Schipperke Guide: Size, Temperament, Lifespan and Adoption

Schipperke overview

The AKC places the Schipperke in the Non-Sporting Group and lists Belgium as its origin. The breed has a double coat, and the AKC counts it as a small dog. VCA describes it as a small dog with a big-dog mentality that can swim, catch vermin and guard property.

Where does the Schipperke come from?

UKC explains that the name means Little Boatman or Little Captain in Flemish, and that the dogs were used as boat dogs and guards on barges and in craftsmen's shops. UKC also credits Queen Marie-Henriette of Belgium with making the breed fashionable.

Schipperke size and weight

The AKC publishes a Schipperke height of 11-13 inches for males and 10-12 inches for females, and UKC gives the same ideal ranges in its standard. VCA describes the dog as standing 13 inches at the shoulder. For weight, the AKC publishes 10-16 pounds, while VCA says a Schipperke weighs at most 18 pounds.

Schipperke temperament and personality

The AKC's temperament words for the breed are alert, curious and confident. VCA calls the Schipperke highly territorial, bold and active, and says its curiosity can get it into trouble because it seems unafraid of heights, traffic and dark hiding places.

VCA says Schipperkes are cautious with strangers but love their family, respond well to children and tend to be good with other animals, which speaks to whether they are good family dogs. UKC describes the breed as aloof with strangers and gentle with children. The AKC rates family affection and protective tendency at 5 of 5, child compatibility and dog compatibility at 3 of 5, and vocalization at 4 of 5.

Activity needs

UKC says Schipperkes are comfortable working or sitting on a lap but prefer to have a job. The AKC rates the breed 3 of 5 for energy and 3 of 5 for mental enrichment.

Do Schipperkes shed?

VCA calls the Schipperke a shedder that needs brushing at least twice a week for fifteen minutes. Shedding season usually falls in spring and late fall, when VCA suggests short daily brushing sessions. The AKC rates shedding at 3 of 5 and grooming frequency at 2 of 5.

Training

VCA notes a stubborn streak that can make obedience training a challenge, though regular schedules, consistent handling and enjoyable sessions help. The AKC rates trainability at 4 of 5.

Schipperke dog lifespan and health issues

The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 12-16 years for the Schipperke, which is the lifespan of a Schipperke dog in broad terms. VCA lists various dermatological disorders, epilepsy and cataracts as possible inherited conditions. Ask a veterinarian what screening an individual dog needs.

Questions to ask about Schipperke adoption

Because tendencies toward territoriality, vocal alerting and curiosity are common in the breed, ask the dog's care organization how an individual dog behaves with strangers, children and other animals. Ask whether the dog has had any of the evaluations the AKC lists for the breed.