Schipperke — breed guide
Schipperke — temperament, grooming, exercise, heat tolerance and care, from the Leash Life breed guide.
At a glance
- Group
- non-sporting
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 4–9 kg (9–20 lb)
- Life span
- 13–15 years
- Coat
- Harsh black double coat with a ruff
Living with a Schipperke
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Regular grooming — brushing a few times a week.
- Heavy shedding, especially in season.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Barks readily.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Curious · Confident · Mischievous · Alert
Health to watch
- MPS IIIB
- Luxating patella
- Hypothyroidism
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Schipperke good with kids?
Generally yes. Schipperkes are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Schipperke good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Schipperke need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Schipperke handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Schipperke's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.