Schipperke Coat 

Coat Pattern--The adult coat is of major importance to the breed as it is a essential breed characteristic and unique to the breed. If there is not a distinct coat pattern the dog does not have correct coat. It must include several distinct lengths that grow naturally in a certain pattern. The hair is short on the face, ears, front of the forelegs and on the hocks; it is medium length on the body not exceeding 3 inches in length, but it is longer in the ruff, cape, jabot and culottes. The ruff begins at the base of the ears and it extends completely around the neck; the cape forms the next distinct layer extending beyond the ruff; the jabot extends across the chest and down between the front legs. The hair down the middle of the back, starting just behind the cape and continuing over the rump, lies flat, some breeders call this the skunk stripe. It is slightly shorter than the cape but it is longer than the hair on the sides of the body and sides of the legs. The coat on the rear of the thighs forms culottes, which should be as long as the ruff. Lack of differentiation in coat lengths should be heavily penalized, as it is an essential breed characteristic. A dog with coat the same length all over is not correct.

Texture and Color - The outer coat is black, abundant, straight and slightly harsh to the touch, the softer undercoat is dense, short on the body, and is very dense around the neck which makes the ruff stand out. The undercoat may be lighter, and most are various shades of grey. Silky coats and body coats over three inches in length or very short, harsh coats, are incorrect. Any graying due to age should not be penalized. Occasional white hairs should not be penalized.
Any other color than an natural black is a disqualification. The coat may have a reddish cast when shedding. Schipperke do come in other colors but black is the only recognized color in the US. Other colors are, cream, red, blue, chocolate, white, brindles and white patches, feet or pasterns. These colors are a disqualification, any color than an natural black is a disqualification.

Trimming - As the Schipperke is a natural breed, only trimming of the whiskers and the hair between the pads of the feet is optional. Any other trimming must not be done.

Males with correct coat

Females with correct coat

Incorrect coat called a fluff