Small breed Active energy Short coat Non-Sporting Group ๐ŸŒ Belgium

Schipperke

Confident, Alert, Curious

Standing no higher than 13 inches, Schipperkes are small dogs built for hard work. Schips were created as ratters and watchdogs. Their powerful jaws, necks, and forequartersโ€”coupled with a stealthy, catlike hunting styleโ€”make them ideal rat-catching machines. The black coat is prโ€ฆ

โš–๏ธ 10โ€“16 lbs ๐Ÿ“ 10โ€“13" ๐ŸŽ‚ 12โ€“14 years

Traits

Schipperke Characteristics

Energy

80%

Shedding

60%

Trainability

40%

Grooming

40%

Friendliness

60%

Coat Type

Short coat Weekly Brushing

Owner resources

Matched Resources for Schipperke Owners

Contextual partner picks from the PupWiki affiliate pipeline. These are matched by breed size, energy, training needs, lifestyle, and ownership intent.

Schipperke food & nutrition tools
ChefPaw Dog Food Maker
Chef Paw (US) ยท Appliances

ChefPaw Dog Food Maker

Revolutionary countertop pet food maker, simplifying the process of crafting fresh and highly-nutritโ€ฆ

Affiliate link โ€” no extra cost to you

Schipperke training & walking gear
๐Ÿพ
JugBow ยท Training

JugBow No-Pull Training Harness

Dual-clip training harness with front and back D-rings. Reflective stitching, padded chest plate, anโ€ฆ

Affiliate link โ€” no extra cost to you

For Schipperke owners
The Veteran - Custom Pet Canvas
Crown and Paw ยท Gifts

The Veteran - Custom Pet Canvas

Premium 8" x 10" custom pet canvas. Turn your pet into a legendary military veteran.

Affiliate link โ€” no extra cost to you

Affiliate disclosure: PupWiki may earn a commission from qualifying partner links, at no extra cost to you. Availability and pricing can change.

Care basics

Schipperke Care Tips

Needs 60-90 minutes active exercise daily; thrives with a job or sport.

Seasonal shedder โ€” daily brushing during spring and fall coat blows is essential.

Owner fit

Who the Schipperke Suits

  • Recommended for experienced owners โ€” higher owner difficulty rating of 8/10.

  • Urban-friendly: adapts well to apartment or townhouse living when daily exercise is consistent.

  • A protective temperament can make this breed a reliable companion for the right household.

Before you choose

Make an Informed Schipperke Decision

Related guides

All Schipperke Guides

Schipperke Cost Calculator

Puppy price, annual costs, food estimate, and lifetime ownership planning.

Classification

FCI Classification

FCI Group Group 1 โ€” Sheepdogs and Cattledogs
Section Herdershonden
Status Recognized

Editorial guides