Schipperke

Breed Type: Non-Sporting
Common nicknames: Spits, Spitzke, Little Black Fox
Coat: Double
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Energetic, playful, loyal, gentle
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Color & patterns: Black
Hero image
Schipperke - black
Schipperke - black
Schipperke - black
With their distinctive black coats and fox-like faces, Schipperkes are truly captivating. Affectionately known as “Little Black Devils” due to their mischievous streak, Schipperkes are intelligent, agile, and full of personality. Standing at around 10 to 13 inches tall, they may be small in size, but they make up for it with their fearless and spirited nature. Whether mastering new tricks, participating in dog sports, or simply delighting you with their playful antics, the Schipperke’s independent and curious nature makes them a fascinating companion. Their alertness and natural curiosity also make them excellent watchdogs, and their devotion to their families is unmatched. Embrace the spunky charm of the Schipperke and welcome a playful, loyal companion who will brighten every moment of your life.

Schipperke characteristics

Learn about about Schipperke basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Schipperke facts.

Average height

9-14 inches (22.9-35.6cm)

Average weight

9-19 pounds (4.1-8.6 kg)

Average lifespan

12-15 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training Aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
Do Schipperke shed?

Yes, Schipperkes shed, but they are considered moderate shedders. They have a double coat that tends to shed more heavily twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. Regular grooming can help minimize shedding and keep their coat in good condition.

How big do Schipperkes get?

Schipperkes will grow to be between 9 and 13 inches high and weigh between seven and 20 pounds. Males tend to be bigger than females.

Do Schipperkes have tails?

Yes, Schipperkes have tails. The natural tail of a Schipperke is typically carried high and may curve over the dog’s back. The medically unnecessary and outdated practice of tail docking, removing a portion of the tail for cosmetic purposes, has been historically associated with the breed, but it is not a natural trait and is widely discouraged by veterinarians and animal advocates.

How many types of Schipperke are there?

Apart from color variation, there is just one type of Schipperke.

How long do Schipperkes live?

Healthy Schipperkes will live to be between 12 and 16 years old. Lifespans can vary depending on a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall care.

When do Schipperkes stop growing?

Schipperkes typically reach their full size when they are between 12 and 15 months old. Some dogs may continue to fill out until about 18 months old. After this time, dogs may still gain weight due to muscle development changes, but they won’t get much taller.

How do you pronounce Schipperke?

“Schipperke” is pronounced “SKIP-ur-kee,” with the emphasis on the first syllable. It’s a Dutch word, so the “sch” sound is similar to the English “sk” sound.

Schipperke history

Learn about where this Schipperke came from!

What were Schipperkes bred for?

Schipperkes can be traced back to Belgium in the 1600s, where they were bred down from the now-extinct sheepdog Leauvenaar. They were used as watchdogs, companions, ratters, and shepherds.

Where are Schipperkes from?

Schipperkes are from Belgium.

Schipperke temperament

Learn about about the Schipperke temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Schipperkes good with kids?

Yes, Schipperkes are known to be incredibly gentle, affectionate, and kind with kids, and they have the boisterous energy to match those of active older kids. As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Schipperke to keep both the child and dog safe. It’s important for pet parents to teach their dogs how to gently interact with children and for parents to teach kids how to gently interact with all dog breeds and recognize when they need space.

Are Schipperkes good family dogs?

Yes, Schipperkes make wonderful family dogs. They have a boisterous, good-natured energy, love to be included in family life, and are generally playful and loyal. They have a mischievous side, too, which is why they are sometimes referred to as the “Tasmanian Black Devil.”

Schipperkes are also generally great with kids, but, as with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Do Schipperkes bark a lot?

Yes, Schipperkes are known for barking a lot, as they are alert and vocal dogs. Historically, they have been used as watchdogs aboard ships and herders of livestock. Schipperkes bark to alert, and they’re proud of themselves for doing so. As with any dog, they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

Are Schipperkes good with cats?

No, Schipperkes are not always good with cats. They were used as ratters aboard ships and have a high prey drive, so they will likely give chase to your cat. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, and you can feel fairly confident your Schipperke, if properly socialized to your cat and introduced at a young age, should get along with a cat just fine.

Are Schipperkes good with other dogs?

Schipperkes can be reserved or assertive toward other dogs, especially dogs of the same sex, and may show dominant behavior. Early introduction to another dog, especially if they are raised together, can help your Schipperke be more friendly with other dogs. Supervised interactions and training can also be helpful in teaching them appropriate behavior around other dogs.

Are Schipperkes smart?

Yes, Schipperkes are known for being smart. They are quick learners and are often described as clever and resourceful. They excel in obedience, agility, and rally, thanks to their eagerness to please. They are also known for their independent streak, which can sometimes translate into them finding creative solutions to problems. Schipperkes thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy activities and games that challenge their minds.

