How Much Does a Schipperke Cost? (2026 Guide)

Purchasing a Schipperke from a health-tested, reputable breeder affiliated with the Schipperke Club of America typically costs between $1,200 and $2,500, with some lineages from proven working or conformation stock reaching $3,000 or more. Breeders who price below $800 and cannot produce OFA health clearances — particularly MPS III B DNA testing results — are a financial and ethical risk worth avoiding given the catastrophic nature of that condition if inherited.

Monthly food costs for a Schipperke are modest relative to most breeds. At 10 to 16 pounds, a Schipperke typically consumes between 12 and 20 pounds of dry kibble per month depending on activity level, brand density, and whether wet food is incorporated. A quality mid-to-premium dry food from brands like Purina Pro Plan or Royal Canin runs roughly $2.50 to $4.00 per pound, placing monthly food costs between $30 and $70 for most dogs in this weight range.

Grooming a Schipperke professionally is not a high-frequency requirement, but the double coat does undergo significant seasonal shedding — sometimes described as a full coat blow — two to four times per year. Between these periods, weekly brushing at home is sufficient. Professional grooming sessions, which PetSmart lists at $45 to $75 depending on location and coat condition for a small breed, are typically needed three to four times per year for bath, blow-out, nail trimming, and ear cleaning, placing annual grooming costs at roughly $135 to $300.

Veterinary costs are where the Schipperke's specific health profile demands financial planning. Routine annual wellness care — vaccines, heartworm testing, flea and tick prevention — runs $300 to $600 in most U.S. markets. However, MPS III B DNA testing for a newly acquired dog costs approximately $65 to $100 through laboratories like the OFA or breed-specific DNA testing services. If epilepsy develops, anticonvulsant medications such as phenobarbital or potassium bromide can cost $30 to $100 per month with periodic bloodwork adding $200 to $400 annually for monitoring. Surgical correction of Grade III or IV patellar luxation averages $1,500 to $3,000 per knee depending on the procedure and geographic market.

Pet insurance for a Schipperke, given the breed's known risks, typically runs $35 to $65 per month for comprehensive accident and illness coverage, based on quotes from providers like Healthy Paws and Embrace — with premiums on the higher end for puppies enrolled after any pre-existing conditions have been noted. Enrolling before any symptoms appear is strongly recommended given the MPS III B and epilepsy risk profile.