Small breed
Schipperke Puppies
Lively, loving companions for apartment living
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- Adult weight 10–20 lbs
- Height 10–13 in
- Lifespan 13–15 years
- Exercise 60 min a day
About the Schipperke
The Schipperke, often affectionately referred to as the “little captain,” has a captivating history that traces back to Belgium, where these spirited dogs were cherished as both companions and diligent protectors. Standing at a small size, this breed boasts a fluffy black coat and a curious demeanor that enchants families and individuals alike. Schipperkes are particularly known for their lively and playful nature, making them excellent additions to households with young children. Their affectionate disposition, matched with a moderate barking tendency, creates an engaging atmosphere that ensures lively interactions and a strong bond with family members.
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These lively pups thrive on activity and playfulness, making them well-suited for families looking to incorporate more energy into their daily routines. With a good amount of exercise, such as walks or energetic play sessions, you will find that a Schipperke is happy to engage and entertain. Their apartment-friendly nature means that you can enjoy their vibrant personality even in smaller living spaces, as long as you provide sufficient mental stimulation and regular opportunities for play. Despite their small stature, Schipperkes have a heart full of adventures, always ready to explore the world with you.
Grooming a Schipperke is a delightful task, as they require weekly brushing to maintain their beautiful coat and manage shedding. They are generally low-maintenance in terms of grooming frequency, but it is essential to stay consistent in caring for their fur to keep it looking its best. Though they have a penchant for mischief, their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, ensuring that they can learn commands and tasks with patience and consistency. Schipperkes thrive in an environment where they receive affection and attention, allowing their loving personalities to shine through, creating lasting memories for the whole family. If you are looking for a Schipperke in Furrylicious®, you will surely find a delightful companion who brings joy and excitement into your life.
Schipperke breed profile
Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
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Affection Very affectionate
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Playfulness Very playful
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With strangers Warms up
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Territorial Territorial
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Prey drive Moderate
Family & other pets
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Young children Good
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Older children Good
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Other dogs Usually fine
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Cats Needs care
Energy & exercise
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Energy Very high
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Mental stimulation High
Training
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Trainability Quick to learn
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Intelligence Very bright
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Stubbornness A stubborn streak
Care & upkeep
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Shedding Heavy
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Drooling None to speak of
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Barking Vocal
Home life
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Apartment living Well suited
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Time alone A few hours
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Cold weather Comfortable
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Warm weather Average
A good match for
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First-time owners Good first dog
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Senior owners Good
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Running partner Moderate
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Hiking Good
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Therapy work Unlikely
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Guarding Protective
Living with a Schipperke
Temperament & Family Fit
The Schipperke is a compact and lively companion, known for its cheerful and spirited personality. They are quite affectionate and generally get along well with young kids, making them a wonderful addition to a family home. While they enjoy the company of other dogs, they can be a little more reserved around cats, so early socialization is key to a harmonious household.
Energy & Exercise
This little dynamo has moderate energy levels and thrives with regular exercise, ensuring they stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and some mental stimulation will keep your Schipperke engaged and entertained, especially since they are quite curious by nature. Their apartment-friendly demeanor makes them adaptable to various living situations, as long as they get sufficient activity.
Care & Grooming
Despite their thick, double coat, Schipperkes do not require excessive grooming, as a weekly brush will suffice to keep their fur looking great. However, they do shed quite a bit, so be prepared for some occasional cleanup. Their grooming routine should also include regular checks of their ears and nails to ensure they remain healthy and comfortable.
Training Notes
Schipperkes are intelligent and generally respond well to training, making them fairly easy to teach basic commands and tricks. Positive reinforcement works best, as these little pups love to please their humans. Keep in mind that their barking tendency is moderate, so early training can help manage any over-exuberance during playtime or excitement.
Caring for a Schipperke
- Grooming
- Weekly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Low
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- Manages without a yard
- Allergy friendly
- Not considered hypoallergenic
Schipperke Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Schipperkes good for families with young kids?
Yes, Schipperkes are generally a good choice for families with young kids. They are affectionate and enjoy being part of family activities, making them great companions for little ones. Just remember to supervise interactions to ensure both your kids and the dog stay safe and happy.
How much exercise do Schipperkes need?
Schipperkes have a moderate energy level and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks and playtime will help satisfy their physical needs, along with some mental stimulation. Engaging them in fun activities will keep them entertained and reinforce their training.
Do Schipperkes shed a lot?
Schipperkes do have a fairly high shedding level, so regular grooming is important. Weekly brushing will help manage loose hair and keep your home tidy. You might want to consider this if allergies are a concern.
Are Schipperkes easy to train?
Yes, Schipperkes are known to be fairly trainable, thanks to their intelligence and willingness to learn. Consistent training and positive reinforcement techniques work best with this breed. Plus, they enjoy mental challenges, so training sessions can be a fun bonding experience.
Can Schipperkes adapt to apartment living?
Absolutely, Schipperkes are quite apartment-friendly due to their small size and adaptability. They do well in smaller spaces as long as they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. Just make sure to provide them with some playtime and activities to keep them entertained.