Are Schipperkes cuddly?

Schipperkes can be affectionate, but whether they are cuddly depends on the individual dog’s personality. Some are quite cuddly and enjoy snuggling up with their parents, while others may be more independent and prefer their space.

Are Schipperkes good for first-time pet parents?

Schipperkes can be a good choice for first-time dog parents, but they do require careful consideration and commitment due to their energetic nature and strong personalities. You should consider if you can provide daily walks, playtime, and activities to keep a Schipperke mentally and physically stimulated, provide them with adequate training, socialization and grooming. You may want to enlist the help of an experienced trainer if you are a first-time dog parent.

Are Schipperkes good guard dogs?

Yes, Schipperkes are naturally alert and possess strong watchdog instincts, making them good guard dogs. They are often wary of strangers and are quick to alert their parents to any perceived threats or changes in their environment. Despite being small, they have quite a vocal bark.

Are Schipperkes good therapy dogs?

No, while Schipperkes have many wonderful qualities, they are not typically recognized as good therapy dogs due to their high energy levels and independent natures. However, every dog is unique, and there may be some Schipperkes who excel in therapy work with the right training, socialization, and temperament.

Are Schipperkes good apartment dogs?

Schipperkes can adapt to apartment living, but they are better suited for homes with access to a fenced-in yard where they can run and play freely. Schipperkes are active dogs who require regular exercise and are known for their alertness and tendency to bark, which can be a concern in apartments.

Are Schipperkes easy to train?

No, Schipperkes are a willful and feisty breed and can be time-consuming to train. A patient trainer with a sense of humor and who uses lots of praise and positive reinforcement techniques is necessary to train this dog.

However, it's also important to note that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Schipperke health

Learn about about the Schipperke health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Do Schipperkes have health problems?

Schipperkes are a sturdy little breed with a relatively long lifespan. Like most dogs, they may be prone to some health issues, including: 

  • Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis.

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes: This is a condition that causes the head of the femur (located in a dog’s hind leg) to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, this will lead to erosion of the hip joint and arthritis. A Schipperke suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes will become lame, limp while walking, and experience pain when moving the hip joint. Surgery is the most effective treatment for the disorder.

  • Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place, causing pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

  • Eye problems: Schipperkes may experience eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness; distichiasis, an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, the extra eyelashes and abnormal location result in irritation to the eye; entropion, a genetic defect where one or both eyelids are inverted or roll inward and rub on the surface of the eye; and cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision.

  • Others: Schipperkes are susceptible to epilepsy; hypothyroidism, a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat; as well as a genetic disease called mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB. MPS IIIB is classified as a lysosomal storage disease, a disorder that prevents the metabolic enzymes necessary for normal bodily function from being produced by the body. Signs of MPS IIIB include balance problems, trouble navigating steps, and exercise intolerance. It is a progressive disease without adequate treatment.

Are Schipperke hypoallergenic?

No, Schipperkes are not hypoallergenic. Regular grooming practices such as brushing and bathing can help reduce allergens on a dog’s coat and skin, though.

Popular Schipperke mixes

Breeds that are commonly mixed with Schipperkes include Pomeranians, Poodles, and Shih Tzus. A few common Schipperke mixes include:

  • Schip-A-Pom (Schipperke + Pomeranian)

  • Schipper-Poo (Schipperke + Poodle)

  • Skip-Shzu (Schipperke + Shih Tzu)

Schipperke Mixes picture

Find Schipperke puppies near you

Adopting a Schipperke

We don't see any Schipperkes available for adoption in your exact location or cities near you, but here are some adorable similar breeds in Columbus, OH.

Photo of Mars

Mars

Shiba Inu Beagle

Male, 6 mos

Columbus, OH

Color
Red/Golden/Orange/Chestnut - with White
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Not good with cats
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
My name is Mars and I’m looking for my forever home. I was born in October, so I’m still a puppy. I weigh 21 lbs and a bundle of energy! Yeah, I'm cute, aren't I? I’m a Shiba mix and I live in my foster home in Columbus, OH. My mother was a Shiba who was found as a stray with a belly full of puppies! SIRA did a DNA test and learned that our dad was a Beagle mix. I’m great with other dogs, especially if they love to run and jump and play like I do. I’ve never met a cat, but I bet I’d be curious and would want to play. I’ve met human kids – little and big - and I love playing with them too! My favorite things to do (besides playing) are getting held, belly rubs, or when I can snuggle up next to foster dad for a nap. Foster dad says I’m really smart! I’m learning how to walk on a leash. I’m not a huge fan of wearing a harness and I’m in that awkward puppy phase, so I’m kind of uncoordinated and distracted by every interesting smell or movement or noise. When foster dad leaves the house, he puts me in my kennel or in a puppy-proof room just so I don’t get into things I’m not supposed to. I’m treat-motivated and will sit and go into my kennel for a treat at bedtime. I’m good in my kennel as long as there is another dog nearby. If I’m by myself, I may sing the song of my people before settling down. So if your home shares walls with neighbors, I may not be the best fit. I’m working on potty training. I can be inconsistent, so I do best when I’m on a very regular schedule. I’m a healthy boy – neutered and vaccinated. I’m not at all skittish. I LOVE food and will over-indulge if given the chance. I am very curious about new things and can solve a new treat puzzle in no time! So far, I like sticking close to my foster dad and the other dogs here – I haven’t shown the typical Shiba urge to escape on an adventure. If you live in the Midwest and want a happy-go-lucky love-bug like me to be your bff, visit //www.savingshibas.com/adopt to apply to become an approved SIRA adopter. The application process helps SIRA make sure we’ll be a good match. Once approved, SIRA will connect you with my foster dad so we can meet! Hooray!
Photo of Amara

