Schipperke Colors: Rarest to Most Common

Schipperkes are known for being completely black dogs. In fact, according to the AKC, only black dogs are permissible. Other colors are not allowed and will lead to an automatic disqualification.

However, the UKC sees things differently. While black is still considered the “best” color, the UKC allows schipperkes in a few different colorations, like wheaten and gold. Diluted colors and markings are still not allowed, though.

Below, we’ll list the rarest schipperke colors to the most common. However, it is important to remember that anything but black is considered rare, and you probably won’t find them within the United States.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate-colored Schipperkes are extremely rare and not recognized by the AKC. This non-standard color is characterized by being a deep brown – completely different from the breed’s usual black color. The exact shade may vary, but these dogs are often described as being the color of milk chocolate.

Often, these dogs stand out thanks to their unique color. However, they are not commonly bred in America because they do not fit the breed standard.

2. Blue

Blue Schipperkes are quite unusual and not accepted by the AKC, either. Even breeders in Europe do not see these dogs very much, though they are technically “okay” with many European kennel clubs. In all likelihood, blue and chocolate Schipperkes will be extinct in a couple of generations.

These dogs can be any shade of bluish-gray, with some being far more gray than others. They’re often distinctive and eye-catching, but not being accepted by the AKC means they aren’t regularly bred.

3. Wheaten

Wheaten Schipperkes are much less common than black ones, but they are still more prevalent than chocolate or blue. These dogs have a soft, pale coat that looks a bit like wheat, hence their name.

These dogs really stand out because many Schipperkes are darkly colored, while wheaten ones are pretty light.

4. Cream and Ivory

Again, it’s much easier to find a black Schipperke than a cream one. However, they are more frequently observed than the colors we’ve already mentioned. These dogs have a pale, off-white color, which can vary in shade a lot. They often have a fairly delicate appearance when compared to their black counterparts.

5. Red

Red Schipperkes are surprisingly common, especially given that the AKC does not recognize them. The red can differ in intensity and shade. Some dogs have a very light red coat, while others may have a much deeper coloration.

You may see a few of these dogs in Europe, but they are not very common in the States.

6. Gold

If you go shopping for an oddly colored Schipperke, you may notice a gold one. Despite the name, these dogs are often yellowish instead of being a deep gold color. They do stand out from the black Schipperke due to their brighter coloration.

Gold Schipperkes are getting more and more common. However, they still are not recognized by the AKC.

7. White

White is the complete opposite of black, so, surprisingly, this coloration is seen in Schipperkes. However, it is the most common odd color, though it is still rare compared to black.

You probably won’t find many white puppies for sale, but it can arise in several cases. For instance, partial albinism can lead to a white puppy completely by accident.

8. Black

Black is the most common and standard color for Schipperkes. These dogs are universally recognized for their sleek, jet-black coat, which is one of their defining features. The black Schipperke is known for its elegance, and its dark coat is often the breed’s most prominent characteristic.

Schipperke breeders got together a long time ago and decided that Schipperkes are meant to be black. So, that’s exactly what they’ve bred them to be.

Schipperke Colors Summary

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