Appearance

The Keeshond is a sturdy medium-sized dog. The square body is short and compact with a curled, medium-length tail. The fox-like head has a pointed muzzle, erect triangular ears and oblique brown eyes with markings around the sockets resembling spectacles. The double coat is thick, straight and long with a ruff of hair around the neck, and the coloring tends to be grey with black and cream.

History

The Keeshond comes from Arctic stock with traces of Samoyed, Chow Chow and Pomeranian. For many years, they worked on Dutch riverboats along the Rhine River, winning the hearts of the working class for their sturdiness, intelligence and resourcefulness. During an 18th century rebellion against the Dutch royal family, the Keeshonden became a mascot for the patriots. When the rebellion failed, the Keeshond suffered a serious drop in popularity. A small group of diehards maintained the breed and, years later, the Keeshond returned to popularity.