Schipperke
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Schipperkes are small Belgian barge dogs with fox-like faces and confident personalities. These alert, energetic dogs are devoted watchdogs who are naturally suspicious of strangers and vocal, needing active owners providing consistent training and socialization for their independent, sometimes stubborn nature.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Non-sporting
Life Expectancy
12-16 years
Height
10-13 in
Weight
10-16 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 4 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #106
Non-sporting context: Non-Sporting is a mixed utility group with very diverse personalities and needs.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Schipperke
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Schipperkes are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Schipperkes in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Schipperkes, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps this breed settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games improve behavior and sleep quality through the week.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routine and enrichment are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Expect about 60 minutes of daily activity, with a mix of walking, enrichment, and short training blocks. Consistency matters more than occasional intense sessions.
Moderate
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, preventive care, and condition-specific screening based on known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Allergic skin disease may require lifelong management.
Kneecap instability can contribute to mobility issues.
Short-faced lines may have reduced heat and exercise tolerance.
Boarding complexity and cost are driven by size, exercise demand, and any special handling needs.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Schipperkes generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
High
~6h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Moderate
Moderate
High
Moderate
Training & Behavior
High
High
Very High
Moderate
Maintenance & Care
Low
Moderate
High
Very Low
Environment & Adaptability
Low
High
High
Low
High
Grooming & Coat
Low
Moderate
High
Very Low
Coat care depends on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Curly, silky, wire, and long coats usually need more frequent grooming support.
Shedding level varies by coat and season, but routine brushing keeps loose hair and skin debris manageable.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Schipperke originated in Belgium.
Original Purpose
Schipperke lines were developed for companion and utility. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Non-sporting. Non-Sporting is a mixed utility group with very diverse personalities and needs.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Schipperkes are tiny Belgian herding dogs (weighing only 11–16 pounds) that were developed to guard riverboats and herd sheep.
The breed nearly went extinct after WWI and WWII, and modern Schipperkes descend from a handful of dogs that Belgian breeders saved from obscurity.
Schipperkes have a distinctive black coat and a naturally docked tail—their tails are so routinely docked that some are born without tails.
The breed has a fearless personality and will attack dogs much larger than themselves, making them surprisingly aggressive for their size.
Schipperkes are prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), requiring health screening.
Famous Schipperke Dogs
Versatile pop-culture dogs
Fame in this group is diverse, from family companions to show and media standouts.
Modern breed ambassadors
Notable examples are often linked to ownership visibility and broad public appeal.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Schipperkes
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Early "quiet" command training to manage barking
Recommended Products
Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Schipperke right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Schipperke compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
Try the Breed MatcherData Transparency
Quick facts for Schipperke are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/schipperke/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/schipperke/