Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Puli Versus Schipperke: Introduction
- Puli versus Schipperke: Overview
- Puli versus Schipperke: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Puli and the Schipperke
- The Similarities Between the Puli and the Schipperke
- Size (Weight and Height) of Puli versus Schipperke
- Lifespan of Puli versus Schipperke
- Temperament of the Puli Versus the Schipperke
- Price of Puli versus Price of Schipperke
- The Intelligence of the Puli versus the Intelligence of the Schipperke
- The Popularity of Puli versus Popularity of Schipperke
- Health Problems of Puli versus Health Problems of Schipperke
- Tolerates Being Alone: Puli versus Schipperke
- Do Pulis shed more than Schipperkes?
- Which one drools more, the Puli or the Schipperke
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Puli or the Schipperke?
- Does the Puli Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Schipperke?
- Do Pulis Bark and Howl? What about Schipperkes?
- Can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Schipperkes Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Puli vs. Schipperke
- Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Schipperkes Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Puli or the Schipperke?
- Are Pulis good family dogs? What about Schipperkes?
- How Kid-friendly are Pulis and Schipperkes?
- Is the Puli Easier to Train than the Schipperke?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Schipperke
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Puli versus Schipperke. Which One is a Better Pet?
Puli Versus Schipperke: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli and the Schipperke.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli or the Schipperke.
Puli versus Schipperke: Overview
A very important difference between the Puli and the Schipperke is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Puli is a medium-sized dog while the Schipperke is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Puli 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.
Puli versus Schipperke: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Puli 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 Puli and the Schipperke
| Factor | Puli | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 15 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Height | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 35 pounds | 11 to 18 pounds |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $2250 | $1170 |
| Price Range | $1875 – $2750 | $900 – $1500 |
| Temperament Score | 92.3 percent | 91.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 150 | 109 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 27 | 15 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Puli 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 Puli is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Schipperke is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Puli is a better pet than the Schipperke. So, you should get the Puli!
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 Puli and the Schipperke so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Puli and the Schipperke
Below is a list of where the Puli and the Schipperke are most different:
The Similarities Between the Puli and the Schipperke
The Puli and the Schipperke are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Puli and the Schipperke are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Puli versus Schipperke
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Puli and the Schipperke.
Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 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 Puli versus Schipperke
The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.
The lifespan of Schipperkes is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Schipperkes is 14.0 years.
Schipperkes live longer than Pulis.
Temperament of the Puli Versus the Schipperke
The Puli has a better temperament than the Schipperke.
This is because the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 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 92.3 percent, the Puli 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 Puli and the Schipperke by measuring the temperaments of 26 Pulis and 130 Schipperkes.
Price of Puli versus Price of Schipperke
The average price of the Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of a Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Puli 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 Puli is more expensive than the Schipperke.
| Puli | Schipperke | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2250 | $1170 |
| Price Range | $1875 to $2750 | $900 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Puli and Schipperke. For different price points, the charts show how many Puli puppies or how many Schipperke puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Pulis. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Schipperkes
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Puli 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.
The Intelligence of the Puli versus the Intelligence of the Schipperke
| Puli | Schipperke | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 27 out of 130 dog breeds | 15 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Puli has an obedience intelligence rank of 27 out of 130 dog breeds. The Puli belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Pulis tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Schipperke has an obedience intelligence rank of 15 out of 130 dog breeds. The Schipperke belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Schipperkes tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
The Schipperke is more intelligent than the Puli.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Puli versus Popularity of Schipperke
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Puli and the Schipperke over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Schipperke is more popular with dog owners than the Puli. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Schipperke is 109 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Puli is 150 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Puli
Popularity of Schipperke
| Year | Puli Popularity Rank | Schipperke Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 136 | 109 |
| 2014 | 151 | 109 |
| 2015 | 154 | 109 |
| 2016 | 159 | 112 |
| 2017 | 142 | 110 |
| 2018 | 160 | 105 |
| 2019 | 160 | 106 |
| 2020 | 143 | 114 |
Health Problems of Puli versus Health Problems of Schipperke
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Puli and the Schipperke are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Schipperke is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Puli.
