Confident, Alert, Curious
Standing no higher than 13 inches, Schipperkes are small dogs built for hard work. Schips were created as ratters and watchdogs. Their powerful jaws, necks, and forequartersโcoupled with a stealthy, catlike hunting styleโmake them ideal rat-catching machines. The black coat is prโฆ
Energy
80%
Shedding
60%
Trainability
40%
Grooming
40%
Friendliness
60%
Coat Type
Short coat
Weekly Brushing
dog food
Best value grain-free option โ great for active dogsโฆ
toys
Best fetch ball โ pairs perfectly with the Chuckit launcherโฆ
beds
Best lifestyle orthopedic bed โ Casper's mattress tech in a premium aeโฆ
health
Best DNA test overall โ unmatched health screening depthโฆ
training
Best budget GPS tracker โ lighter and cheaper with health monitoringโฆ
grooming
Best probiotic coat spray โ supports skin microbiome health between baโฆ
Needs 60-90 minutes active exercise daily; thrives with a job or sport.
Seasonal shedder โ daily brushing during spring and fall coat blows is essential.
Recommended for experienced owners โ high owner difficulty rating of 8/10.
Urban-friendly: adapts well to flat or townhouse living provided daily exercise is consistent.
A protective temperament makes it a reliable companion for the right household.
Schipperke Cost Calculator
Puppy price, annual costs & lifetime estimate โ
FCI Group
Group 1 โ Sheepdogs and Cattledogs
Section
Herdershonden
Status
recognized