A Schipperke (/ˈskɪpərkiː/; Dutch: ) is a small Belgian breed of dog that originated in the early 16th century. There has been a long informal debate over whether this type of dog is a spitz or miniature sheepdog. In their home country of Belgium they are considered a small shepherd. Known for a stubborn, mischievous, and headstrong temperament, it also chases small animals. In World War II, the Belgian Resistance used the dogs to run messages between various resistance hideouts and cells, to which occupying Nazi forces were none the wiser.