At a glance the quick version
FCI standard; 4-7 kg is the preferred range.
Royal Kennel Club: over 12 years. Wikipedia reports a median of 13 years.
Coat and looks how to spot one
abundant straight double coat
A compact, square little dog with a wedge-shaped head and fine bones. Thick, straight hair forms a showy ruff, mane and frill around the neck and 'culottes' on the back of the thighs, over a soft undercoat.12
Personality what they are like
A lively, inquisitive and quick-witted small dog that keeps an eye on everything. It is devoted and gentle with its family, reserved with strangers, and has a characteristic high-pitched bark.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Up to an hour of exercise a day; an energetic dog that enjoys games and exploring.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brushing more than once a week keeps the double coat in order; it does shed.3
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to a flat or apartment and a small to medium garden.3
Company who they like around
A close family companion that is very gentle with children and naturally watchful around visitors.1
The story where it all began
The Schipperke goes back to at least the 1600s in Flanders, where Brussels tradesmen prized it as a ratter and watchdog. It was first shown in 1882, and after Queen Marie Henriette took one up in 1885 it became Belgium's favourite breed. The first dogs reached England in 1887 and a breed club formed there in 1890.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name is usually read as 'little skipper' or 'little shepherd' in Flemish.3
- 2
It is often called the Belgian barge dog, though Wikipedia notes it mainly worked as a shepherd and ratter rather than on boats.2
- 3
Its Belgian nickname is 'Little Black Devil', and AKC calls it Belgium's 'little captain'.4
- 4
Belgian Resistance members are reported to have used Schipperkes to carry messages in the Second World War.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 83, Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Utility group; not a vulnerable native breed.3
- AKC
- Recognised breed.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Schipperke. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 83 Schipperke fci.beused for origin, classification, weight, coat, colour, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Schipperke en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, lifespan, history, fun facts
- The Royal Kennel Club: Schipperke royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, home size, history
- AKC: Schipperke akc.orgused for temperament, nickname
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.