Schipperke Lifespan: How Long Do They Live?
Everything you need to know about the Schipperke's life expectancy, factors that affect longevity, and tips to help your dog live a longer, healthier life.
Average Lifespan
12–14 years
Size Category
Small
Compared to Average
Average
Schipperke Life Expectancy
A Schipperke typically lives 12 to 14 years—average for a small-sized breed. Long-lived breed averaging 12 to 16 years. Their small size and generally robust health contribute to excellent longevity. Active dogs tend to maintain good health into their teens..
Owners can influence lifespan through diet, exercise, preventive healthcare, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Regular veterinary checkups catch potential issues early, when treatment is most effective.
Lifespan Range Visualization
Lifespan by Gender
| Male | 12–14 years |
| Female | 12.5–14.5 years |
Factors That Affect Schipperke Lifespan
Key factors that affect Schipperke lifespan (12–14 years) include:
- Genetics: Dogs from parents tested for MPS IIIB (Mucopolysaccharidosis) and other conditions have better odds of a long life
- Diet: A balanced diet maintaining 10–16 lbs
- Exercise: 70+ minutes daily maintains cardiovascular health and healthy weight
- Veterinary care: Annual checkups with biannual visits after age 10 catch issues early
- Weight management: Keeping your Schipperke lean can add 1-2 years to their life
- Coat care: Regular maintenance of their double coat with harsh straight outer coat and soft dense undercoat coat prevents skin issues that can impact overall health
Tips to Help Your Schipperke Live Longer
Help your Schipperke thrive for 12–14 years:
- Feed measured portions of quality food—target weight 10–16 lbs
- Exercise daily: 70+ minutes, following the breed's non-sporting heritage
- Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention on schedule
- Visit the vet yearly (seniors 10+: every 6 months)
- Watch for signs of MPS IIIB (Mucopolysaccharidosis)—early detection improves outcomes
- Challenge their 5/5 intelligence with varied training and enrichment
- Act on health concerns quickly—early treatment saves lives
Lifespan Compared to Similar Breeds
| Breed | Lifespan | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Miniature Schnauzer | 12–15 yrs | Small |
| Cairn Terrier | 13–15 yrs | Small |
| Swedish Vallhund | 12–15 yrs | Small |
| Sealyham Terrier | 12–14 yrs | Small |
| Glen of Imaal Terrier | 10–15 yrs | Small |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Schipperke typically lives 12–14 years, average for small-sized breeds. Long-lived breed averaging 12 to 16 years. Their small size and generally robust health contribute to excellent longevity. Active dogs tend to maintain good health into their teens..
Feed a balanced diet, maintain healthy weight, provide 70+ minutes of daily exercise, keep up with preventive vet care, and address health issues early. Generally healthy breed with the breed-specific MPS IIIB being the most serious concern. DNA testing has helped breeders dramatically reduce the incidence of this fatal condition..
Longevity records for Schipperkes are not formally tracked, but anecdotal reports suggest some individuals have reached 17–19 years. For a small-sized breed, this is achievable with excellent care. Factors that contribute to exceptional longevity include health-tested parentage, a double coat with harsh straight outer coat and soft dense undercoat coat kept in good condition, proper weight management, and early detection of breed-specific conditions like MPS IIIB (Mucopolysaccharidosis).
Research suggests minimal difference between male and female Schipperke lifespans. Males typically weigh 10–16 lbs while females weigh 8–14 lbs, and this size difference has a negligible effect on longevity within the breed. Long-lived breed averaging 12 to 16 years. Their small size and generally robust health contribute to excellent longevity. Active dogs tend to maintain good health into their teens..
Spaying/neutering may modestly extend lifespan by eliminating reproductive cancers. For the Schipperke, weighing 10–16 lbs at maturity, most vets suggest the procedure around 6–12 months of age. Given the breed's predisposition to MPS IIIB (Mucopolysaccharidosis), discuss timing with your vet to balance reproductive cancer prevention against other health considerations.