--- title: "Schipperke" id: "191556" type: "breeds" slug: "schipperke" published_at: "2022-07-02T04:19:11+00:00" modified_at: "2026-10-17T15:28:46+00:00" url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/schipperke/" markdown_url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/schipperke.md" excerpt: "The Schipperke is a charming and lively breed that boasts a rich history as a loyal companion and dutiful watchdog. Originally hailing from Belgium, these small but mighty dogs were utilized by boatmen to guard their vessels and belongings, a..." taxonomy_breed_group: - "Non-Sporting Group" taxonomy_breed_size: - "Small" --- [Back to Breeds](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/) Small breed # Schipperke Puppies The Belgian “shepherd” dog is a small companion that has proved its worth over time in military and civilian fields. Formerly referred to as Spitzke, the Schipperke exudes so much energy and as such, is known for its agility. Discover more about our [Schipperke puppies for sale](/puppies-for-sale/) below! - Great with kids - Active breed - Alert watchdog [Ask about Schipperke puppies](#pb-ask) We do not have Schipperke puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well. - Exercise 60 min a day ![Schipperke](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/schipperke-1-600x600.jpg) Share[https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpetlandmallofgeorgia.com%2Fbreed%2Fschipperke%2F](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpetlandmallofgeorgia.com%2Fbreed%2Fschipperke%2F) [https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpetlandmallofgeorgia.com%2Fbreed%2Fschipperke%2F&description=Schipperke%20puppies](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpetlandmallofgeorgia.com%2Fbreed%2Fschipperke%2F&description=Schipperke%20puppies) ## About the Schipperke [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.com) The Schipperke is a charming and lively breed that boasts a rich history as a loyal companion and dutiful watchdog. Originally hailing from Belgium, these small but mighty dogs were utilized by boatmen to guard their vessels and belongings, a task they undertook with remarkable enthusiasm and intelligence. Their spirited personality and inquisitive nature make them a delightful addition to any family setting, provided they receive the attention and engagement they crave. Read more about the Schipperke Show less When considering a Schipperke for your home, be prepared for a lively four-legged friend. Known for their playful energy, these dogs enjoy daily exercise and mental stimulation, which can be fulfilled through engaging walks or fun play sessions. They’re quite adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, including apartments, as long as their energetic needs are met. While they tend to bond closely with their families and display moderate affection, it is essential to provide them with proper training to manage their notable barking tendencies. Grooming a Schipperke is a manageable task, with a recommended weekly brushing to keep their thick coat looking its best while minimizing shedding around the house. Although they do shed moderately, their grooming routines can be incorporated into your bonding moments together. Schipperkes generally do well with children and can coexist with other dogs if properly socialized, though they may be a bit more reserved around cats. With their clever and determined nature, they are trainable, making them an excellent fit for families looking for an intelligent and alert companion. If you’re imagining a lively addition to your home, consider the Schipperke, a breed that’s sure to bring joy, laughter, and a touch of mischief to your life. If you find yourself in Petland Mall of Georgia, stop by and meet these playful pups. You may just discover your new best friend. [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.com) ## Schipperke breed profile Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse. ### Temperament - Affection Affectionate - Playfulness Very playful - With strangers Warms up - Territorial Territorial - Prey drive Moderate ### Family & other pets - Young children With supervision - Older children Good - Other dogs Usually fine - Cats Needs care ### Energy & exercise - Energy High - Mental stimulation High ### Training - Trainability Willing learner - Intelligence Very bright - Stubbornness A stubborn streak ### Care & upkeep - Shedding Moderate - Drooling None to speak of - Barking Vocal ### Home life - Apartment living Good - Time alone A few hours - Cold weather Average - Warm weather Average ### A good match for - First-time owners Manageable - Senior owners Suitable - Running partner Moderate - Hiking Good - Therapy work Unlikely - Guarding Alert ## Living with a Schipperke ### History The Schipperke (originally pronounced “sheep-er-ker” but commonly pronounced “skip-er-kee” in America) was probably used during hunts and fishing expeditions as most of the early information surrounding the breed were from articles on hunting and fishing. After years of its existence and being called different names, it was finally accepted as a breed in the early 1880s. It was not until 1889 that its defining characteristics were compiled and published. Some articles relate the Schipperke to the Spitz but they are two different breeds. It is a descendant of the Leauvenaar which was also a shepherd dog exclusive to a province in Belgium. ### Temperament Although the Schipperke exhibits a high level of submission to its master, it is a difficult and mischievous dog, always seeking avenues to cause trouble. Little wonder it is also called “the little black devil”. Nonetheless, their troublesome traits can be managed with consistent training and supervision after which they would become reliable but only to an extent because on some other days, they may reconsider their allegiance. Their ability to do this is also seen in the way they investigate whatever tickles their fancy. They would employ all their skills in satisfying their curiosity which is sometimes to their detriment. When the Schipperkes are around other dogs, they lose all the training they ever had. Their small size doesn’t limit them from trying to intimidate