Schipperke
Non-Sporting Small
Ranked #104 by the AKC, the Schipperke is a small non-sporting dog with roots in Belgium. Bred as small watchdogs and ratters on Belgian canal barges, earning their name which means 'little captain' in Flemish. They guarded cargo and kept boats free of vermin.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Schipperke
The Schipperke traces its lineage to Belgium, where Schipperkes originated in Belgium in the 1600s, bred by canal boat captains and tradesmen in Brussels and Antwerp. The first known specialty show for any breed was held for Schipperkes in 1690.. Currently ranked #104 by the American Kennel Club, the breed remains a popular choice worldwide.
Their silhouette is unique among dogs: a foxlike face, a mane-like ruff around the neck, and a distinctive cape of longer fur across the shoulders tapering to the rump, with a naturally tailless appearance.. Curious, high-energy, and fearless with a strong prey drive. They are devoted to family, suspicious of strangers, and possess an almost inexhaustible supply of enthusiasm and energy.
Lively companion dogs valued for their watchdog ability and entertaining personalities. They compete successfully in agility, obedience, and barn hunt, where their ratting instincts shine..
Lifespan Overview
The Schipperke typically lives 12–14 years. Learn more about Schipperke lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $800–$1500 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Schipperkes weigh 10–16 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
Curious, high-energy, and fearless with a strong prey drive. They are devoted to family, suspicious of strangers, and possess an almost inexhaustible supply of enthusiasm and energy.. Full temperament guide →
History
The story of the Schipperke begins in Belgium. Schipperkes originated in Belgium in the 1600s, bred by canal boat captains and tradesmen in Brussels and Antwerp. The first known specialty show for any breed was held for Schipperkes in 1690..
Bred as small watchdogs and ratters on Belgian canal barges, earning their name which means 'little captain' in Flemish. They guarded cargo and kept boats free of vermin.. Legend says a shoemaker cut off his neighbor's Schipperke's tail in anger, and the resulting tailless look became fashionable. In reality, the breed was likely always naturally bob-tailed.. Currently ranked #104 by the AKC, the Schipperke continues to earn new admirers.
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| MPS IIIB (Mucopolysaccharidosis) | Rare | Critical |
| Patellar Luxation | Common | Moderate |
| Hypothyroidism | Common | Moderate |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease | Moderate | High |
| Epilepsy | Moderate | High |
Similar Breeds
Is the Schipperke Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Schipperke is a small-sized breed belonging to the Non-Sporting group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Schipperke has very high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.
Living space: The Schipperke can live in an apartment with some effort, though a home with a yard is preferable. They score 3/5 for apartment friendliness, meaning they need intentional daily outings to compensate for limited indoor space.
Children and family: Scoring 4/5 with children, the Schipperke is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.
Grooming commitment: Grooming needs are moderate at 3/5. The Schipperke benefits from brushing 2–3 times per week and occasional professional grooming. Shedding is manageable with regular maintenance, and grooming costs average $43–64/month.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Schipperke home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 12–14 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $800–$1500 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $4,022. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $118, broken down as follows: food ($38–61/mo), grooming ($43–64/mo), insurance ($50–72/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($454–662/yr) and supplies ($259–486/yr). As a small breed, the Schipperke is relatively economical on food and supplies, though veterinary and dental costs remain consistent regardless of size.
Over a full 12–14 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $50–72/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Schipperke owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Schipperke fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Schipperke belongs to the Non-Sporting group, which historically means this is a diverse group of breeds that don't fit neatly into other categories. Non-sporting breeds vary widely in appearance, size, and personality. Each breed in this group has unique characteristics that prospective owners should research individually.
With a family friendliness score of 4/5, intelligence at 5/5, and shedding rated 4/5, the Schipperke presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (4/5) and barking tendency (5/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 5/5, the Schipperke is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Schipperke may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.
Shedding and home cleanliness: Be prepared for significant hair throughout your home - the Schipperke rates 4/5 for shedding. Daily brushing helps manage loose fur, but you will need a quality vacuum and should expect hair on furniture, clothing, and floors year-round with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes.
Schipperke Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Schipperke requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Schipperke if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, have children or plan to start a family, have adequate space with outdoor access, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Schipperke's non-sporting heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, are highly sensitive to pet hair in your home cannot tolerate frequent vocalization, or if your living situation cannot accommodate a small breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Schipperke seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Schipperke owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Schipperkes before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.