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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+6
Dogs
# The Schipperke: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Belgium
Small lively and alert Belgian dog, the Schipperke combines curiosity, energy and guarding instinct.
Size SmallLife expectancy 13–15 yearsBudget ≈ €81/monthPuppy €600 – €1,100
[Find a breeder 14](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=schipperke)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Natural vigilance: The Schipperke is very alert and readily signals anything that seems unusual to it around the house.
- Compact size: Its small size makes everyday life easier while still retaining a real presence and plenty of energy.
- Coat hardiness: Its double coat effectively protects it from the cold and bad weather.
- Boundless energy: He needs outings, games and stimulation to stay well balanced.
- Tendency to vocalize: His alert instinct can make him noisy if his training is not well managed.
- Possible weight gain: A diet that is too rich or a lack of exercise quickly promotes weight gain.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active households: The Schipperke is well suited to people ready to offer it regular outings and activities.
- Families with plenty of time: It can be a pleasant companion for family life when it is well socialized and involved in daily life.
- Fans of alert small dogs: Its compact size and alert instinct appeal to those looking for a very present small dog.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary people: Its high energy level is not suited to an overly passive lifestyle.
- Owners not very invested in training: Without early and consistent structure, its alertness and lively temperament can become overwhelming.
- Households looking for a very discreet dog: The Schipperke is not the best choice for those who want a dog that is not very vocal and very calm.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
32 cmSchipperke
- Height at the withers
- 30–34 cm
- Weight
- 3–8 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, dense, double
- FCI group
- 1
- Origin
- Belgium
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Schipperke in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Schipperke is a dog of Belgian origin, Flemish more precisely. Its name means "little boatman" in the local language, because it used to accompany boatmen. It is said to descend from the Leuvenaar, a very old breed also at the origin of the different varieties of Belgian Shepherds. Highly appreciated from the end of the 17th century in the Brussels region for its elegance, its vigilance and its ability to hunt pests, it was exhibited for the first time in 1882 in Spa. Its first standard was established in 1888 during the founding of the breed club.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Schipperke is a small shepherd dog of the lupoid type, sturdy and well built, fitting into a square. Its coat is only black, very full, straight and dense, with a tight undercoat that gives it excellent protection against moisture and cold. It stands out for its ruff, its mane and its chest abundantly furnished, as well as for its small triangular ears standing well upright, its expressive dark brown eyes and its stocky silhouette without heaviness.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Schipperke is a lively, energetic, curious and very alert dog. Affectionate without being intrusive, it is appreciated as a family companion and generally proves gentle with children. Naturally wary of strangers, it has a good alert instinct and does not hesitate to signal any unusual approach. It also retains a hunter’s streak, notably towards small rodents.
Playful Intelligent Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
The Schipperke adapts to different lifestyles provided it expends its energy daily. It can live in an apartment if its outings are sufficient, but it thrives more with a secure space where it can explore and play. Agile and enduring, it enjoys dynamic activities and games that call on its liveliness.
Training
## Training and socialization
The Schipperke’s training must start early to channel its energy and set clear boundaries. Recall and early socialization are particularly important. With consistent and positive methods, it becomes a pleasant dog to live with, but its lively temperament requires regular involvement from the owner.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Schipperke
The purchase price of a Schipperke varies mainly depending on the quality of the breeding, the pedigree, the line, the dog's age and the availability of the breed. Beyond the acquisition cost, you must also factor in routine upkeep, veterinary prevention and accessories.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/schipperke/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Schipperke is an overall robust and resilient dog. Its double, abundant coat protects it well against cold and bad weather. However, the breed does have certain predispositions that should be monitored throughout life, notably on the orthopedic, ocular, endocrine and dermatological levels.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/schipperke/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Schipperke needs a quality diet that covers its needs in nutrients and vitamins while taking into account its age, its size and its activity level. As it can be prone to being overweight, its energy intake must remain well controlled.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/schipperke/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The name Schipperke means "little boatman", a reminder of its former closeness with Belgian boatmen. The breed was also among the favorites of Queen Marie-Henriette of Belgium. Its black appearance, its abundant ruff and the existence of individuals naturally without a tail or with a very short tail reinforce its singularity.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Schipperke
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Can the Schipperke live in an apartment?
Yes, provided it gets daily outings, play, and real mental stimulation. Without sufficient activity, its energy and vigilance can become difficult to manage.
### Is the Schipperke suitable for children?
It is generally gentle with children and can make a good family dog, especially if it is well socialized and interactions are respectful.
### Does the Schipperke bark a lot?
The Schipperke is a good watchdog and tends to loudly signal what seems unusual to it. Early training helps to better channel this natural vigilance.
### Does the Schipperke shed a lot?
Shedding is moderate but becomes more pronounced during seasonal molts. More frequent brushing during these periods helps keep the coat in good condition.
## Find a Schipperke breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Schipperke breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Schipperke breeders in Occitanie3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke/occitanie)
### Schipperke breeders by country
[14 breeders of Schipperke in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke) [12 breeders of Schipperke in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke/germany) [9 breeders of Schipperke in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke/denmark) [8 breeders of Schipperke in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke/italy) [5 breeders of Schipperke in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke/netherlands) [3 breeders of Schipperke in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke/finland) [1 breeder of Schipperke in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke/austria) [1 breeder of Schipperke in Hungary](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke/hungary) [1 breeder of Schipperke in Poland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke/poland) [1 breeder of Schipperke in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke/spain)
[All breeders of Schipperke in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke)
## Ready to welcome a Schipperke?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schipperke)
## Discover other breeds
[Schapendoes
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/schapendoes)
[Dutch Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd)
[Belgian Malinois
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois)
[Belgian Shepherd Dog Groenendael
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-shepherd-dog-groenendael)
[Belgian Laekenois
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-shepherd-dog-laekenois)
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