Schipperkes are small Belgian dogs known for their black coats and fox-like faces. They are energetic, curious, and mischievous, and were originally bred as watchdogs and ratters. Standing at a maximum height of 13 inches, they are strong and hardworking, with powerful jaws and neck muscles that help them excel at catching rats.
They have thick, fluffy coats on their neck, shoulders, and legs, and are known for their distinctive appearance. Despite their small size, Schipperkes are long-lived and make for loyal companions.
Average Cost of a Schipperke in the First Year
The cost of a Schipperke in the first year can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the breeder, location, and the specific needs of the individual dog. In addition to the initial purchase price of the puppy, there are also other costs to consider when owning a Schipperke.
These can include veterinary costs for things like spaying or neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations, as well as ongoing expenses such as food, supplies, and training. It is important to research and budget for these costs before bringing a Schipperke into your home.
The cost of microchipping your Schipperke will be roughly $80 and this does not vary much depending on which state you live in as the cost of the chip is provided by the chip companies. You may face additional costs for the vet appointment though.
While you are visiting the vet you will spend on average $400 for a spay or neuter procedure (with potential added costs for any complications), and it will cost on average $250 for the required vaccinations, flea, tick, and worming treatments. This is a total of $730 on basic veterinary treatments in the first year.
Treats, toys, beds, and accessories are a cost that will vary tremendously based on how much of these things you owned prior to purchasing your Schipperke and how much you intend to spend on these things. We will factor in a cost of $100 in the first year for Schipperke accessories but you can save quite a bit in this section if you shop smart!
Puppy food for your Schipperke in the first year can be a pretty hefty percentage of your budget, especially if you choose a more premium pet food brand. Try to find a puppy food that works best for your Schipperke and doesn’t feel like you must spend hundreds of dollars if your pup is fine on the food from the local grocery store. The average cost of dog food in the first year for a Schipperke is $350.
On average for the first year of your Schipperkes life, you will expect to pay around $1,180 but of course, you can spend as much or as little as you choose!
Average Annual Cost of Owning a Schipperke
The average cost of dog food for a small dog like the Schipperke for one year can vary based on the type of food you choose and how much you feed your dog. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 per year for a Schipperke.
The average cost of feeding a Schipperke for one year is $550 in the United States. For $550 you will be able to purchase dog food that should cover all the nutritional requirements of a healthy Schipperke.
The average cost of mandatory vet visits for a Schipperke dog in the USA can vary greatly depending on where you live and the specific needs of your dog. On average, you can expect to pay around $200 per year for basic veterinary care for a small dog.
This can include annual check-ups, vaccinations, and any necessary treatments or procedures. However, if your small dog requires additional medical care such as surgery or ongoing medication, the cost of vet visits can increase significantly.
The average cost of treats and toys for a Schipperke dog in the USA can vary based on the specific products you choose and how often you purchase them. On average, you can expect to pay about $150 per year on treats and toys for a Schipperke dog.
Treats can range in price from a few dollars for a bag of inexpensive biscuits to $20 or more for a bag of specialty treats made with high-quality ingredients.
The cost of toys can also vary greatly, with some costing just a few dollars and others costing $20 or more. The actual cost of treats and toys for your small dog will depend on how often you purchase them and the types of products you choose.
For example, if you only buy your small dog a few treats per month and opt for budget-friendly toys, your overall cost may be on the lower end of this range. On the other hand, if you frequently buy your small dog high-end treats and premium toys, your cost may be closer to the higher end of this range.
If you take your Schipperke out to local dog parks or on neighborhood walks, you will need to have some dog poop bags on hand to properly dispose of their waste. The cost of these bags for a small dog like a Schipperke is typically between $50 and $100 per year, depending on where you live and where you purchase them. On average you can expect to pay about $70 per year for poop bags for your Schipperke.
A Schipperke has a gorgeous short-length double coat which can require a little extra grooming during shedding season. Luckily, you can pick up a pretty basic but decent grooming kit for around $15 which will easily help you tackle your Schipperke’s double coat yourself. Otherwise, you could be looking at about $20 per grooming session for your Schipperke!
The average annual cost of owning a Schipperke in the USA is $985 without any additional services such as dog trainers, groomers, behaviorists, or dog boarding!
Lifetime Cost of Owning a Schipperke
The average lifespan of a healthy Schipperke is between 13 and 15 years. Therefore, the average lifetime cost of owning a healthy Schipperke is between $13,000 and $14,970.
Schipperke Puppy Prices
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $1,500 for a Schipperke puppy from a reputable breeder. However, this price can increase if the puppy comes from a highly sought-after bloodline or if the breeder provides additional health screenings or genetic testing. The most common price for a healthy Schipperke puppy in the USA is $900.
