The Schipperke is an ancient Belgian breed, developed in the Flemish region. Its name means "little boatman," referring to its historical role alongside sailors and boatmen, where it served as a watchdog and pest hunter. It is believed to descend from the Leuvenaar, a breed that also influenced the development of Belgian Shepherds.
Dynamic, curious, and full of character, the Schipperke is a small dog with a big temperament! It is known for its boundless energy, liveliness, and protective instinct, despite its small size.
✨ Breed Characteristics
- Origin: Belgium
- Hypoallergenic? No
📊 Quick Facts
- Weight:
- Male: 5-8 kg
- Female: 3-5 kg
- Height:
- Male: 30-34 cm
- Female: 30-32 cm
- Life expectancy: 13-15 years
- Exercise needs: 1.5 to 2 hours per day
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Possible with sufficient outings)
🧠 Personality (out of 5 stars)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Protective: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Tends to bark to alert)
- Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Can be stubborn, consistent training needed)
- Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Strong instinct for pest hunting)
- Calm: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Energetic and curious, it needs activity)
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🐾 Compatibility with
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Playful and dynamic, but requires structure)
- Other animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Can coexist with good socialization)
- Strangers: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Reserved, tends to bark at strangers)
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Adapts well if its exercise needs are met)
🧼 Maintenance & care
- Ease of maintenance: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Dense coat that requires regular grooming)
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Fairly economical)
- Care frequency:
- Brushing: 1 to 2 times a week to avoid dead hair accumulation
- Baths: Rare, only as needed
- Regular monitoring of ears, eyes, and teeth
- Professional grooming not necessary, but good hygiene is essential
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 600-1100 €
- Average annual cost (veterinary, accessories, food): 200-400 €
🏡 Important note
The Schipperke is a lively and curious dog that loves to explore its environment and participate in family life. It is suited for dynamic owners who can provide firm but positive training.
👉 Perfect for those looking for a compact, playful, and protective dog! 🏡🐾
