Schipperke

Brushing Routine

Brush 2-3 times per week with a slicker brush and undercoat rake to manage their thick, standoff double coat. The outer coat is harsh with a distinctive ruff around the neck, cape across the shoulders, and culottes on the rear. Use a pin brush on the longer ruff and culottes, and a rubber curry on the shorter body coat.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 6-8 weeks with a texturizing shampoo that maintains the coat's natural harsh, standoff quality. Avoid heavy conditioners that flatten the coat. Blow dry with a high-velocity dryer to achieve the characteristic full, puffed-out profile of the breed.

Common Issues

• Dramatic seasonal coat blow producing enormous fur volume for their size
• Undercoat matting in the ruff and culottes
• Static in dry conditions
• Skin irritation if dead undercoat is not removed
• Dry, itchy skin in winter

Extend Your Grooming Results

Regular undercoat raking between grooms prevents the characteristic Schipperke blow from becoming overwhelming. The coat should maintain its sharp, fox-like silhouette between grooms. A light texturizing spray before brushing helps maintain the standoff quality. Avoid over-conditioning which flattens the coat.

Seasonal Care

Schipperkes are notorious for their dramatic coat blow, which can happen once to three times per year and strips the entire undercoat in a matter of days. During this period, daily brushing removes handfuls of undercoat. The summer coat is noticeably thinner. Winter coat grows in at maximum density with the full ruff and cape.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 2-3 times weekly, daily during coat blow. Rake undercoat weekly to prevent buildup. Bathe every 6-8 weeks. Comb through ruff and culottes with metal comb twice weekly. Clean ears weekly. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks.