🐶 Dog · size Medium
Schipperke
dog breed
Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)
Weight
5–30 kg
Size
Medium
Lifespan
11–14 ans
Energy
Élevé
Origin
Belgique
Coat
Black.
Maintenance
Faible
Training
Très élevé
The Schipperke is the name of a dog breed. It is a small dog with a black coat of Belgian origin, from the Brussels-Louvain region. Its name comes from the Dutch "little navigator." It was a dog living on barges and a companion of barge operators. It is the smallest herding dog known and an excellent hunter of mice and various rodents.
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Élevé
Trainability
Très élevé
Maintenance
Faible
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Medium size (5–30 kg) — a balance between presence and practicality.
- 2Average lifespan: 11 to 14 years, depending on maintenance and diet.
- 3High energy level — at least 1 hour of daily activity for their balance.
- 4Minimal maintenance — minimal shedding, occasional brushing.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Schipperke
Origins & history
A story told
The Schipperke is certainly a very ancient breed; its origins date back to the end of the 17th century where it is located in the regions of Antwerp, Louvain and Brussels. The Schipperke is the reduced format of a pure lupoid. As such, it lacks the fancy characteristics that man has voluntarily fixed in many breeds. It is not a "manufactured" variety. Its smallness, which was obtained through selection, is the only point that testifies to a true evolution. The Schipperke is therefore the reduction of a dog that was of the same type as it, but much larger. This dog would have been the Louvenaer, or dog of Louvain. (theory of Ch. Huge)
Physical
Breed standard
The Schipperke should be full of liveliness, alert in bearing, with a body structure giving an impression of boldness and vigor. For this it needs a powerful body on its fine and nervous legs, a broad chest at the front, broad behind the shoulders and the loin broad and muscular. Because of their structure, these small black solid-colored dogs must be strong and sturdy, but not without elegance. They are mediolinear in structure and lupoid in type. When viewed in profile, the body outline should be approximately inscribable in a square. The head resembling that of a fox with a fairly broad forehead narrowing toward the eyes, carries well-placed and straight triangular ears. The coat is abundant and resistant to the touch, it forms a mane and jabot extending between the front legs and on the back of the thighs a culotte whose points are directed inward. Weight of 3 to 9 kg. It is an endearing breed totally deserving of confidence, a dog that in all circumstances remains balanced and sure. Neither vindictive nor fearful, an excellent and faithful small guard dog, untiring sportsman, inveterate player, this little herder needs to expend itself usefully and have regular exercise. Very gentle with children, the Schipperke is a lovely little dog, unobtrusive, adapting very quickly to all living environments, whose training begun early with calm and gentleness will present no difficulty.
Chapter 2
Daily life
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Schipperke of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of schipperke (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a schipperke ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 11–14 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.
Equivalent human age
29years
Adulte
Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.
Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +5 per year for a moyen dog.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Alert
To avoid for dog
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- low-fat cocoa powderModerate
- maltitolModerate
- cocoa pasteModerate
- onion piecesModerate
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a schipperke ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
221 g
per day · 839 kcal
111 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.
Maintenance
Daily care
It requires relatively little intensive care, such as brushing and combing daily.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Schipperke
Is the Schipperke suitable for apartment living?+
How much exercise per day does a Schipperke need?+
What is the lifespan of a Schipperke?+
Is the Schipperke good with children?+
If you like this dog
Breeds with similar profiles
For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Schipperke.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.