Schipperke

The Schipperke is an old dog breed from Belgium, often mistaken as a “Dutch Dog.” It likely descended from the Leauvenaar, the same sheepdog that led to the Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael). While the Groenendael became a herding dog, the Schipperke was bred as a small watchdog for guarding canal boats between Brussels and Antwerp.

The breed was originally called Spitske or Spits. It was named Schipperke in America in 1888 when the breed club formed. The name may mean “little shepherd” or “little captain.” 

1. Schipperke History- Source: AKC.org

It became popular after Queen Marie Henriette saw one in 1885. The Schipperke arrived in the United States in 1888, and its first official club was formed in 1929. Known for its cleverness, devotion, and humor, it ranks 82nd among the 155 AKC breeds under the Non-Sporting Group.

The Schipperke is often described as a “big dog in a little dog’s body”—active, confident, and curious. He retains his puppylike energy and mischief until about 4 or 5 years old. 

Extremely loyal to his family, he forms strong bonds and is naturally protective. Known for being an excellent watchdog, he’s fearless and wary of strangers but devoted to those he loves. Despite his mischievous nature, these purebred dogs respond well to positive reinforcement during training.

• Potential Challenges

Schipperke’s strong-willed nature means he may try to dominate the household if not properly trained. Without boundaries, he can quickly become a handful. He’s known to be stubborn, making consistent, firm training necessary. 

Early socialization is crucial to curb his natural suspicion of strangers and prevent aggressive tendencies. Due to his boundless curiosity, he requires supervision to prevent him from getting into trouble.

Schipperkes have a distinctive fox-like face with a sharp, pointed muzzle and small, triangular, erect ears. Their eyes are dark and almond-shaped, giving them an intelligent, alert expression. The breed standard for Schipperkes outlines the ideal characteristics, including their size, coat, temperament, and structure. 

• Size

The Schipperke stands 10 to 13 inches tall and weighs 10 to 16 pounds, making him a small breed yet sturdy. Despite his compact size, he is agile, energetic, and always ready for action. His well-built frame and lively personality make him an ideal companion for active households.

• Coat color

This small dog looks striking, almost as if crafted by a creative designer. His double coat, exclusively in black, gives him a distinctive sloped silhouette, running from the shoulders to the croup. 

The coat is short on the face, ears, and front legs, with medium-length hair on the body. Longer hair forms a ruff around the neck, a cape beyond the ruff, and a jabot across the chest, enhancing his distinct look.

1. Black Schipperke- Source: schipperkeworld

Male Schipperkes typically stand 11 to 13 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 15 and 18 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, measuring 10 to 12 inches in height and weighing 11 to 15 pounds.

As for temperament, while both genders share many common traits, males tend to be slightly more dominant and assertive, while females may display more independence and reserve. However, individual personality often varies, and training and socialization play a crucial role in shaping behavior.

Feed your Schipperke 1 1/8 to 1 7/8 cups of high-quality dog food daily, split into two meals.

How much food your dog needs depends on size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Active dogs need more than less active ones. Quality dog food plays a big role in how much is needed. The better the food, the less you need to feed.

This small dog loves food and can easily become overweight. Measure its food and feed it twice a day to maintain a healthy weight. You can also include fruits like mango in its diet as a healthy treat.

Schipperkes are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. While not all Schipperkes will develop these diseases, it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This disease affects the hip joint, causing the femur’s ball to deform and collapse due to reduced blood supply. Symptoms include stiffness, limping, and pain when moving. Treatment involves crate rest, physical therapy, and often surgery to remove the deformed femoral head. Surgery generally has a good prognosis, but managing your dog's activity is important to avoid injury.
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis: This condition causes an abnormally low level of thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like obesity, low energy, and skin problems. Dogs may experience infertility, coat changes, and behavioral shifts. Early detection and daily medication can help manage the condition, allowing your dog to live a full and healthy life. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for monitoring thyroid levels.
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy causes recurrent seizures, which can be managed but not cured. It can be hereditary or have an unknown cause. Seizure management through medication is essential, and with proper care, affected dogs can lead a normal life. Consistent monitoring and medication adjustments by your vet will help control seizures.
• Patellar Luxation: This condition occurs when the patella (knee cap) isn’t aligned with the femur and tibia, causing a skipping or hopping gait. It can lead to arthritis if left untreated. In severe cases, surgery may be required, but milder cases can be managed with physical therapy and weight control. Regular veterinary exams can help catch early signs and prevent worsening.
• Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIB: MPS IIIB, or Sanfilippo syndrome, is caused by a gene mutation that results in an enzyme deficiency. This leads to the buildup of a molecule called heparan sulfate, causing tremors, difficulty walking, and balance issues. There is no treatment for MPS IIIB, but DNA testing can identify affected dogs. 

The Schipperke is an adaptable breed that thrives indoors with his family. He doesn’t tolerate hot weather well, preferring to lie in front of a fan or under a ceiling fan.

This breed is suitable for various families and settings, as long as he gets daily exercise and consistent guidance. Schipperkes are active and need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. A securely fenced yard is ideal for them to burn off energy. They tend to dig, especially if they sense a mole.

Grooming a Schipperke is simple. Weekly brushing helps reduce shedding, although some fuzz will still be around. They shed heavily, known as "blowing coat," once or twice a year. A warm bath during shedding helps remove dead hair, which takes about a month to complete.

The Schipperke is a clean breed with little odor, requiring baths only as needed. Dental care is important, so brush his teeth 2-3 times a week to remove tartar. Trim his nails once or twice a month, or when they click on the floor. Start dog grooming early to make it a positive experience, including handling his paws, ears, and mouth.

Though intelligent, they can be stubborn and sometimes difficult to housetrain. Crate-training your dog is recommended.

The average cost of a Schipperke is between $800 and $1,200. When purchasing a Schipperke, it's essential to find a breeder who follows ethical breeding practices, ensuring the health and well-being of the puppy. Ethical breeders prioritize genetic testing, health screenings, and proper socialization for the puppies.

AKC Marketplace

Down Home Country Kennels

Rescuing a Schipperke from a shelter or rescue organization can be a rewarding experience. Many Schipperkes in rescues need loving homes and can make excellent companions. Adopting from a rescue also gives a dog a second chance at a happy life while reducing the demand for puppy mills.

Schipperke Rescue

Schipperke Club of America

• Schipperkes puppies originated in Belgium and were originally bred to hunt vermin and rodent populations, particularly in shops and aboard ships.
• The Schipperke is known for its impressive agility and can climb or jump to surprising heights. It's often described as having "raccoon-like" skills due to its ability to navigate difficult environments.

Schipperkes are best suited for active individuals or families who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive with owners who are consistent, patient, and have a good sense of humor. While they can be a bit stubborn, they make great pets for those willing to engage in training and offer strong guidance.