An Honest and Complete Guide
Belgians once called this dog the Little Black Devil. One look at how it runs a household and you understand why.
The Schipperke (pronounced SKIP er kee, not SHIP er kee) is a small Belgian breed with an oversized personality. Originally a watchdog and ratter on canal barges, this fox faced black dog is fearless, independent, and acts as though every decision in the house ultimately belongs to it. Loyal and energetic with its people, the Schipperke can make a fantastic companion, but only for owners who can handle a tiny dog that believes it is in charge of everything.
• Nicknamed the “Little Black Devil” for good reason
• Had its own specialty dog show as early as 1690
• Small, black, dense coated, fox like face
• High energy, fearless, and highly alert
• Independent and intelligent
• Not ideal for first time or low energy owners
Photo via k9rl.com, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Schipperke is a small, sturdy, usually solid black dog with a thick double coat, upright ears, and a distinctive fox like expression.
History of the Schipperke
Picture a tiny black dog standing on the deck of a Belgian canal barge in the 1600s, barking at every stranger who approached, chasing rats through the cargo hold, and acting as if it alone kept the entire vessel safe. That was the Schipperke’s original job. Its name likely comes from the Flemish for “little captain” or “little boatman,” but Belgians also called it the Little Black Devil because of its bold, almost fearless attitude. That same confident spirit was already on display when the breed held its own specialty dog show as early as 1690, one of the earliest single breed shows on record. Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium later helped popularize it as a house dog. The first Schipperkes arrived in the United States in 1888, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1904.
Historical illustration via k9rl.com, CC BY-SA 4.0
Appearance
Schipperkes stand 10 to 13 inches tall and weigh 10 to 16 pounds. They have a dense double coat with a distinctive ruff around the neck and longer “culottes” on the hind legs. The coat is usually solid black. In the United States the tail is typically docked or naturally short. In many other countries natural tails are required. Their wedge shaped head, upright ears, and bright expression give them a fox like look that matches their constant curiosity and vigilance. The official American Kennel Club breed standard emphasizes a cobby, thickset body and an alert, curious expression.
Photo via k9rl.com, CC BY-SA 4.0
Temperament
Living with a Schipperke feels like sharing your home with a tiny, self appointed supervisor. They investigate every sound, inspect every visitor, and announce anything that seems out of place. They are intelligent, curious, and full of energy, but also independent and sometimes stubborn. Their fearless attitude is exactly why Belgians once called them the Little Black Devil. They make excellent watchdogs and will bark to alert you, yet they remain deeply loyal to their own people. Early socialization is essential, because without it their wariness of strangers can become sharp and persistent.
Are Schipperkes Good Family Dogs?
Schipperkes can work well in active households with older children who understand how to respect a small dog’s space. They are playful and affectionate with their own people once properly socialized. They are less ideal for homes with very young children because of their intensity, tendency to become overstimulated, and natural urge to monitor and correct what they see as disorder. Experienced owners who can provide structure and consistent leadership tend to get the best results from this breed.
Care and Daily Needs
Schipperkes need more than a short walk around the block. They require:
- Daily exercise and mental stimulation: at least 45 to 60 minutes of activity plus training or puzzle toys. Without enough outlets, boredom quickly turns into excessive barking or inventive mischief.
- Patient, consistent training: they learn quickly but test boundaries. Positive methods paired with clear rules work best.
- Socialization: early and ongoing exposure to people, places, and other dogs helps keep their natural wariness under control.
- Grooming and feeding: the dense coat needs regular brushing, especially during seasonal sheds, and a high quality diet suited to their size and activity level.
Health Considerations
Schipperkes are generally robust little dogs and often live 12 to 16 years. Even so, responsible breeders still screen carefully for patellar luxation, Legg Calve Perthes disease, eye issues, thyroid problems, and the breed specific condition MPS IIIB, a serious neurological storage disease found only in Schipperkes. Regular veterinary care and a healthy weight help keep them active well into their teens.
Cost of Owning a Schipperke
Puppies from responsible breeders typically cost $1,200 to $2,500. The first year can run $2,000 to $3,500. Ongoing annual costs are usually $1,000 to $1,800. Despite their small size, the real investment is not just food and veterinary care. These dogs need consistent training and mental engagement to stay happy and out of trouble.
Is a Schipperke Right for You?
Schipperkes suit active, patient owners who enjoy a small dog with a big attitude and a strong sense of purpose. They need people who can give them problems to solve and who understand that this dog will always try to keep tabs on the household. This is not a quiet lap dog that simply follows you around. It is a little black devil that will bark at anything suspicious and invent its own jobs if you do not give it enough to do. Leave a Schipperke without a job and it will happily appoint itself neighborhood security chief. In a Schipperke’s mind, the house has a captain, and that captain is never you.
Share your experiences with the Schipperke in the comments. What surprised you most about living with this little black devil?
Always check and follow local laws regarding dog breeds. Official links are included for further reading from recognized organizations.
