Small breed
Schipperke Puppies
The Belgian “shepherd” dog is a small companion that has proved its worth over time in military and civilian fields. Formerly referred to as Spitzke, the Schipperke exudes so much energy and as such, is known for its agility. Discover more about our Schipperke puppies for sale below!
We do not have Schipperke puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well.
- Adult weight 10–16 lbs
- Height 10–13 in
- Lifespan 13–15 years
- Exercise 60 min a day
About the Schipperke
The Schipperke is a charming small breed with a rich history as a watchdog and companion, originally hailing from Belgium. These lively little dogs boast a spirited temperament that makes them a delightful fit for various families. Known for their affectionate nature, Schipperkes thrive on companionship and develop deep bonds with their human families. They are particularly good with young kids and can be a sweet addition to households where playtime is a daily occurrence.
Read more about the Schipperke Show less
With their moderate energy levels, Schipperkes enjoy daily exercise but are adaptable enough for apartment living. Regular walks or engaging play sessions will satisfy their energetic spirits while allowing them to explore the world around them. Their grooming needs are manageable, requiring weekly brushing to keep their beautiful coats looking their best, and while they do shed, it is nothing that an eager owner cannot handle.
Trainability comes easily for the Schipperke, thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. With consistent positive reinforcement, they quickly learn commands and may even perform tricks to show off to family and friends. However, their tendency to bark can be both a blessing and a responsibility, as they alert their owners to anything they consider noteworthy. If you’re looking for a spirited and affectionate companion in Petland Ashland, Kentucky, consider welcoming a Schipperke into your home.
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
-
Affection Very affectionate
-
Playfulness Very playful
-
With strangers Warms up
-
Territorial Territorial
-
Prey drive High
Family & other pets
-
Young children Good
-
Older children Good
-
Other dogs Usually fine
-
Cats Needs care
Energy & exercise
-
Energy Very high
-
Mental stimulation High
Training
-
Trainability Quick to learn
-
Intelligence Very bright
-
Stubbornness Biddable
Care & upkeep
-
Shedding Moderate
-
Drooling None to speak of
-
Barking Vocal
Home life
-
Apartment living Well suited
-
Time alone A few hours
-
Cold weather Comfortable
-
Warm weather Average
A good match for
-
First-time owners Good first dog
-
Senior owners Suitable
-
Running partner Moderate
-
Hiking Moderate
-
Therapy work Possible
-
Guarding Alert
Living with a Schipperke
History
The Schipperke (originally pronounced “sheep-er-ker” but commonly pronounced “skip-er-kee” in America) was probably used during hunts and fishing expeditions as most of the early information surrounding the breed were from articles on hunting and fishing. After years of its existence and being called different names, it was finally accepted as a breed in the early 1880s. It was not until 1889 that its defining characteristics were compiled and published.
Some articles relate the Schipperke to the Spitz but they are two different breeds. It is a descendant of the Leauvenaar which was also a shepherd dog exclusive to a province in Belgium.
Temperament
Although the Schipperke exhibits a high level of submission to its master, it is a difficult and mischievous dog, always seeking avenues to cause trouble. Little wonder it is also called “the little black devil”.
Nonetheless, their troublesome traits can be managed with consistent training and supervision after which they would become reliable but only to an extent because on some other days, they may reconsider their allegiance. Their ability to do this is also seen in the way they investigate whatever tickles their fancy. They would employ all their skills in satisfying their curiosity which is sometimes to their detriment.
When the Schipperkes are around other dogs, they lose all the training they ever had. Their small size doesn’t limit them from trying to intimidate other dogs by barking and making aggressive moves. For a dog lover planning to buy a Schipperke, it would a bad idea to have other dogs around and unless one possesses some experience in dog training and grooming, buying a Schipperke could be a wrong move.
Environment
Due to their high energy levels, the Schipperkes are not to be caged. They need an environment with adequate space to allow them to run around and satisfy their hunger for trouble but this should also be properly fenced to prevent them from taking the trouble outside.
They can be kept as household pets as they do not pose to be as aggressive with humans as they are with other animals but this should not be done without training. If kept as household pets, they should be looked after closely and taken out of the yard once in a while.
Exercise
With all the details provided already, it is apparent that the Schipperke loves to “work out” hence, their owners should be lovers of workouts too. The space in the yard should allow them to do some exercise but it is also essential that they are taken out at least once a week.
Activities that involve thinking and sourcing are also good ideas for exercise because of how independent and curious the Schipperkes are. If allowed to explore, they should be kept under close watch as they may wander far off just to get answers to the questions they may have.
Grooming
For a furry dog, Schipperkes are relatively cheap to maintain. Their grooming process requires little to no specialty in dog grooming. The basics are a brush to keep the fur looking healthy and a nail clipper to trim the length of the thick nails on their paws.
The only major concern arises when they begin to shed their undercoat which only happens twice or thrice a year and maybe more in females. When this happens, warm baths should be taken to help remove the coat faster instead of letting it litter the whole yard. Regular brushing at this time would also help in getting out the blown coat.
Our Schipperke puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country.
The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering Schipperke puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell.
Caring for a Schipperke
- Grooming
- Weekly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Low
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- A yard is recommended
- Allergy friendly
- Not considered hypoallergenic
Schipperke Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Schipperke shed a lot?
Not a lot. They made shed twice, thrice or a couple more times but not as much as other shepherd dogs. Besides, most of their fur is around their neck.
Are Schipperke always docked?
Almost always. This is why most of the Schipperkes seen online do not have tails but in countries where docking is not allowed, they have the privilege of showing off their bobtails.
Do Schipperke eat a lot?
Yes, they do which puts them at risk of becoming overweight.
How many puppies can Schipperke give birth to?
A Schipperke can give birth to as many as seven puppies in one litter.
How tall can Schipperke get?
The most a Schipperke can grow to is 13 inches. The females top somewhere around 12 inches.
Are all Schipperkes black?
Most Schipperkes are covered with black fur but they could also come in blonde, chocolate, blue or apricot colors.
What is the Schipperke life expectancy?
A healthy Schipperke is expected to live as long as thirteen to fifteen years.
Are Schipperkes hypoallergenic?
Not at all.
Are Schipperkes smart?
Yes, they are. They exhibit a high level of intelligence and inquisitiveness.
What are Schipperkes used for?
Owing to their agility, Schipperkes are often used as watchdogs and guards at home.
