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.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Schipperke tolerates cool, damp outdoor conditions well thanks to its dense, double coat. It nevertheless remains of average robustness on the scale of dog breeds, because certain hereditary conditions or orthopedic and ocular predispositions warrant real vigilance.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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 limping, discomfort and locomotor difficulty, to be monitored particularly in active small 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 limping 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 portions are excessive or if activity is insufficient, with an impact on joints and overall health.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly monitor the eyes, knees, and thyroid with the veterinarian.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints.
- Increase brushing during seasonal shedding.
- Check the coat, ears, and paw pads after outings in nature.
Vaccination
Schipperke vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Schipperke need? Like all dogs, Schipperkes should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Schipperke vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Schipperke booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Schipperke need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
