Schipperke
CuriousConfidentFaithful
Belgium · 12–16 years
About the Schipperke
The Schipperke (pronounced 'SKIP-er-kee') is a small, fox-like Belgian breed whose name means 'little captain' in Flemish. Originally bred as watchdogs and ratters on canal barges in Belgium, Schipperkes are curious, fearless, and mischievous little dogs with a distinctive all-black coat and a ruff around their neck that gives them a lion-like appearance. They are naturally tailless or have a docked tail, creating their distinctive rounded silhouette. Schipperkes are independent, confident, and endlessly curious — they want to investigate everything and will appoint themselves as the guardian of their domain.
Breed stats
- Height
- 10–13 in
- Weight
- 10–16 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Coat
- Dense, double coat with prominent ruff and cape
- Origin
- Belgium
Coat colors
- Black
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–45 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.5–1 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- MPS IIIB (mucopolysaccharidosis)
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
Not every Schipperke will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Schipperkes eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Schipperkes are notoriously vocal dogs — one of the barkiest breeds for their size. They bark at visitors, unusual sounds, passing animals, other dogs, and anything that captures their attention. Their sharp, high-pitched bark is persistent and can be bothersome for neighbors. This vigilance was valued on Belgian canal barges where they served as watchdogs, but it can be challenging in modern living situations. Training can help manage excessive barking, but expecting a quiet Schipperke is unrealistic. They are not suitable for noise-sensitive environments or apartments with thin walls.
- Schipperkes are exceptional watchdogs — arguably one of the best watchdog breeds relative to their size. They are naturally alert, suspicious of strangers, and will bark loudly and persistently at anything unusual. Nothing escapes their notice. On Belgian canal barges, they served as both ratters and alarm dogs, alerting their owners to any approaching threat. While they cannot physically protect against intruders, their vigilance and loud alarm bark make them highly effective early warning systems. For their size, they provide as much home security awareness as many much larger breeds.
- Schipperkes can live in apartments, but they are not the easiest apartment breed. Their excessive barking is the primary concern — they will alert to every sound, visitor, and movement they detect, which can disturb neighbors. Their high energy level requires at least 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise. On the positive side, their small size (10-16 pounds) is apartment-friendly, and they are clean, intelligent dogs. Success in an apartment depends on dedicated training to manage barking, consistent exercise, and ideally a living situation where some noise is tolerated.
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