Overview
The Schipperke worked on the canal barges of Flanders as a ratter and watchdog, and it still behaves like a dog with a boat to guard. It is small, solidly built, tailless or nearly so, with a thick black coat and pricked ears that miss nothing. Schipperkes are devoted to their families and suspicious of anything out of place.
They are not common in Britain but have a loyal following. For a walker they are entertaining, mischievous and far more dog than the size suggests.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour a day across two walks keeps an adult content, with some off-lead time in a safe place if the recall is good. The breed is agile and enjoys exploring, and a walk with a bit of training and sniffing beats a straight march.
The dense coat handles cold well. Heat is less comfortable, so shade and water in summer.
On the walk
- Recall: Often good but quick to switch off for a squirrel or a cat. Lead on near roads and build the recall with high value rewards.
- Noise: A natural watchdog that barks at anything unexpected. Reward quiet and move on rather than making a fuss.
- Other dogs: Confident and sometimes pushy with larger dogs. Match it with calm companions and watch the greetings.
- Small prey: Ratting instincts remain. Hedgerows, compost heaps and anything that rustles will be investigated.
Tips for professional walkers
- Use a harness; the thick neck ruff makes a collar easy to slip.
- Keep the dog busy with short tasks on the walk to channel its curiosity.
- Check the coat for burrs and ticks after walks through long grass.
- Avoid walking alongside very large, bouncy dogs that the Schipperke may challenge.
What to ask the owner
- How reliable is the recall around squirrels and cats, and where is the dog let off?
- Does the dog bark a lot on walks, and how does the owner handle it?
- Any thyroid or joint issues the vet is monitoring?