Differences and Similarities between the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke.

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Schipperke: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Schipperke.

Dutch Shepherd versus Schipperke: Overview

A very important difference between the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Schipperke is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Dutch Shepherd versus Schipperke: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke

Factor Dutch Shepherd Schipperke
Life Span 12 to 15 years 13 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 11 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1590 $1170
Price Range $900 – $2000 $900 – $1500
Temperament Score 96.2 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Schipperke is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Schipperke. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    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 Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Schipperkes gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Schipperkes have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Schipperkes are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke are most similar:

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Schipperke

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches 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 Dutch Shepherd versus Schipperke

    The lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is 13.5 years.

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

    Schipperkes live longer than Dutch Shepherds.

    Temperament of the Schipperke Versus the Dutch Shepherd

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Schipperke.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Schipperke is 91.5 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 130 Schipperkes.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Schipperke

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is more expensive than the Schipperke.

    Dutch Shepherd Schipperke
    Average Price $1590 $1170
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $900 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. 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 Dutch Shepherd 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.

    Adopting the Dutch Shepherd versus Adopting the Schipperke

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dutch Shepherds and many Schipperkes are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Dutch Shepherd named Atlas that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dutch Shepherds like Atlas on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Dutch Shepherds, Schipperkes are also available for adoption. For example, Jake is a Male Schipperke that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Schipperkes like Jake that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Doc is the name of another Dutch Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Urchin is an adorable Male Schipperke on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Dutch Shepherds and Schipperkes are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Dutch Shepherds and Schipperkes that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Schipperke

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Schipperkes can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Schipperkes?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Schipperkes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Schipperke

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Schipperkes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Schipperke?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Schipperkes are very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Schipperke?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Schipperkes?

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Schipperkes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Schipperkes can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Schipperke

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Schipperkes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Schipperke?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Schipperkes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Schipperkes?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and Schipperkes?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Schipperke?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Schipperkes are not easy to train.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Schipperke?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Schipperkes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the Schipperke?

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Schipperkes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Schipperke vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Schipperke vs Japanese Spitz.
  • 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 Dutch Shepherd vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Lancashire Heeler (74 percent match with Schipperke). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Lancashire Heeler.
  • Miniature Pinscher (75 percent match with Schipperke). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Miniature Pinscher.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dutch Shepherd and how the Schipperke compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and of the Schipperke to other breeds:

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler     Dutch Shepherd versus Sheepadoodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli     Dutch Shepherd versus Kai Ken     Dutch Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff     Dutch Shepherd versus Yorkshire Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Sheepadoodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Dutch Shepherd versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Setter     Dutch Shepherd versus Bich Poo     Dutch Shepherd versus Samoyed     Dutch Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute     Dutch Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz     Dutch Shepherd versus Afghan Hound     Dutch Shepherd versus Karelian Bear Dog     Dutch Shepherd versus Great Pyrenees     Dutch Shepherd versus Kishu Ken     Dutch Shepherd versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Dutch Shepherd versus Stabyhoun     Dutch Shepherd versus English Setter     Dutch Shepherd versus Weimaraner     Dutch Shepherd versus Great Pyrenees     

    Schipperke Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Schipperke versus Cavapoo     Schipperke versus Bolognese     Schipperke versus Akita Chow     Schipperke versus Collie     Schipperke versus Catahoula Bulldog     Schipperke versus Maltipoo     Schipperke versus Canaan Dog     Schipperke versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Schipperke versus Bolognese     Schipperke versus Goldendoodle     Schipperke versus Maremma Sheepdog     Schipperke versus American Water Spaniel     Schipperke versus Mountain Cur     Schipperke versus Catahoula Bulldog     Schipperke versus Maltipoo     Schipperke versus Newfoundland     Schipperke versus Whippet     Schipperke versus Cairn Terrier     Schipperke versus Newfoundland     Schipperke versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Schipperke versus American Eskimo Dog     Schipperke versus Cavapoo     Schipperke versus Harrier     Schipperke versus Valley Bulldog     Schipperke versus Chinese Crested     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Schipperke better suits you and your family.