Schipperke at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 21–33 cm
- Weight
- 5.5–7.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Schipperke right for you?
Like every breed, the Schipperke is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- This would be your first dog and you are ready to learn.
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to brushing several times a week.
- You would find barking hard to live with.
How would the Schipperke fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Schipperke
The Schipperke is a small, compact dog with bright, lively eyes, pricked ears and an abundant harsh coat that gives it a distinctly spitz-like look. Some are born without a tail; those with tails carry them thickly furred over the back. Schipperkes are typically clever, lively and good-natured, and they like to be kept busy.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Moderate
The coat usually needs brushing several times a week.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by dog and season.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time owners.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed was developed in Belgium to keep barges free of rats and mice, and to act as a watchdog: small enough to live in a tiny barge cabin but loud enough to put off thieves. Its name translates as little skipper or little boatman. Its exact origins are unclear; one suggestion is that it descends from a now-extinct Belgian shepherd type, possibly crossed with small spitz breeds.
The breed dates back to at least the 17th century, when Flemish dog shows featured Schipperkes wearing ornamental brass collars. Traditionally a working man's dog, it became hugely popular in Belgium after Queen Marie Henriette took one as a pet in 1885. The first Schipperkes arrived in England in 1887, and the first breed club formed in 1890.
Schipperke temperament
Schipperkes are usually good-natured and amenable, and quick to learn, but also quick to get into trouble if bored. They have active minds and a working background, so they do not thrive when left without enough to do.
They love to bark and will alert their family to anything they find suspicious or unusual. Good socialisation and getting them used to everyday sights and sounds help reduce how much they react. Homes without close neighbours tend to suit them best.
Size and appearance
Schipperkes are small dogs, typically 21–33 cm tall and weighing around 5.5–7.5 kg.
The thick, dense coat usually lies smooth and close, with a mane around the neck and longer hair, called culottes, on the backs of the thighs. Breed standard colours are black, cream and gold, with black by far the most common.
How much exercise does a Schipperke need?
At least half an hour to an hour of varied, interesting exercise a day is usually needed. Despite their size they are a hardy working breed, so mental exercise matters as much as physical.
Schipperkes enjoy novelty, so a good variety of walking routes helps keep them content. They are agile and fast, with a strong urge to hunt small prey, so a securely fenced garden is a must.
Training a Schipperke
Schipperkes usually enjoy training when the motivation is right, but their quick, busy minds can lead them into mischief.
- Train with food and toys, and keep sessions fun and interesting.
- Socialise them early with other animals, children and everyday activity.
- Teach a "quiet" cue, as they love the sound of their own voice.
- Put effort into recall, especially given their prey drive.
Schipperke grooming
The coat is easy to care for. A thorough groom about once a week, with some extra brushing in between, keeps it in good order. Schipperkes shed a moderate amount.
Living with a Schipperke
The Schipperke can be a fun family dog in the right home. Because it needs a lot of time for training and mental activity, it may be better suited to families with older children or teenagers. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time owners.
Schipperke health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Schipperke is generally quite a hardy breed, but some conditions are recognised, and the Royal Kennel Club asks breeders to prioritise genetic diversity. Knowing about them helps you ask a breeder the right questions; it does not mean every Schipperke will be affected.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPS IIIB)
A storage disorder that disrupts how cells work and can affect the brain. A DNA test is available, and the Royal Kennel Club lists it as best-practice testing.
Natural bobtail
Some Schipperkes are born with naturally short tails. A DNA test for the T-box (bobtail) gene is available, and the Royal Kennel Club records natural bobtails on registration certificates to help breeders identify lines carrying the tailless gene.
Patellar luxation
Listed among the conditions the breed can be prone to, so it is worth asking a breeder about.
Legg-Perthes disease
Also listed among the conditions the breed can be prone to.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Schipperke home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Schipperke cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Schipperke home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Schipperke
If you have decided the Schipperke suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Schipperke
Schipperkes do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Schipperkes looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Schipperke adverts at the moment.
Find Schipperke adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Miniature Schnauzer
Spirited, playful, inquisitive, lively, active, alert, intelligent and fun.
View breed guide
Schipperke FAQs
Is the Schipperke good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Schipperke live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Schipperke need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Schipperke shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Schipperke need?
Typically: several times a week.
Is the Schipperke easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Schipperke be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Schipperke bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Schipperke good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Schipperke live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Schipperke get?
Adults typically stand 21–33 cm at the shoulder and weigh 5.5–7.5 kg.