Schipperkes are known for their thick double coat, which sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes. This means you can expect a lot of loose hair around the house.
Their undercoat is made up of soft, dense hair that sheds easily, while their topcoat is made up of longer, coarser hairs that also shed. This unique combination of coats is what causes the heavy shedding.
Regular brushing can help reduce shedding, but it's essential to brush them daily, especially during shedding season, to prevent matting and tangling. This will also help to distribute skin oils, keeping their coat healthy and shiny.
Schipperkes typically shed their coat twice a year, with the heaviest shedding occurring in the spring and fall.
Considering a Schipperke
If you're considering a Schipperke, you'll want to get familiar with their grooming needs. Schipperke owners need to brush and bathe their dogs regularly.
Speaking to other Schipperke owners, like Okami, Pickle, and Roe, can be super helpful in learning about their shedding and grooming habits. They're a great resource to tap into.
Before bringing a Schipperke home, it's essential to understand their grooming requirements. This will help you prepare for the responsibilities that come with owning one.
For another approach, see: Dog Grooming Shed Ideas
Thinking of Getting a Schipperke?
Schipperkes have a natural or "wild-type" coat that's very low maintenance. They have a woolly undercoat and sleek outercoat, which makes them less prone to matting and tangling.
You'll need to brush your Schipperke weekly, or every second day during shedding season, which typically occurs twice a year at the changing of the seasons. This helps keep their coat in top condition.
They're moderate shedders, so be prepared for some hair on your clothes, furniture, and floor. However, they're not as big shedders as you might think, considering their fluffy black coat.
Schipperkes are full of energy and intensely alert, making them a lively companion. They're also stealthy hunters, similar to cats, and have a harsh, short top coat that repels water.
Their unique coat requires some grooming, but it's not too much to handle. A good shake after a bath will see them nearly dry, and their cape of longer hair framing their head and neck adds to their charm.
Information and Pictures
Schipperkes aren't considered a hypoallergenic breed, so if you struggle with dog allergies, it's essential to consult with your doctor or a medical professional before bringing one home.
Their coat sheds, which means it can still trigger allergies in humans, even if it's not as much as other breeds.
Schipperkes have a double coat that sheds moderately, so they require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
These small dogs are known for their distinctive black coat, which can come in a variety of shades and patterns.
They typically weigh between 16 and 30 pounds and stand about 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder.
Schipperkes are a relatively small breed, but they're energetic and playful, so they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Their short stature makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers or those with limited space.
Despite their small size, Schipperkes are intelligent and active, requiring regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Intriguing read: Excessive Shedding in Labrador Retrievers
Do Schipperke Shed?
Schipperke are moderate shedders, so you can expect them to leave some hair on your clothes, furniture, and the floor.
They'll usually blow out their outer coat twice a year at the changing of the seasons, which tends to occur more frequently with females than males.
A Schipperke's coat is abundant, straight, and slightly harsh to the touch, with a soft undercoat that's dense and short on the body and very dense around the neck.
Brushing their coat once or twice a week can help remove dead hair and debris, and it's a good idea to purchase a brush that can reach their undercoat.
The AKC recommends more frequent brushing when a Schipperke is blowing out its undercoats to stay on top of the extra hair.
Schipperke owners find their coat to be relatively low maintenance, as the undercoat doesn't get caught in the guard hairs, so they don't tend to get matted or impacted.
Brushing during shedding season can help save your vacuum, and a bath can help loosen the coat.
Shedding and Grooming
Schipperkes are moderate shedders, leaving some hair on your clothes, furniture, and floor. However, they're not as big shedders as you might think.
Their fluffy black coat is abundant, straight, and slightly harsh to the touch. The softer undercoat is dense and short on the body, but very dense around the neck, making the ruff stand out.
Schipperkes usually blow out their outer coat twice a year at the changing of the seasons, more frequently with females than males. This tends to occur more frequently with females than males.
Brushing their coat once or twice a week will remove dead hair and debris. It's a good idea to purchase a brush that can reach their undercoat to remove dead hair from there.
A double row undercoat rake is a good tool to have for this purpose. Don't try to brush right to the skin, it will pull on their live hair.
Schipperkes shed their undercoat twice a year, and a bath will help loosen the coat. Frequent brushing during that time will help save your vacuum.
They don't have a strong doggie odor, so they hardly need any bathing at all to stay looking and smelling good. A bath will help loosen the coat, and is recommended every 3-6 months at most.
Final Thoughts
Schipperke owners need to be prepared for regular grooming sessions, especially during shedding season.
These little dogs blow out their coats at least twice a year, requiring more frequent brushing to manage all that black hair.
Schipperke don't have a strong doggy smell, so they don't need regular baths, but a few baths a year can be beneficial.
A warm bath during shedding season can help Schipperke dogs blow out their coats more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Schipperke hypoallergenic?
Schipperkes are not considered hypoallergenic due to their frequent shedding and dander production. If you have allergies, it's essential to consider this before bringing a Schipperke into your home.
Are Schipperkes high maintenance?
Schipperkes have moderate grooming needs, requiring weekly brushing and occasional baths to maintain their coat health. They are generally considered a low-maintenance breed in terms of grooming frequency and cost.
Sources
- The Schipperke Association of NSW (facebook.com)
- Schipperke Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Schipperkes | Embrace Dog Breed Library (embracepetinsurance.com)
- (@pickletheschipperke) (instagram.com)
- The Schipperke Club of America (schipperkeclub-usa.org)
- SD Locus (Shedding) in the Schipperke (pawprintgenetics.com)
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