Longevity
Life expectancy
With good lifestyle hygiene, an appropriate diet and regular veterinary follow-up, the Schipperke often lives between 13 and 15 years. This longevity, which is good for a small active dog, depends in part on weight control, daily exercise and early screening for the breed’s predispositions.
Build
A robust breed?
The Schipperke tolerates cool and damp outdoor conditions well thanks to its dense, double coat. It nevertheless remains of average robustness on the scale of canine breeds, because certain hereditary conditions or orthopedic and ocular predispositions justify real vigilance.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to the joints, the eyes, the thyroid and the condition of the skin. Weight monitoring is also important, as the breed can easily gain excess weight if the diet is not properly adjusted to its activity.
Patellar luxation : Orthopedic condition that can cause lameness, discomfort and locomotor difficulty, to be monitored particularly in small active dogs.
Hypothyroidism : Endocrine disorder that can promote fatigue, weight gain and skin changes, requiring a veterinary diagnosis and appropriate follow-up.
Cataract and progressive retinal atrophy : Certain eye conditions can progressively impair vision, hence the value of regular ophthalmological examinations.
Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head : This hip condition, close to Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, can cause pain and lameness in affected subjects.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type III : Rare but serious hereditary metabolic disease that warrants particular vigilance regarding origins and available tests.
Obesity : The breed can gain weight if rations are excessive or if activity is insufficient, with an impact on joints and overall health.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Schipperke tolerates cold and humidity well thanks to its dense undercoat. On the other hand, it is less comfortable during high heat and must be able to benefit from shade, fresh water and suitable activities in summer.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Schipperke has a predisposition to weight gain. It is therefore preferable to measure its portions, to limit extras and to maintain regular daily activity in order to preserve its mobility and its overall comfort.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Regularly monitor the eyes, knees and thyroid with the veterinarian.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints.
- Increase brushing during seasonal shedding.
- Examine the coat, ears and paw pads after outings in nature.
Vaccination
Schipperke vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Schipperke? Like all cats, the Schipperke receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Schipperke is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Schipperke vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Schipperke?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Schipperke
Useful veterinary checks in this breed concern in particular the eyes, the knees and thyroid function. In breeding as in thoughtful adoption, it is relevant to inquire about family history and about screenings already carried out.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
