Schipperke Facts

The Schipperke is a small dog from Belgium that has been around since the 16th century. It's a fairly popular breed of dog with strong features. It is hardy, hard working and has a good temperament, making it a great choice for a household pet. It's even friendly around young children.

  1. Identification

    • The Schipperke is a small, stocky dog with no tail, typically with a black coat, though it can come in a variety of tan colors.

    Size

    • The average Schipperke stands at a height of only 10 to 13 inches. This gives it an average weight of 12 to 18 pounds.

    Temperament

    • These dogs are small, fast, and full of energy. They are friendly, do well as indoor and apartment dogs and will get along with other animals, including cats.

    Function

    • Originally bred to be small sheepdogs, they are still used by ranchers for this purpose, though they are more of a domesticated dog in general.

    Life Expectancy

    • The average life expectancy of this breed does not differ very much from other small dog breeds. They live for an average of 15 years.