GENERAL APPEARANCE

This Northern dog is characterized by the following:

• A pointed muzzle typical of spitzes and a wedgeshaped head

• Small, upright-pointing ears which add to its socalled “cuteness factor”

• Medium-length neck topped by a thick ruff

• Short, cobby body which is nonetheless well-balanced

• “Spectacle” markings around the eyes which give it an appealing, inquisitive expression, a “smile” that is most often described as “foxlike,” and curled lips that indicate its friendliness

• Soft, thick, two-layered (double) coat that stands out from the body and looks gray; the undercoat is pale cream or grey while the overcoat is black-tipped

• “Dutchman’s breeches” or markings on the thighs that make it look like the Keeshond is wearing pantaloons

• Curled tail that looks like a plume

• Fast mover but gait is ‘clean’