Are you thinking about getting a Schipperke?
If so, there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind before you start your search for one of these little black devils.
Firstly, we always recommend you contact your local rescue shelter or a dedicated Schipperke rescue organization.
If you’re in a position to adopt a Schipperke in need of a forever home, it could be a rewarding experience.
But if you’ve set your heart on getting a Schipperke puppy, you’ll need to know where to find responsible Schipperke breeders.
Schipperkes aren’t a common dog breed like Golden Retrievers or Labradors so you’ll need to show patience in your search for a breeder.
While you may have saved diligently for your Schipperke puppy, there are more costs to consider once you’ve got your new pet at home.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how much a Schipperke puppy will cost, where to find Schipperke breeders, things to consider before you bring your Schipperke home and hear from some Schipperke owners.
We spoke to Okami (@okami.the.dog), Pickle (@pickletheschipperke) and Roe (@schipalong) to learn more about how they ended up with a Schipperke as well as share some of their photos (with their permission).
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What Is A Schipperke Dog?
Schipperke is a little black dog that originated in Belgian.
The Spitz breed were initially used as ratters and watchdogs in the canals and local shops of Belgium.
The American Kennel Club provide an insight into the historical attributes of these so-called canal dogs.
Schips were created as ratters and watchdogs. Their powerful jaws, necks, and forequarters coupled with a stealthy, catlike hunting style make them ideal rat-catching machines.
The Schipperke breed can trace their roots back to a black sheepdog called a Leauvenaar.
Remarkably, these dogs are at least 320 years old with the first known speciality show for Schipperke taking place in the Grand Palace of Brussels in 1690.
The Schipperke is the 114th most popular dog breed in the USA above the Parson Russel Terrier but below the Toy Fox Terriers, according to the AKC’s dog popularity list for 2020.
Where To Adopt A Schipperke
If you’re looking to bring a Schipperke home, you may want to check out a rescue organisation.
The Schipperke Club of the USA provides a detailed list of organizations who can assist individuals who are seeking to adopt a rescue Schipperke. These include rescues in Arizona, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, California, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The Schipperke Club of the UK have a Schipperke Club Rescue who can help with rehoming a Schipperke who can no longer stay with their current owners.
So there’s no shortage of potential options for dog owners looking to bring home a Schipperke!
Of course you may find a Schipperke in need of a new home at your local rescue shelter so it’s worth checking some local organizations – too.
Where Can I Buy A Schipperke?
Schipperke (Photo: Adobe Stock)
If you’re thinking about getting a Schipperke puppy, you’ll want to make sure you’re dealing with a responsible breeder who genuinely cares about the health and wellbeing of the puppies.
Usually we like to visit the official club website of a breed and seek out their breeder directory. In doing so, you know that the breeders are adhering to the breed standard and good practices rather than contacting breeders you find advertising on social media or online marketplaces.
The Schipperke Club of America have a breeder’s directory to help those interested in bringing home one of these little black dogs a breeder.
Their website explains that while the directory isn’t an endorsement of the dogs or breeding practices of the members listed, it can be inferred that any breeder on the list is a member of the SCA in good standing and bound by the SCA’s code of ethics.
The breeder’s directory lists breeders in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and a breeder in Russia.
How Much Are Schipperke Puppies?
Roe the Schipperke (Photo: @schipalong / Instagram)
Schipperke puppies can range in price depending on the breeder that you’re dealing with. It seems most Schipperke will cost between $1000 and $1500 in the USA, around £1000 in the UK and €1000-1500 in Europe.
Hilary, who is the owner of a Schipperke called Roe, shared what she feels is a fair price for one of these Belgian dogs.
I don’t know the prices of many breeders but I would say on average expect somewhere around $1000-$1500.
Anna revealed the price that she paid for her Schipperke called Okami, adding that the price could be inflated if your Schip is registered to the relevant Kennel Club for your country.
In France, the Schipperke costs on average between 900€ and 1200€. It depends if he is registered to the LOF (Kennel Club Registration equivalent in France).
Camille, who owns a Schipperke called Pickle, added that dog owners need to consider further costs down the line.
I don’t know if you meant the coast we pay for (1200 euros because we have her in France.) or the coast for having her with the food, the toys, the vet, etc. (it’s like 25-30€/month).
Other Schipperke Costs
While you may have saved for the initial cost of purchasing your Schipperke from a breeder, you’ll need to consider further expenses once you’ve got your Schipperke puppy home.
For instance, Schipperke pups will need to receive all the relevant vaccinations from the vet, as well as an initial check up. You may decide to neuter or spay your Schipperke – too.
You should speak to your Schipperke breeder to learn what type of dog food your pup has been eating and what recommendations they have once you get your new dog home. Perhaps you already have a dog food delivery company in the USA or in the UK in mind.
It’s a good idea to get pet insurance for your Schipperke in the event of any unforeseen illness. While Schipperke are relatively healthy dogs, we recommend having cover in the event of an emergency.
Of course, you’ll need to consider basic items such as a dog bed, dog leash, dog toys and more. Schipperke shed so it’s a good idea to invest in a brush.
Anything Else To Consider?
If you’re looking for a breeder, it’s a good idea to reach out to a few so you can find one that meets your criteria. We recommend visiting a breeder to meet your potential pup and see them interact with their mother. This is a preventative measure to ensure your pup isn’t coming from a mill. You should ask your breeder about health checks and microchipping.
Most responsible breeders will require you to fill out a questionnaire so they can get some more details about your living arrangements and ability to offer their Schipperke puppy a good home. You may need to pay a deposit to be placed on a waiting list.
Wrapping Up – Our Final Thoughts
So we’ve come to the end of our article on Schipperke price.
If you decide against rehoming a Schipperke, you can expect to pay around $1000-$1500 for a Schipperke puppy.
In the UK, Schipperke puppies may cost around £1000 and in their native Europe, Schipperke pups could fetch up to €1500.
It’s a good idea to speak to a number of different Schipperke breeders and visit their home to see your potential pup interact with the mother.
