The Keeshond Dogs

During unrest in Holland before (the French Revolution, a dog owned by Cornelius de Gysalaer, whose nickname was 'Kees', became the symbol of the patriots, giving the breed its name. Subsequently the breed fell into decline but it was revived in Holland in the 1920s.

With a fox-like head and small, pointed ears this breed has an alert expression, the head surrounded by a large ruff, complemented by a well-feathered tail curled over the back. Intelligent and adaptable, the Keeshond is friendly and an ideal companion, making a good guard as the breed has a marked guarding tendency. The harsh, off-standing coat needs regular grooming to maintain condition and ideal size is 45.7 cm (18 in) for dogs and 43.2 cm (17 in) for bitches. Weight is generally around 25-30 kg (55-66 lb).