The Schipperke is affectionately known as the “little black devil.” Originating in Belgium, these fearless little dogs were bred as watchdogs and ratters. Small in size but big in character, they’ve long been prized for their devotion, intelligence, and boundless energy.
Schipperke Traits at a Glance
- Best trait: Fun, lively companions
- Challenging trait: Barking if not trained early
- Weight: 20–28 kg
- Height: 46–56 cm
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
Exercise Needs
Schipperkes are incredibly active and require at least one good walk every day, along with plenty of playtime. They may be small, but they have the stamina of a much larger breed.
They can adapt to apartment or flat living if their exercise needs are met, but they’ll be happiest with access to a secure garden.
Remember: a bored Schipperke will quickly turn to nuisance behaviours such as barking, chewing, or digging. Keep them busy with walks, play, and mental stimulation.
Temperament
Schipperkes are fearless, alert, and full of spirit. They adore being part of family life but often bond most closely with one special person. They’re fantastic with older children, running around for hours in the garden, and affectionate companions indoors.
Watchdogs and Strangers
Schipperkes are excellent watchdogs. They’re alert to every sound and will happily announce visitors with a bark. While they’re deeply devoted to family, they can be suspicious of strangers, so early socialisation is essential.
Living With a Schipperke
- Other dogs: Usually fine, though two males may clash.
- Cats and small animals: They may live peacefully with cats if raised together, but outdoors, their hunting instincts kick in.
- Recall: Their chase drive means they can be unreliable off-lead. A secure garden or long training lead is safest.
- House training: Can sometimes be tricky; patience is needed.
Training a Schipperke
Schipperkes are intelligent and relatively easy to train, though they are independent thinkers. Keep training varied and fun to hold their attention. Identify their reward motivation early — usually food or toys — and avoid harsh methods.
For extra help, you can use Pickles, our AI Dog Trainer, who gives personalised advice for common training struggles.
Grooming Needs
Their coat is short, dense, and low-maintenance. They shed moderately all year, with heavier shedding in spring and autumn. Weekly brushing will keep them looking neat and reduce hair around the home.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Schipperke
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Loyal, devoted companions | Can be very barky if under-stimulated |
| Active and playful | Strong prey drive, unreliable recall |
| Great with older children | Not ideal for homes with small pets |
| Low-maintenance coat | Can be tricky to house-train |
Health Notes
Schipperkes are generally robust but can be prone to:
- Patellar luxation – kneecap issues are common in small breeds
- Eye problems – such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
- Obesity – they gain weight easily if overfed
If you’re buying a puppy, make sure you use our Best in Breeder Guide to ask the right health questions before committing.
History & Background
The Schipperke is also known as the “Belgian Barge Dog”, “Little Captain”, and, of course, the “Little Black Devil.” They were first noted in the 15th century, with writings from the monk Wenceslas describing small black dogs used as ratters.
In the 1800s, Belgian gentlemen would craft special brass collars for their Schipperkes and proudly parade them through towns. On barges, they served as loyal companions, rat-catchers, and watchdogs for the cargo.
Famous Schipperke Owners
Schipperkes have charmed owners worldwide with their bold spirit and unique look.
- Belgian nobility – The breed was especially prized among Belgian gentry in the 1800s.
- American households – The breed gained popularity in the US during the 20th century as a lively companion dog.
- Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium is often credited with helping to popularise the breed beyond its working-class roots.
Their fearless energy and mischievous charm have made them stand out wherever they’ve gone.
Great Names for Schipperkes
Schipperkes are named after their devilish charm and Belgian heritage.
Devilish & Fun Names
Shadow, Mischief, Loki, Jet
Elegant Names
Onyx, Midnight, Stella, Hugo
Belgian-Inspired Names
Bruges, Flandre, Hugo, Margot
For even more ideas, try our Dog Name Generator for personalised suggestions.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Schipperke?
The first weeks with a new puppy can be overwhelming. Our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner is designed to help you stay on track with routines, training, and milestones, while keeping your memories safe.
Pickles’ Aside:
“Schipperkes are called little black devils for a reason. Blink once, and they’ve outsmarted you. Blink twice, and they’ve eaten your sandwich.”
Schipperke Stats
- Origin: Belgium
- Weight: 20–28 kg
- Height: 46–56 cm
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Best trait: Fun and devoted
- Challenging trait: Barking