Amara

Shiba Inu

Female, 3 yrs 8 mos

Columbus, OH

Color
Tricolor (Tan/Brown & Black & White)
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids
Not good with dogs
Not good with cats
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
My name is Amara and I’m a princess looking for my forever throne... I mean, home. My name means “immortal” and it’s fitting for a princess like me. I’m a 3-y.o. and a petite 17 lbs. I came to my foster home here in Columbus, OH, from a commercial breeding facility. I’m still getting used to living in a home with humans, so I am shy and skittish at first. But once I know you, I might let you pet me and rub my back... if I’m in the mood to be adored. If you’re looking for a quintessential Shiba, look no further! I have opinions. I like to do what I want - I am not easily swayed by humans and their commands and treats. (Well, in truth. I do like treats!) So far, being a beloved pet is quite suitable. There are soft places to sleep and plentiful food and water. I enjoy reclining within view of my foster dad. He is a dutiful servant and I’m quite fond of him. There are other dogs here and this can be vexing. I decline to join their roughhousing, and I remind them regularly to stay away from my food, my water, my treats and my boudoir (my kennel). Foster dad agrees that I’d do best as an only dog. I might co-exist with a cat, if they kept their distance. If my forever home has well-trained adults and older children, that would be suitable. But no small children, please. I enjoy exploring indoors or spending time near my human. I rest in my kennel when foster dad is not at home and I know how to request to go outside when I need to. However, I strongly object to the harness and leash contraption that foster dad keeps attempting. He says I will enjoy going for walks once I am accustomed. Hrmph! I am a healthy girl, spayed and vaccinated. I have a mild heart murmur, but the vet says that it should not cause concern or require medication. My forever home should have a securely fenced yard and no small children or other dogs, unless you are accustomed to managing resource guarding. You should have experience preventing escapes, since Shibas are expert-level escape artists. If you live in the Midwest and would like to serve a beautiful princess like me, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to apply to become an approved SIRA adopter. The application process helps SIRA ensure that we would be a good match. Once approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster dad, so we can meet!
Photo of Jessie

Jessie

Pomeranian

Male, adult

Sunbury, OH

Color
Red/Golden/Orange/Chestnut
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
Please contact Jetta (Jetta.elliott@att.net) for more information about this pet.Five year-old male PomeranianJessie is a very happy and active little guy. He is approximately five years old. He is a rescue from a dog breeding operation. He’s received two teeth cleanings, he’s recently been groomed again, he is micro chipped, current on vaccinations, and of course he has been neutered. He is currently located with a Foster of Ozark Homeward Bound animal rescue in Harrison, Arkansas. Rescue pets are transported to a location near you via the rescue network transport. May 15, 2025, 1:57 pm
Photo of Vivian-PMRT

