Solidly built, the Schipperke is a true shepherd dog, but in reduced size.
His short, stocky, but still rather large silhouette is harmoniously built.
In spite of a strong structure, his limbs have a rather fine bone frame.
Physically, he looks very much like a Belgian Shepherd, but small and without a tail. Well muscled and built, he offers a very elegant general appearance.
Height
Between 20 and 30 cm (7.87 to 11.81 inches) for the male
Between 20 and 30 cm (7.87 to 11.81 inches) for the female
Weight
Between 3 and 9 kg (6.61 to 19.84 pounds) for the male
Between 3 and 9 kg (6.61 to 19.84 pounds) for the female
Color
The official color of his dress is a beautiful zain black. However, in America, some farms have specimens with a fawn or liver-colored coat.
Hair
His long, usually black coat hair is waterproof. It is abundant, hard, straight, dense, firm and rather dry.
It forms a full plastron on the breeches, as well as a pretty mane. It has a close but very soft undercoat.
Morphology
His head has a broad forehead and a well defined stop. His eyes are dark brown and almond shaped.
His small, straight, triangular ears are pointed and set high. His nose is completely black.
His tail is usually cut, but when it is natural, it is rather long, reaching the hock.
According to the FCI breeds nomenclature, this breed belongs to group 1, section 1 and is #83