Pros and Cons of Owning a Schipperke
The Schipperke is a unique and lively small breed with deep roots in Belgium. Known as "little captain," this compact dog was originally used on barges to hunt vermin and serve as a vigilant watchdog. While enthusiastic owners praise their intelligence, loyalty, and spunky personality, it's important to understand both the advantages and the challenges of life with a Schipperke.
Pros of Schipperkes
- Highly Intelligent: Schipperkes are bright and learn quickly, making them suitable for advanced obedience, agility, and trick training.
- Loyal and Protective: These dogs form strong bonds with their families and are fiercely loyal, making them excellent companion animals and watchdogs.
- Compact Yet Sturdy: Small but solidly built, Schipperkes adapt well to various living environments, including apartments.
- Low Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing and occasional bathing are generally enough to keep their coat in good shape, outside of shedding season.
- Energetic and Playful: They thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation, excelling in games, hiking, and agility sports.
- Independent Nature: This makes them more self-sufficient than many lap dogs, tolerating short periods alone better than some breeds.
- Healthy and Long-Lived: Schipperkes often live 12–16 years and are generally hardy, though they are prone to a few specific genetic conditions.
Cons of Schipperkes
- Strong-Willed: With their independent streak, Schipperkes can be headstrong and challenging for inexperienced dog owners to train.
- Excessive Barking: Their natural watchdog instinct can make them frequent barkers, which may be problematic in apartment buildings or close neighborhoods.
- High Exercise Needs: They require at least 30–60 minutes of vigorous activity daily, which can be demanding for less active families.
- Potential for Destructive Behavior: Without sufficient stimulation, they may chew, dig, or bark out of boredom.
- Reserved with Strangers: While polite, they often remain cautious or aloof toward people outside their family unit.
- Prey Drive: Their vermin-hunting heritage means they may chase smaller pets and require careful socialization.
- Shedding: Although grooming is low-maintenance, they do shed heavily twice a year and need frequent brushing during this time.
- Sensitivity During Grooming: Many dislike having their paws handled, so nail trims and dental care require early training and patience.
Health Considerations
While generally healthy, Schipperkes can suffer from issues such as patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. A rare but concerning inherited condition is Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIB (MPS IIIB), a degenerative neurological disease. Reputable breeders offer genetic testing to reduce the risk.
Living Requirements
- Housing: Adaptable to houses or apartments, provided they are exercised and mentally stimulated.
- Supervision: They may try to escape fenced yards, so supervision is essential.
- Barking: Not ideal for close-proximity living without bark training.
Trainability and Socialization
Early training and socialization are crucial. Schipperkes respond best to positive reinforcement but can become bored with repetition. Training must include recall commands, as their prey drive may cause them to wander off.
Interaction with Family and Others
- With Children: Best suited for families with older, respectful children.
- With Pets: May get along with dogs if raised with them; caution around smaller animals.
- With Strangers: Initially reserved but can warm up with proper introductions.
Is a Schipperke Right for You?
If you lead an active lifestyle, enjoy mentally engaging training, and are looking for a small but dynamic dog, the Schipperke could be a great match. However, be prepared to manage their barking, strong will, and energy levels.