Vivian-PMRT

Pomeranian

Female, adult

Pataskala, OH

Color
Tricolor (Tan/Brown & Black & White)
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Vivian's adoption donation is $500 and she is being fostered in the Cincinnati area. She has been spayed, microchipped, received her rabies, distemper/parvo, bivalent canine influenza and Bordetella vaccines, tested negative for heartworm and started on prevention, as well as flea prevention. She has also had a dental cleaning.Vivian is a 5 year old, 8 pound Pomeranian girl ready for a kind and patient person! She came into rescue from an Amish breeder so she has slowly been realizing how kind people can be. She's a nervous girl, but never aggressive. With some coaxing, she will come up to you and sweetly nuzzle your hand when you get down on her level. She loves to curl up in a bed in the kitchen and watch the happenings. She will also prance around with her Pom-twirl as she follows you when you get home. She is starting to enjoy sitting in your lap on the sofa, and when she wants off the sofa, she will lie on the ground at your feet. She has not learned how to do stairs and is still learning to relax when being gently carried. She also still tends to jump and be a little startled by the normal sounds of a home (vacuum, microwave, etc). She will seek out the comfort of her dog bed or a quiet room.She does well with other dogs and friendly cats, though she is not playful with them. We think Vivian could also be happy as the only animal in the home.When she hears a squeaky toy, even in another room of the house, she becomes quite anxious and panicked, running around frantically. We don't know why this is, but she would be much happier in a home with NO squeaky toys. And she would continue to blossom in an only-adult home.She has done very well with potty-training, and she is crate-trained at night. Walking on a leash is still a newer skill for her, but we have seen her make such progress in rescue that with some patience we are sure she could become more comfortable. She does not require a fenced-in yard as she runs outside to do her business and then quickly back in. She is not a barky girl, though we have heard her gruff little bark sometimes when the other dogs in her foster home are barking outside.She tolerates brushing very well, an important quality in maintaining the beautiful coat of a Pomeranian!We can see how Vivian is such a sweet and loving petite Pom. As she learns to trust people to love and care for her, she will become such a happy, confident girl.!Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.PLEASE NOTE: If you are viewing this biography on a website other than the Ohio Fuzzy Pawz website like Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet, or another search engine (the OFP website is www.ohiofuzzypawz.com), not all information transfers to partner websites in some instances. If you go to the individual webpage of our dogs , you will be able to get more information each dog. Visual breed identification in dogs can be unreliable so, in many cases, we are only guessing at the predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not by breed label. Our Adoption Process The adoption process has several steps involved. Please review prior to submitting an application. Our adoption process is detailed here: http://www.ohiofuzzypawz.com/info/adoption Our volunteers work very diligently to process each application and we try to ensure that we are making the best match possible for each dog. We do not schedule meetings with dogs until an application has been approved. It can take up to a few weeks to process an application or as little time as a few days, from the time you submit an application, please be prepared to adopt as we cannot hold dogs. Special Requirements Some dogs may have special requirements (for example, medications, a fence) -- if you apply for a dog, please be sure to read over the biography completely to see if there are any special needs and if you're home would be suitable. If we indicate on the dog's biography that a fence is required, this means your home must have a physical fence. Other dogs may require a "strong vet reference" which indicates that we are looking for a home that has a documented history of veterinary care with previous pets. The first step in our process is to submit an online adoption application at www.ohiofuzzypawz.com/forms. The application MUST include the personal references and veterinary, grooming, and landlord references (if applicable) and their respective contact information. If you do not include the references and the contact information, your application will be delayed as it CANNOT be processed. Once the references have been successfully completed, a home visit is then scheduled when a rescue representative can meet all members of the family or residents of the home. No application is approved prior to the home visit being done. At that point, the Directors will discuss any and all applications on a foster dog and make a selection--in many cases, there are multiple applications for each dog, so please be understanding that our only priority is the successful placement of each of our foster dogs. Out of State Adoptions We do adopt out of state to outstanding applicants, however, our process requires a home visit, so out of state adoptions can take longer. We do not ship our dogs, adopters should be prepared to pick up the dog in Central Ohio. May 12, 2025, 6:54 pm
Photo of Edna

Edna

Pomeranian

Female, adult

Ashville, OH

Color
Black
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Not good with kids
Good with dogs
Not good with cats
Spayed or Neutered
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Online Adoption Application › Welcome Miss Edna to DASH. This beautiful, sweet, smart little girl came to DASH with several other dogs from an Amish situation where she was not cared for very well and spent her young life in a cage. She is a little shy at first when meeting new people, but warms up very quickly and then her tail and behind won't stop wagging. She is just learning what it means to live inside and be a dog, so she is still working on her potty training, something her new family will need to continue helping her with, but she is doing great when kept on a schedule. She is crate trained, but her current foster does not crate her while away and she has not been destructive at all. She is also still working on her leash manners, as she had never been on one before. She loves other dogs and a doggie sibling in her new home would be great. She is the most gentle soul, but has the heart of a puppy when she gets the zoomies around her fosters fenced in back yard. She has not been kid or cat tested. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.May 5, 2025, 10:44 am
Photo of Rueben

Rueben

Pomeranian

Male, adult

Ashville, OH

Color
Brown/Chocolate
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Not good with kids
Not good with dogs
Not good with cats
Spayed or Neutered
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Online Adoption Application › Meet Reuben! Reuben came DASH with his brother in hopes of finding a new home. He is a young smaller guy who loves to be with his human and would love to be petted all day long. Reuben is currently in the DASH Prison Training program where he is learning basic training commands and working on walking in a leash. He is a well behaved boy who is housetrained and crate trained. Reuben loves to play with other pups, play with toys, but most of all he loves to relax and lay around with his human. If Reuben sounds like a match for you please fill out an application to make this boy yours forever! Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.May 13, 2025, 3:56 pm