Keeshond

Keeshond

Distinct characteristics of Keeshonden include a lion like ruff, spectacles, small and dark triangular ears, definite contrast, and a thick double coat.
Other names	Dutch Barge Dog Smiling Dutchman German Spitz Deutscher Wolfspitz Wolfspitz
Common nicknames	Kees
Origin	Germany
Traits Weight 15 to 20 kg (33 to 44 lb) Height Male 44 to 48 cm (17 to 19 in) Female 40 to 46 cm (16 to 18 in) Coat Double Color Gray, black, and cream Life span 12-14 years
Classification / standards FCI Group 5, Section 4 European Spitz #97a standard AKC Non-sporting standard ANKC Group 7 (Non-sporting) standard CKC Group 6 (Non-sporting) standard KC (UK) Utility standard NZKC Non-sporting standard UKC Northern Breed standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Keeshond (/ˈkeɪz.hɒnd/ KAYZ-hond; plural: Keeshonden) is a medium-sized dog with a plush two-layer coat of silver and black fur with a ruff and a curled tail. It originated in Germany, and its closest relatives are the German spitzes such as the Großspitz, Mittelspitz, and Kleinspitz or Pomeranian. Originally called the German Spitz, more specifically the Wolfspitz, the name was officially changed to Keeshond, in 1926 in England, where it had been known as the Dutch Barge Dog.

A member of the spitz group of dogs, the Keeshond in American Kennel Club (AKC) standard is 17 inches (43 cm) to 18 inches (46 cm) tall and 19.25 inches (48.9 cm) ± 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) standard and weighs 30 pounds (14 kg) to 40 pounds (18 kg). Sturdily built, they have a typical spitz appearance, neither coarse nor refined. They have a wedge-shaped head, a medium-length muzzle with a definite stop, small pointed ears, and an expressive face. The tail is tightly curled and, in profile, should be carried such that it is indistinguishable from the compact body of the dog.

Like all spitz-type dogs, the Keeshond has a dense double coat, with a thick ruff around the neck. Typically, the males of this breed will have a thicker, more pronounced ruff than the females. The body should be abundantly covered with long, straight, harsh hair standing well out from a thick, downy undercoat. The hair on the legs should be smooth and short, except for a feathering on the front legs and "trousers", as previously described, on the hind legs. The hair on the tail should be profuse, forming a rich plume. Head, including muzzle, skull, and ears, should be covered with smooth, soft, short hair—velvety in texture on the ears. Coat must not part down the back.