Schipperke
Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. LarsonAverage size and lifespan
Weight: 12-18lbs
Lifespan: 13 - 15 Years
Behavior
- Affection
- Kid-Friendly
- Stranger-Friendly
- Dog-Friendly
- Barking Amount
Care
- Grooming Difficulty
- Shedding Amount
- Easy to Train
- Can Be Alone
- Exercise Need
Environment
- Cold Tolerance
- Heat Tolerance
- Apartment-Friendly
Schipperke Information
At about a foot tall, the Schipperkes are tiny, compact dogs, but don’t let the size fool you. He loves to work hard, whether it’s catching vermin with his cat-like agility or serving as a watchdog. His puffy black coat adds volume to his appearance.
The Schipperke hails from Belgium, and his name means “little captain” in Flemish – a fitting moniker for this confident, intense, clever little guy. But he’s not serious all the time; this breed has a fun side and will bring a healthy dose of mischievous to his new family.
All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!
Breed FAQs
Can Schipperkes be apartment dogs?
The Schipperke needs room to run and play. This makes them difficult to keep in small spaces like an apartment.
Can Schipperkes be left alone?
While Schipperkes prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.
Are Schipperkes good with kids?
Schipperkes can do fine with kids. They will require some monitoring and training to make sure they get along and react well to unpredictable behavior.
Are Schipperkes friendly with strangers?
Schipperkes tend to be uncomfortable with strangers. They will require extra training effort to socialize them with those outside their family.
Do Schipperkes get along with other dogs?
Although Schipperkes will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues. They can typically be dealt with by socializing them with other dogs.
Do Schipperkes bark a lot?
Most Schipperkes bark fairly often, which can be a nuisance. Some steps can be taken to limit this, but is part of their nature.
Do Schipperkes shed a lot?
Schipperkes shed a medium amount. They will have seasonal shedding, but aren't terrible to clean up after.
Do Schipperkes need a lot of grooming?
Schipperkes don't require very much effort for grooming. You'll just need to provide typical maintenance and baths.
Do Schipperkes need a lot of exercise?
Expect Schipperkes to have high energy levels and need a lot of exercise. You'll need to find options to release this energy or they may exibit bad behavior.
Are Schipperkes easy to train?
Most Schipperkes are stubborn and will take extra work to train. They can still learn trained behaviors, but will take more effort.
Can Schipperkes handle cold weather?
Although Schipperkes can handle the cold weather when out with you, they may not want to stay out for long periods of time.
Can Schipperkes handle hot weather?
Be careful with Schipperkes in the heat. They don't do well in hot climates for long periods.
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