A Family Passion for Schipperkes
At Sea La Vie Schipperkes, our love for this incredible breed is a true family affair. Based in Ashland, VA, our journey with Schipperkes began across the Atlantic. Cedric, originally from France, and Samantha spent the first 13 years of their marriage living in France, where they built a life together before returning to the U.S. A.
Our love for Schipperkes was sparked in the south of France with Henix du Brudour, a show prospect who didn’t flourish in the ring but quickly became a cherished family companion. That experience planted the seed for what would eventually grow into Sea La Vie Schipperkes.
In 2019, Samantha connected with Krista Nuovo-Roe of Delamer Schipperkes in search of a top-quality Schipperke to show, unknowingly beginning not only a mentorship but also a cherished friendship. Under Krista’s guidance, our passion for the breed deepened, and today, we are honored to work alongside her in our breeding program.
Our Dogs & Breeding Program
Our breeding philosophy is deeply rooted in preservation, with a strong commitment to maintaining the integrity, health, temperament, and unique silhouette of the Schipperke. We strive to produce dogs that remain true to the historic breed standard, excelling in both the show ring and as beloved family companions.
At Sea La Vie, our dogs are more than just show prospects—they are part of our family. Raised in our home, they receive love, socialization, and early training, preparing them for success, whether as a champion in the ring or a devoted pet. We take pride in not only breeding Schipperkes but also in preserving the breed’s history and future.
We welcome those who share our love for Schipperkes to join us in this journey—whether through showing, performance sports, or simply enjoying life with one of these remarkable little dogs.
If you're interested in learning more about our program or inquiring about a future puppy, we’d love to hear from you!
Why Choose a Purebred Schipperke from a Preservation Breeder?
As a passionate preservation breeder, we take great pride in breeding with purpose, responsibility, and dedication to the Schipperke’s heritage. Sea La Vie is built on the foundation of preserving the breed’s unique traits, health, and temperament for future generations. If you’re considering adding a purebred dog to your family, here’s why choosing one from a preservation breeder is the best decision:
1. Predictability in Temperament & Traits
A purebred Schipperke comes with predictable qualities—intelligence, liveliness, and loyalty, along with their distinct size and coat type. When you choose a puppy from Sea La Vie, you can be confident in their characteristics, making it easier to find the perfect match for your home and lifestyle.
2. Health & Genetic Screening
Health is a top priority at Sea La Vie. We conduct rigorous health testing to screen for hereditary conditions, including:
OFA hip and patella evaluations
Eye exams for genetic conditions
Embark DNA testing for breed-specific concerns
By carefully selecting breeding pairs, we aim to produce healthier dogs with fewer risks of genetic disorders, ensuring they live long, happy lives.
3. Ethical & Responsible Breeding Practices
As a preservation breeder, our focus is on the betterment of the breed. We prioritize:
Breeding only when it benefits the breed’s future
Raising puppies in a loving, social environment
Placing puppies in homes that align with their needs
Unlike puppy mills or backyard breeders, we do not breed for profit—our priority is preserving the Schipperke’s unique traits and working ability.
4. Lifetime Breeder Support
When you get a Schipperke from Sea La Vie, you gain more than just a puppy—you gain a lifetime of support. We are here to guide owners through training, health concerns, and any challenges. If an owner can no longer care for their dog, we always take them back, ensuring none of our dogs end up in shelters or unsafe situations.
5. Early Socialization & Development
Our puppies are raised in a stimulating and nurturing environment, where they experience:
Household noises & handling
Different surfaces, toys, and people
Basic training and enrichment activities
This helps them develop into well-adjusted, confident companions, reducing behavioral issues later in life.
6. Preservation of the Breed’s Heritage & Abilities
Schipperkes were originally bred as watchdogs and vermin hunters on Belgian barges. We strive to maintain their intelligence, agility, and spirited nature, ensuring these qualities are not lost. Whether you’re looking for a loyal family pet, a performance competitor, or a working companion, a well-bred Schipperke from a preservation breeder stays true to its roots.
7. Responsible Ownership & Ethical Commitments
We provide a contract with each puppy placement to ensure responsible ownership, including:
Spay/neuter agreements (unless breeding rights are discussed)
Returning the dog to us if the owner can no longer care for it
Commitment to proper training and care
This guarantees that every Schipperke from Sea La Vie is placed in a home where they will be loved and cared for throughout their lifetime.
Choosing the Right Breeder Matters
By choosing a preservation breeder like Sea La Vie, you are making a conscious decision to support ethical breeding, responsible ownership, and the future of the breed.
If you’re interested in learning more about Schipperkes or bringing one into your home, we’d love to connect with you and help find the perfect match for your family.
For more information, feel free to reach out to us at Sea La Vie. Together, we can ensure the continued excellence and well-being of this wonderful breed!
Contact us
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in learning more about our breeding program, upcoming litters, or the Schipperke breed, feel free to reach out.