Schipperke Weight & Growth Chart

Complete weight guide with growth charts for male and female Schipperkes from puppy to adult.

Male Adult Weight
10–16 lbs
Female Adult Weight
8–14 lbs

Schipperke Weight Overview

Weight range for the Schipperke: 10–16 lbs overall. Males: 10–16 lbs. Females: 8–14 lbs.

Adults weigh 10 to 16 pounds. They should feel solid and muscular when picked up. Their thick coat can mask both weight gain and true body condition.. Consult the growth chart below for typical weight progression by age.

Growth Chart

When Does a Schipperke Stop Growing?

Expect your Schipperke to reach adult height of 10–13 inches by 12–15 months. Full body maturity—including muscle development toward the 10–16 lb target—may continue until 14–18 months.

Growth is influenced by genetics, nutrition quality, and spay/neuter timing. 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..

Is My Schipperke Overweight?

To determine if your Schipperke is at a healthy weight (10–16 lbs target):

  • Rib test: You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, with a thin layer of fat covering them
  • Waist check: Viewed from above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs
  • Tuck-up: From the side, the abdomen should tuck up behind the rib cage

Their double coat with harsh straight outer coat and soft dense undercoat coat can mask weight gain, so hands-on assessment is essential. If your Schipperke is overweight, work with your veterinarian to develop a safe weight loss plan. Even a 10% reduction can reduce the risk of MPS IIIB (Mucopolysaccharidosis) and other conditions.

Feeding Recommendation

Adult Schipperkes (10–16 lbs) typically need 0.5 to 0.3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. A formula suited to small breeds provides appropriate nutrient density. Need 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily despite their small size. They excel at agility and barn hunt trials. A tired Schipperke is the only well-behaved Schipperke.—adjust portions based on activity level. Budget $38–61/month for food costs.

Weight by Age Table

AgeMale (lbs)Female (lbs)
3 months 3.6–4.4 3.1–3.7
6 months 7.9–9.7 6.7–8.2
9 months 11.5–14.1 9.8–12.0
12 months 14.4–17.6 12.2–15.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Adult Schipperkes weigh 10–16 lbs (males: 10–16 lbs; females: 8–14 lbs). Adults weigh 10 to 16 pounds. They should feel solid and muscular when picked up. Their thick coat can mask both weight gain and true body condition..
The Schipperke reaches full adult size (10–13 inches, 10–16 lbs) by approximately 12–15 months. Need 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily despite their small size. They excel at agility and barn hunt trials. A tired Schipperke is the only well-behaved Schipperke.. Growth rate is influenced by genetics, diet, and overall care.
Three quick checks for your Schipperke: (1) Feel the ribs–they should be easily palpable under a thin fat layer. (2) View from above–there should be a visible waist behind the ribs. (3) Side profile–the abdomen should tuck up. Target weight: 10–16 lbs. Their coat type allows for relatively easy visual body condition assessment. Consult your vet for a body condition score.
Start with the food label's guidelines for your puppy's current weight and adjust based on body condition. Schipperke puppies should eat 3–4 meals daily until 6 months, then transition to twice daily. Given the breed's predisposition to MPS IIIB (Mucopolysaccharidosis), your vet may recommend specific dietary considerations. Target adult weight is 10–16 lbs (10–16 for males, 8–14 for females).
If your Schipperke puppy isn't gaining weight as expected (target adult weight: 10–16 lbs), consult your vet. Common causes include intestinal parasites, insufficient calorie intake, or malabsorption. The breed's predisposition to MPS IIIB (Mucopolysaccharidosis) could also be a factor worth investigating. A fecal test and blood work are typically the first diagnostic steps.