Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better than the Schipperke as a Pet? Answer…

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Schipperke: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Schipperke. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Schipperke.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Schipperke: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Schipperke is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Schipperke belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Schipperke: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Schipperke based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Schipperke
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 13 to 15 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 11 to 18 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1140 $1170
Price Range $400 – $1200 $900 – $1500
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 91.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hips
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPS IIIB)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PennGen
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Schipperke. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Schipperke is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a better pet than the Schipperke. So, you should get the American Pit Bull Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Schipperkes are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke are most similar:

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke are very easy to groom.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Schipperke

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Schipperkes weigh 11 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Schipperkes are 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Schipperke

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Schipperkes is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Schipperkes is 14.0 years.

    Temperament of the Schipperke Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier

    The Schipperke has a better temperament than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Schipperke is 91.5 percent while the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.5 percent, the Schipperke has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 130 Schipperkes.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Schipperke

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Schipperke puppy is $1170. The price of the Schipperke typically ranges from $900 – $1500. However, the price of the Schipperke can be as low as $500 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 60 Schipperke puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Schipperke is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terrier Schipperke
    Average Price $1140 $1170
    Price Range $400 to $1200 $900 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Schipperke. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Schipperke puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Schipperkes

    A breakdown of the prices of Schipperkes

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or the Schipperke puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Schipperke

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Schipperkes can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Schipperkes?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Schipperkes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Schipperke

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Schipperkes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Schipperke?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Schipperkes are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Schipperke?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Schipperkes have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Schipperkes?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Schipperkes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Schipperkes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Schipperkes can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Schipperke

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Schipperkes have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Schipperkes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Schipperkes cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Schipperke?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Schipperkes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Schipperkes?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Schipperkes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Schipperkes?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Schipperkes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Schipperke?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Schipperkes are not easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Schipperke?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Schipperkes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Schipperke?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Schipperkes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Schipperke vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Schipperke vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Schipperke vs German Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Schipperke

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Schipperke that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Schipperke:

  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Schipperke). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Lancashire Heeler (74 percent match with Schipperke). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Lancashire Heeler.
  • Miniature Pinscher (75 percent match with Schipperke). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Miniature Pinscher.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Schipperke compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Schipperke to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Schipperke     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Vizsla     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cane Corso     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Akbash     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Peek A Poo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bloodhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus American Foxhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shichon     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chi-Poo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bearded Collie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Pinscher     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Papillon     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lowchen     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     

    Schipperke Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Schipperke versus American Bulldog     Schipperke versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Schipperke versus Brittany     Schipperke versus Labradoodle     Schipperke versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Schipperke versus Havanese     Schipperke versus Swedish Vallhund     Schipperke versus Frenchton     Schipperke versus Shiba Inu     Schipperke versus Mastiff     Schipperke versus Tibetan Mastiff     Schipperke versus Lowchen     Schipperke versus Silky Terrier     Schipperke versus Great Dane     Schipperke versus Shichon     Schipperke versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Schipperke versus Redbone Coonhound     Schipperke versus Basenji     Schipperke versus Schnoodle     Schipperke versus Finnish Spitz     Schipperke versus Silky Terrier     Schipperke versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Schipperke versus Mal Shi     Schipperke versus Greyhound     Schipperke versus Goldendoodle     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Schipperke. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Schipperke better suits you and your family.