Grooming
When it comes to grooming, Schipperkes are relatively low-maintenance. Here are grooming tips for your Schipperke:
Brushing: They have double coats with a fluffier undercoat and a more coarse medium-length outer coat. Use a rubber curry brush or a pin brush to brush your Schipperke’s coat once a week—and two to three times a week during their shedding season (which occurs once or twice a year).
Bathing: Schipperkes only need one bath every four weeks—unless they get dirty during playtime or on their outings and require one sooner!
Dental care: Plan on brushing your Schipperke’s teeth daily. This is most beneficial for removing tartar and bacteria. Ask your vet to teach you how to brush your Schipperke’s pearly whites using toothpaste just for dogs. Ideally, start the ritual when your Schipperke puppy is young so they grow accustomed to the process. This vital step in dog grooming keeps plaque, gum disease and tooth decay at bay and reduces the risk of developing a possibly life-threatening infection in your dog. Schedule an annual professional teeth cleaning with your veterinarian (not your groomer) to keep your dog’s teeth in tip-top shape.
Nail trimming: If you can hear your Schipperke’s nails tap dancing on the floor when they walk, it’s time for a nail trim. Trimming their nails one to two times a month should keep them well-manicured.
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Training
Training is a much-needed component of parenting the Schipperke breed. Without proper socialization and boundaries, your clever pooch can take their job too seriously and become challenging, presenting an over-the-top “watchdog” response, excessive barking and an independent mindset. (We did warn you that you could be in for one feisty pup!)
It’s important to socialize your Schipperke starting when they’re young so they get used to interacting with new people and other animals. Take your puppy out on walks to meet new people and other dogs. Enroll in puppy school, where they learn to play nicely with other puppies and interact with other dog parents—all under one roof.
In a home that understands the breed’s needs and commits to exercise and training, this loyal pup can make a great family pet. You’ll need to learn Schipperke 101 and the best ways to ensure you establish ground rules and boundaries with your dog. Teach your Schipperke to come when called by their name as soon as possible. Their independence, mischievousness and curiosity may lead them to dart off quickly, and you’ll need to be able to reign in your Schipperke if they try running away.
Training will also provide your escape artist with the mental stimulation they need. A Schipperke’s intelligence makes this dog a wonderful student who will excel under the training of a patient and consistent pet parent.
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Diet
Schipperkes typically do well consuming high-quality, commercial dog food. When purchasing dog food, consider your dog’s age and select the appropriate formula to best meet their needs for their current life stage (puppy, adult, senior).
If you’re not sure which brand of dog food is best or how much to feed your Schipperke, your veterinarian can provide you with suggestions and a feeding chart to guide you on the amount of food your dog should be eating and how often you should feed them to meet the needs for their specific diet.
Be aware of your Schipperke’s size. They are small dogs, and although their energy level keeps them active, they can quickly become overweight if overfed. Keep this in mind when doling out the treats while raising a Schipperke. Treats equal calories, so you’ll want to use them sparingly.
Again, consult with your veterinarian; they are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their needs.
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Exercise
Schipperkes are highly active, lively and energetic. Playing in a fenced yard with their family can be enough exercise for them. Remember: They’re quick and can dart away when their infamous Schipperke speed doesn’t have boundaries!
Schipperkes also love long walks to burn off energy while exploring their neighborhood and sniffing their surroundings to their heart’s content; 30–60 minutes a day on one or two walks should do the trick. And take your Schipperke for a short run to really put the wind in their sails… remember their nickname is “Belgium’s little captain,” after all. When you see your Schipperke running, you’ll be amazed by their speed.
Keep in mind that a tired dog is a happy dog, and making sure your Schipperke is well-exercised can help stave off behavioral issues that may stem from boredom and pent-up energy. If you can’t leave the house one day, enjoy active indoor play and a game of fetch using dog toys.
Your Schipperke would also love to participate in agility training (directing your dog through a pre-set obstacle course), which will increase your bond and help build trust in your relationship. Regular, daily exercise will also help keep your dog healthy, and that’s a breath of fresh air all around!
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Environment
Schipperkes can live well in both large homes with yards and small apartments, as their small size makes them ideal roommates in less spacious dwellings. They can play well with toys indoors in an apartment but still require regular exercise and outdoor walking.
Schipperkes are known for adoring children—likely because they have so much in common, including boundless vivacity, curiosity and zest for life! A Schipperke puppy will thrive in a home with kids; watching them play together will bring you plenty of laughter and joy.
They also get along great with cats, as well as other dogs. But you’ll want to socialize your Schipperke early because they tend to be territorial around their family, which can result in barking and wary behavior with visitors and unknown animals, so nip that in the bud from puppyhood.
The ideal parent for a Schipperke is confident in their ability to train these independent, strong-willed dogs. You’ll also need patience and a sense of humor for Schipperke’s antics. Interested in a watchdog who barks to alert and protect their family? As long as you’re not after an actual guard dog, this feisty pup might just be the dog for you!
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