Breed profile

Schipperke

The "little captain" of Belgian boats. A small black spitz with a short tail or no tail at all. Lively, alert and prone to barking. An excellent watchdog in a small package.

Origin: Bélgica Size: Pequeño Lifespan: 13-16 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Mizuu editorial teamupdated on October 14, 2026Not yet reviewed by a vet. Are you a vet? Review itReport an error

Ideal for

Active families
Anyone looking for a charismatic dog in a small format

Reconsider if

×Homes with pet rodents
×Anyone looking for a submissive dog

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Is the Schipperke a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

Estimated cost of ownership

45-80 €/month

Food for a small active dog €20-30; parasite control €8-15; pro-rated vaccinations and check-ups €15-20; toys and activities €5-15. The MPS IIIB genetic test is a one-off cost in breeding.

History and origin

Recognised by the FCI. Originating in Belgium. The "little captain" of Belgian boats.

Temperament and character

Lively, alert and brave. Forms a strong bond with its family. High hunting instinct. A barker. Firm, positive training is essential.

Living together

Children: with older, respectful children. **Other dogs:** variable. **Rodents:** strong prey drive.

Life stages of the Schipperke

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 13-16 años.

Puppy

0-12 months

Socialisation of the small, alert and lively watchdog; channelling its curiosity and guarding instinct.

Young

1-3 years

Daily exercise and mental stimulation; consistent training; patellar monitoring.

Adult

3-9 years

Weight control, dental health and thyroid blood tests; ophthalmological check-up.

Senior

9+ years

Eye check-ups (retinal atrophy) and joint check-ups; periodic thyroid monitoring.

Care

Exercise: 60-90 min/day plus scent games.

Brushing: 2-3 times/week; hand-stripping every 8-10 weeks if the coat is wiry.

Feeding: matched to its high energy levels.

Vet: annual check-up.

Care in detail

Nutrition

Quality food for small active breeds, with a ration matched to its high energy and weight. Measured treats during training.

Grooming

Black double coat with a characteristic ruff: brushing 2-3 times a week, more intensively during moulting. Simple upkeep, with no clipping required.

Training

Lively, clever and rather stubborn; it needs firm, positive training from puppyhood. It is worth working early on bark control and recall because of its hunting instinct.

Exercise

High: 60-90 minutes daily across walks, play and scent work. It is a tireless watchdog in a small package.

Breed-specific health

Patellar luxation. Retinal atrophy. Life expectancy 13-16 years.

Health predispositions for this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

Luxación de rótula Atrofia progresiva de retina Hipotiroidismo

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

Dermatitis atópica Tiña (dermatofitosis)Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)Gastroenteritis Parvovirosis canina Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Schipperke

Recommended tests and screenings

Genetic test for mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPS IIIB)
Patellar luxation assessment
Ophthalmological examination (retinal atrophy)
Thyroid function (T4/TSH)
Full blood count and biochemistry

Prevention

Genetic testing for MPS IIIB in breeding stock to avoid this storage disease; weight control to protect the kneecaps; plenty of exercise and mental work to channel its energy and its tendency to bark.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with patellar assessment and eye examination; periodic thyroid monitoring.

Warning signs

!Loss of coordination, tremors or regression in young adults (MPS IIIB)
!Skipping gait or intermittent weight-bearing on one leg (patella)
!Stumbling in low light or loss of vision (retinal atrophy)
!Excessive barking or boredom-related behaviours
!Lethargy or weight gain (hypothyroidism)

Schipperke gallery

Foto de la raza schipperke — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Schipperke

How long does a Schipperke live?

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The life expectancy of the Schipperke is 13-16 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Schipperke weigh?

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An adult Schipperke weighs between 4-9 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño.

Where does the Schipperke breed come from?

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The Schipperke originates from Bélgica. Recognised by the FCI. Originating in Belgium. The "little captain" of Belgian boats.

How much exercise does a Schipperke need?

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The Schipperke has alta energy. **Exercise:** 60-90 min/day plus scent games.

Is the Schipperke good with children?

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**Children:** with older, respectful children. **Other dogs:** variable. **Rodents:** strong prey drive.

Who is the Schipperke NOT recommended for?

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It isn't the right breed for: Homes with pet rodents. Anyone looking for a submissive dog. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Schipperke have?

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Patellar luxation. Retinal atrophy. Life expectancy 13-16 years.

Why is it called the 'little captain'?

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It accompanied bargemen and boats on the Belgian canals, where it guarded the cargo and hunted rats. Hence its name, which in Flemish means 'little shepherd or bargeman'.

Does it bark a lot?

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Yes, it is an alert and very vocal watchdog. With early bark training and enough exercise it stays under control.

Is it suitable for a flat?

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Yes, its size means it adapts well to flat living, as long as it gets its 60-90 minutes of daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Can I keep it with a hamster or rodents?

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It is not advisable. It has a high prey drive towards rodents and small animals, a legacy of its rat-catching past.

What is MPS IIIB?

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It is a genetic storage disease present in the breed. A genetic test on the breeding animals allows it to be avoided; it is worth asking a responsible breeder for the results.

Learn more about dogs

Practical veterinary guides to support your Schipperke.

First day at home

Settling into the new home

Socialisation

How and when to socialise

Behaviour

Positive training

Parasite control

Complete schedule

Vet emergencies

When to rush in

Senior dog

Care from age 7

Sources and references

Content compiled from official breed standards and leading veterinary sources.

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