Editing Keeshond (section)

== Description ==
=== Appearance ===
A member of the [[spitz]] group of dogs, the Keeshond in [[American Kennel Club]] (AKC) standard is {{convert|17|in|cm}} to {{convert|18|in|cm}} tall and {{convert|19.25|in|cm}}&nbsp;±&nbsp;{{convert|2.4|in|cm}} in the [[Fédération Cynologique Internationale]] (FCI) standard and weighs {{convert|30|lb|kg}} to {{convert|40|lb|kg}}.  Sturdily built, they have a typical spitz appearance.  Neither coarse nor refined, they have a wedge-shaped head, 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.

==== Coat ====
[[File:Keeshond beech.jpg|thumb|Keeshond]]
Like most 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" on the hind legs.  The hair on the tail should be profuse, forming a rich plume.  The head, including muzzle, skull, and ears, should be covered with smooth, soft, short hair—velvety in texture on the ears.  The coat must not part down the back.

Coat care requires line brushing on a fairly regular basis.  The Keeshond typically 'blows' its undercoat once a year for males, twice a year for females.  During this time, the loss of coat is excessive and their guard hairs will lie flat to their back.  It usually takes two weeks for the 'blow' to complete, in order for new undercoat to begin growing back in.  A Keeshond should never be shaved, as their undercoat provides a natural barrier against heat and cold.  Keeping their coat in good condition will allow efficient insulation in both hot and cold weather.

==== Color ====
[[File:Keeshond 2.JPG|thumb|Keeshond at a dog show]]
The color should be a mixture of grey and black and some white as well. The undercoat should be very pale grey or cream (not tawny). The hair of the outer coat is black tipped, the length of the black tips producing the characteristic shading of color. The color may vary from light to dark, but any pronounced deviation from the grey color is not permissible. The plume of the tail should be very light grey when curled on back and the tip of the tail should be black. Legs and feet should be cream. Ears should be very dark—almost black.

Shoulder line markings (light grey) should be well defined. The color of the ruff and "trousers" is generally lighter than that of the body. "Spectacles" and shadings, as later described, are characteristic of the breed and must be present to some degree. There should be no pronounced white markings.

According to the [[American Kennel Club]] breed standard, the legs and feet are to be cream; feet that are totally black or white are severe faults. Black markings more than halfway down the foreleg, except for pencilling, are faulted.<ref name=AKCStandard>{{cite web|title=Keeshond Breed Standard|url=http://www.akc.org/breeds/keeshond/|publisher=American Kennel Club|access-date=April 15, 2011|date=November 14, 1989}}</ref>

The other important marking is the "spectacles", a delicate dark line running from the outer corner of each eye toward the lower corner of each ear, which, coupled with markings forming short eyebrows, is necessary for the distinct expressive look of the breed. All markings should be clear, not muddled or broken. Absence of the spectacles is considered a serious fault. The eyes should be dark brown, almond-shaped with black eye rims.<ref>Pavia, Audrey. ''Guide to Owning a Keeshond''. Neptune City, NJ: THF Publications, Inc.
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Ears should be small, dark, triangular, and erect.

=== Temperament ===
[[File:Keeshond puppy 7weeks.jpg|thumb|7-week-old Keeshond puppy]]

Keeshonden tend to be very playful, with quick reflexes and strong jumping ability. They are thoughtful, eager to please and very quick learners, which means they are also quick to learn things their humans did not intend to teach them. However, Keeshonden make excellent [[dog agility|agility]] and [[Obedience training|obedience]] dogs. In fact, so amenable to proper training is this bright, sturdy dog that they have been successfully trained to serve as [[service dog|guide dogs]] for the blind; only their lack of size has prevented them from being more widely used in this role.

They love children and are excellent family dogs, preferring to be close to their humans whenever possible. They generally get along with other dogs as well and will enjoy a good chase around the yard. Keeshonden are very intuitive and empathetic and are often used as [[Therapy dog|comfort dogs]]. Most notably, at least one Keeshond, Tikva, was at Ground Zero following the [[September 11 attacks]] to help comfort the rescue workers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/comfort-rubble-therapy-dogs-helped-9-11-workers-recognized-ceremony-article-1.952986|title=Therapy dog back at work grounds: WTC site|website=Nydailynews.com|date=10 September 2011 |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> The breed has a tendency to become especially clingy towards their owners, more so than most other breeds. If their owner is out, or in another room behind a closed door, they may sit, waiting for their owner to reappear, even if there are other people nearby. Many have been referred to as their "owner's shadow", or "velcro dogs".<ref>{{cite web |title=Keeshond |url=https://www.orvis.com/keeshond |website=Orvis |publisher=The Orvis Company Inc. |access-date=4 December 2019 |quote=Kees want to be with their people at all times, and are among the 'velcro' breeds who will follow you from room to room of your house.}}</ref>

They are known by their loud, distinctive bark. Throughout the centuries, the Keeshond has been very popular as a watch dog on barges on canals in the [[Netherlands]] and middle [[Europe]]. This trait is evident to this day, and they are alert dogs that warn their owners of any new visitors. Although loud and alert, Keeshonden are not aggressive towards visitors. They generally welcome visitors affectionately once their family has accepted them. Unfortunately, barking may become a problem if not properly handled. Keeshonden that are kept in a yard, and not allowed to be with their humans, are unhappy and often become nuisance barkers.  

The Keeshond is very bright in work and obedience. The Keeshond ranks 18th in [[Stanley Coren]]'s ''[[The Intelligence of Dogs]]'', being of excellent working/obedience intelligence. This intelligence makes a Keeshond a good choice for the dog owner who is willing to help a dog learn the right lessons, but also entails added responsibility.