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. Group 1 Herding dogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs #083.