testing on their breeding dogs to reduce the risk of inherited diseases. If purchasing a Schipperke puppy, always ask for proof of health screenings for the parents.
Common Health Conditions in Schipperkes:
✔ Luxating Patella: A common issue in small breeds where the kneecap slips out of place, leading to pain, inflammation, and ligament damage.
✔ Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: A congenital condition affecting the blood supply to the hip joint, causing pain, limping, and joint degeneration.
✔ Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye disorder that gradually leads to blindness due to the deterioration of retinal cells.
✔ Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIB: A rare genetic disease unique to Schipperkes, affecting the central nervous system. Symptoms, including tremors, loss of balance, and mental dullness, typically appear between two to four years old. While there is no cure, a genetic test helps responsible breeders eliminate the disease from future generations.
✔ Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones, leading to lethargy, weight gain, and a dull coat.
Keeping Your Schipperke Healthy
Routine vet checkups, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and genetic screening are essential for preventing and managing these conditions, ensuring a long, healthy life for your Schipperke.
Feeding & Nutrition for Schipperkes
To maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related health issues, adult Schipperkes should be fed measured meals twice a day, while puppies require three to four smaller meals daily. Always use a measuring cup or scale to ensure accurate portion sizes, as free-feeding (leaving food out all day) can lead to excess weight gain and health problems like diabetes.
Since Schipperkes are a small breed, they may benefit from a small-breed formula designed to meet their higher metabolism and unique nutritional needs. If you’re unsure about the best type or amount of food, consult your veterinarian or breeder for personalized recommendations.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Schipperke
If you’re looking to adopt a Schipperke, start by checking local animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups. Many Schipperkes need loving homes, and adoption is a great way to provide them with a second chance.
For those considering purchasing from a breeder, it’s essential to do thorough research to find a responsible and ethical breeder. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 or more for a Schipperke puppy, depending on pedigree and breeder reputation. Always ask for health screenings and documentation to ensure you’re getting a well-bred, healthy puppy.
Resources to Help You Find a Schipperke:
🐾 Schipperke Rescue – Dedicated to rescuing and rehoming Schipperkes.
🐾 Schipperke Rescue Me! Organization – Nationwide rescue network.
🐾 AKC Marketplace for Breeders – Lists AKC-registered breeders.
🐾 The Colonial Schipperke Club – Provides breeder referrals and breed information.
By adopting or buying from a reputable source, you’ll ensure your Schipperke is healthy, well-adjusted, and a great fit for your home.
Schipperke Overview
Schipperkes are lively, energetic dogs that thrive on attention, mental stimulation, and activity. Without proper engagement, they may develop destructive behaviors like chewing or excessive barking. While they require consistent training and socialization, they are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise.
🐶 Schipperke Pros & Cons
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| ✔ Energetic, playful, and full of personality | ⚠ Strong prey drive around small animals |
| ✔ Excellent watchdog with protective instincts | ⚠ Can be an excessive barker |
| ✔ Highly agile and athletic | ⚠ Impulsive and not reliable off-leash |
FAQ
Are schipperkes born without tails?
No, Schipperkes are not born without tails. They naturally have spitz-like tails that curl over their backs. However, traditional tail docking was common in the breed, especially in the U.S. Today, this practice is banned in many countries, and Schipperkes are often seen with their full tails.
Do schipperkes shed?
Yes, Schipperkes shed year-round, with heavy shedding twice a year during seasonal coat changes. Their dense double coat requires regular brushing two to three times a week to reduce loose hair and keep their coat healthy. More frequent brushing helps manage shedding, especially during peak shedding seasons.
Do schipperkes bark a lot?
Yes, Schipperkes bark a lot, especially if not properly trained. They are alert, curious, and energetic, often barking at unfamiliar sounds or changes in their environment. Early training and socialization can help manage excessive barking, making them great watchdogs without becoming too noisy.
Why do Schipperkes bark a lot?
Schipperkes bark a lot because they are intelligent, curious, and energetic. They need mental and physical stimulation to stay engaged. Without enough activity, they may bark excessively, chew destructively, or dig. Proper training, socialization, and regular exercise help reduce excessive barking and keep them happy and well-behaved.
