Schipperke
A little black fox with a captain's swagger and a pirate's curiosity.
Vital stats
| Size | Small · 25–33 cm |
| Weight | 3–9 kg |
| Life expectancy | 13–15 years |
| Energy | High — 45–60 min/day plus games |
| Shedding | Moderate, with heavy seasonal blows |
| Coat | Black double coat with mane and culottes |
| Group | Non-sporting · FCI №83 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
A barge needs a dog that misses nothing, and the Schipperke still runs that watch: every visitor logged, every cupboard inspected, every oddity announced. Behind the vigilance sits a playful, devoted companion — clever, wilful, long-lived and convinced that small print about 'small dog' does not apply to it.
Habits & quirks
Harbour patrol
Perimeter checks are conducted hourly; discrepancies will be barked in.
The cupboard inspector
Anything opened, delivered or dropped must be personally investigated.
Houdini gene
Gaps in fences and doors left ajar are treated as formal invitations.
Full-tilt zoomies
Bursts of laps around the house, ideally ending on the back of the sofa.
Care
| Exercise | Under an hour of walking daily, but the brain needs as much work as the legs — games, puzzles, jobs. |
| Training | Clever and quick, but independent; keep sessions short, rewarding and one step ahead of boredom. |
| Containment | A secure garden and a lead near roads — curiosity plus speed makes a bolter. |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing suffices until the undercoat blows, then brush daily for a fortnight. |
Common questions
Do Schipperkes bark a lot?
Yes — they were bred to be tiny alarm systems and take the job seriously. Early training to a 'quiet' cue, plenty of activity and rewarding calm all help.
Are Schipperkes good apartment dogs?
Size-wise, perfectly; noise-wise, only with committed training and daily exercise. A bored Schipperke will narrate the corridor's every footstep.
Are Schipperkes easy to train?
They learn fast and love to work, but they have an independent streak and their own agenda. Short, playful, consistent sessions get far better results than drilling.