other dogs by barking and making aggressive moves. For a dog lover planning to buy a Schipperke, it would a bad idea to have other dogs around and unless one possesses some experience in dog training and grooming, buying a Schipperke could be a wrong move. ### Environment Due to their high energy levels, the Schipperkes are not to be caged. They need an environment with adequate space to allow them to run around and satisfy their hunger for trouble but this should also be properly fenced to prevent them from taking the trouble outside. They can be kept as household pets as they do not pose to be as aggressive with humans as they are with other animals but this should not be done without training. If kept as household pets, they should be looked after closely and taken out of the yard once in a while. ### Exercise With all the details provided already, it is apparent that the Schipperke loves to “work out” hence, their owners should be lovers of workouts too. The space in the yard should allow them to do some exercise but it is also essential that they are taken out at least once a week. Activities that involve thinking and sourcing are also good ideas for exercise because of how independent and curious the Schipperkes are. If allowed to explore, they should be kept under close watch as they may wander far off just to get answers to the questions they may have. ### Grooming For a furry dog, Schipperkes are relatively cheap to maintain. Their grooming process requires little to no specialty in dog grooming. The basics are a brush to keep the fur looking healthy and a nail clipper to trim the length of the thick nails on their paws. The only major concern arises when they begin to shed their undercoat which only happens twice or thrice a year and maybe more in females. When this happens, warm baths should be taken to help remove the coat faster instead of letting it litter the whole yard. Regular brushing at this time would also help in getting out the blown coat. Our **Schipperke**puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country. The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering **Schipperke**puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. ## Caring for a Schipperke GroomingWeekly brushing Grooming costLow Monthly foodAverage Outdoor spaceA yard is recommended Allergy friendlyNot considered hypoallergenic ## Schipperke Video ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do Schipperke shed a lot? Not a lot. They made shed twice, thrice or a couple more times but not as much as other shepherd dogs. Besides, most of their fur is around their neck. ### Are Schipperke always docked? Almost always. This is why most of the Schipperkes seen online do not have tails but in countries where docking is not allowed, they have the privilege of showing off their bobtails. ### Do Schipperke eat a lot? Yes, they do which puts them at risk of becoming overweight. ### How many puppies can Schipperke give birth to? A Schipperke can give birth to as many as seven puppies in one litter. ### How tall can Schipperke get? The most a Schipperke can grow to is 13 inches. The females top somewhere around 12 inches. ### Are all Schipperkes black? Most Schipperkes are covered with black fur but they could also come in blonde, chocolate, blue or apricot colors. ### What is the Schipperke life expectancy? A healthy Schipperke is expected to live as long as thirteen to fifteen years. ### Are Schipperkes hypoallergenic? Not at all. ### Are Schipperkes smart? Yes, they are. They exhibit a high level of intelligence and inquisitiveness. ### What are Schipperkes used for? Owing to their agility, Schipperkes are often used as watchdogs and guards at home. ## Similar Breeds ![chow-chow](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/chow-chow-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Chow Chow](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/chow-chow/) 1 available ![Keeshond](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/keeshond-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Keeshond](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/keeshond/) 1 available ![Bichon Frise](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/bichon-frise-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Bichon Frise](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/bichon-frise/) ![Boston Terrier](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/boston-terrier-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Boston Terrier](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/boston-terrier/) ## Ready to Meet Them? Call us to check current availability or to arrange a visit with a Schipperke. - [Georgia, GA (678) 324-9046](tel:6783249046) ## Ask About Schipperke Puppies Our pet counselors are ready to help you find your new best friend. "*" indicates required fields ``` Petland Mall of Georgia 4082 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Emily H Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Cathy b Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joey was absolutely a delight to work with! I absolutely loved our conversation. She was very helpful answering questions. Next time I come in, I am definitely going to request joy Posted on Google Chris W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cally was a great sales associate! We appreciate her knowledge showing our girl the dogs! Posted on Google YOOmi R Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was GREAT! Very detailed and knowledgeable! And Timmy mini poodle was so sweet and cute!! Our girls loved the visit! Posted on Google Corina G Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Maleigha S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was a wonderful help and me and my bf had a great chat with him! Very kind professional and kind to us we loved the dogs too shoutout Chocolate. Posted on Google Grace K Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 👍 Posted on Google Alexander S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Blue is SUCH A CUTIE I LOVE HIM SM AGHHH Posted on Google Patrick W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joy was amazing and she was so helpful with information!! ```