Grooming generally is done for pleasure and bonding except for the all out coat blow-out once or twice a year. Schipperkes are wonderful watch dogs so be prepared to know when your neighbor has company. Just because your fence is the legal limit of your property doesn't mean your schipperke understands this. He can smell and hear much better than you can or ever will. It is his job to keep his family informed of changes in the neighborhood.
Schipperkes respond to positive reinforcement much better than they do to punishment.
Their level of actividty and energy lasts well up into their advanced age. Spend the time and energy learning of this breeds inherant characteristicts and what to realistically expect from a breeder and if they are for you then spend the time and effort finding a responsible breeder who will stand by the dogs they produce and be there for the owners questions about these dogs forever. Schips are tops, the only dog for some, not the right one for others. Schips are an absolutely great breed. They are fun, energetic, and adorable.