7 health tests are recommended for Puli while 7 tests are recommended for the Schipperke.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pulis and in Schipperkes.
Puli Health Problems
Pulis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Puli puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Puli puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Puli breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pulis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pulis here.
Schipperke Health Problems
Schipperkes are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Schipperke puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Schipperke puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Schipperke breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Schipperkes for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Schipperkes here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Pulis and Schipperkes
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Puli Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
This is because the Puli ranks 37 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 201 Pulis, 6 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pulis, and how common these diseases are in Pulis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Schipperke Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Schipperke ranks 5 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 295 Schipperkes, 4 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Schipperkes, and how common these diseases are in Schipperkes relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Puli and in Schipperke and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Puli and the Schipperke:
| Disease | Puli Rank | Schipperke Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 37 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 39 out of 145 dog breeds | 54 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 70 out of 144 dog breeds | 93 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 115 out of 198 dog breeds | 142 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 144 out of 182 dog breeds | 165 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | Not Common | 5 out of 40 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 36 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 50 out of 115 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Puli versus Schipperke
Pulis do not like to be left alone.
Schipperkes can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Pulis shed more than Schipperkes?
Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Schipperkes shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Puli or the Schipperke
Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Schipperkes do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Puli or the Schipperke?
Pulis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Schipperkes are very easy to groom.
Does the Puli Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Schipperke?
Pulis have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other 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 Pulis Bark and Howl? What about Schipperkes?
Pulis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Schipperkes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Schipperkes Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.
Schipperkes can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Puli vs. Schipperke
Pulis 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 Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Schipperkes Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pulis 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 Puli or the Schipperke?
Pulis get along very well with other dogs.
Schipperkes do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Pulis good family dogs? What about Schipperkes?
Pulis 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 Pulis and Schipperkes?
Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Schipperkes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Puli Easier to Train than the Schipperke?
Pulis are not easy to train.
Schipperkes are not easy to train.
Is the Puli Better for Apartment Owners than the Schipperke?
Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.
Schipperkes adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Puli or the Schipperke?
Pulis 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 Puli
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Puli 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 Puli:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Puli and how the Schipperke compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Puli and of the Schipperke to other breeds:
Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds
Puli versus Azawakh Puli versus Whoodle Puli versus Shichon Puli versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Puli versus Bichon Frise Puli versus West Highland White Terrier Puli versus English Setter Puli versus Great Dane Puli versus Irish Terrier Puli versus Clumber Spaniel Puli versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Puli versus Greyhound Puli versus Cockapoo Puli versus Italian Greyhound Puli versus Jack Russell Terrier Puli versus Estrela Mountain Dog Puli versus Clumber Spaniel Puli versus Kishu Ken Puli versus American Bulldog Puli versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Puli versus Cesky Terrier Puli versus Bolognese Puli versus Giant Schnauzer Puli versus Beaglier Puli versus Coton de Tulear
Schipperke Versus Other Dog Breeds
Schipperke versus Cockapoo Schipperke versus Miniature Poodle Schipperke versus Norwegian Buhund Schipperke versus Stabyhoun Schipperke versus Cane Corso Schipperke versus Silky Terrier Schipperke versus Catahoula Bulldog Schipperke versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Schipperke versus Manchester Terrier Schipperke versus Finnish Lapphund Schipperke versus Dalmatian Schipperke versus Goldendoodle Schipperke versus Pomeranian Schipperke versus Redbone Coonhound Schipperke versus Toy Fox Terrier Schipperke versus Mudi Schipperke versus Tibetan Spaniel Schipperke versus Canaan Dog Schipperke versus Komondor Schipperke versus Boxerdoodle Schipperke versus Whippet Schipperke versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Schipperke versus American Pit Bull Terrier Schipperke versus German Shepherd Dog Schipperke versus Cesky Terrier
Conclusion: Puli 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 Puli and the Schipperke better suits you and your family.