If you found yourself here, you probably ran into me and my pack while we were out on a walk and I handed you my business card. I likely told you what breed they are, and you promptly forgot it because it’s weird.

Don’t worry, I’m here to tell you all about these "little black devils."

The Schipperke (pronounced skip-er-kee) is an old-world breed from Europe's Low Countries. While they are said to hail from Belgium, some argue they originated in the Netherlands. Either way, this feisty little dog from the Middle Ages has a long history. They were originally bred as watchdogs for canal barges, ratters, companions, and even cobblers' status symbols.

If you want the dry facts, the Wikipedia Schipperke page and the American Kennel Club have great pages. But if you want to know what life with three of them is actually like, here is the truth:

🧦 They are absolute thieves

They love to steal socks, Kleenex, small stones, screws, and—of course—food. Anything that cannot be immediately consumed is quickly squirrelled away in a hidey-hole of their choosing. Usually, I find their entire plunder stashed under my bed or inside their crates.

🔊 They are loud

For such a small package, they pack a piercing bark. They will alert me to absolutely anything moving through their territory. Whether it is birds, children, other dogs, deer, squirrels, or the Amazon delivery driver—I am going to hear about it.

⚡ They possess boundless energy

Yes, they do sleep through the night, but it takes a lot to tire out a Schipperke. I often joke that they are like miniature Belgian Malinois (those Belgians sure have a type when it comes to dogs). A Schipperke will drive you to tears if you don't give them a daily outlet. Mine go for at least an hour-long walk every single day, run agility, and participate in nosework and obedience. Long mountain hikes are no problem for them; they easily keep up with us on the trail for hours.

⚖️ They are small dogs with huge personalities

I get asked a lot if mine are full grown. My first Schipperke was the runt of the litter, arriving at nine weeks old weighing just four pounds. Today, she has filled out to a whopping eleven pounds. My other female is slightly larger, and my male is a "brute" at 16 pounds. Pound for pound, you get an incredible amount of dog for your buck.

🛋️ They are fiercely cuddly

Once they have expended some of that boundless energy, they will curl up on the couch with me. There is always a lot of grumbling as they find their perfect spots. Once they are comfortable, it doesn't matter if you are or not—you are officially stuck unless you want to repeat the entire settling process.

🧠 They are a walking contradiction

They are highly intelligent and independent, yet completely clingy. Schipperkes are clever little problem-solvers who require heavy mental exercise alongside physical runs to keep them out of mischief. If my house goes too quiet, I know I'd better go check on what they’ve gotten into.

😈 They are incredibly persistent about getting their way

Be careful you don't fall too deeply in love and bring one home without fully understanding that you are inviting an imp into your life. They always have to know where you are (though this rule doesn't go both ways—they are perfectly fine if you have no idea where they are).

Now, you can count yourself among the lucky few to have met and learned about the uncommon Schipperke. It was our absolute pleasure meeting you, and we hope you'll remember us next time we cross paths.

~ Veronica & her Little Black Devils (Dutch, Vanta, and Maëbe)