A Keeshond once represented a revolution. In late 18th century Holland, a middle-class resistance group emerged and confronted the reigning pOver. The leader of the revolt owned a dog named Kees, who became the spunky symbol for the new party.

The breed nearly vanished after the rebelling party's demise and with the dog's diminished use as a barge worker. The Baroness van Hardenbroek, however, bred a few remaining specimens, rescuing the animal that eventually became the national dog of The Netherlands. The Keeshond displays a warm, sturdy, intelligent personality-- traits of a great family dog.

IDEAL BREED CHARACTERISTICS

Size: Males 17 to 19 inches, Females 16 to 18 inches (at the withers).

Appearance: Balanced, square body with quick, straight motion.

Coat and Color: Long, straight, harsh coat; softer on the head and ears; longer on the legs and tail; thick "ruff" on the neck. Mix of gray, black and cream color; dark muzzle; light color on the legs, "ruff" and tail.

Head: Flat skull with a balanced muzzle; dark brown, almond shaped eyes; small, triangular, erect ears.

Tail: Long, flat, tightly curled, resting on the back.