Keeshond

Temperament
Keeshonds have been known over the centuries as the "smiling Dutchman's dog" as they tend to "smile" when happy. The Keeshond is alert, intelligent, bold and mischievous. Keeshonds are fantastic characters and make ideal companions. They get on well with children and the elderly and their intelligence makes them highly obedient and trainable. Keeshonds make excellent watchdogs and are naturally good with other dogs. They do need to be introduced to cats while they are young to avoid difficulties later on. Keeshonds are loyal to their handler and their clownish, boisterous behavior makes them lovely pets for energetic families.

Grooming
Keeshonds require regular brushing and combing to keep the coat knot-free and looking tidy. This is the sort of coat that well rewards the conscientious and dedicated owner.

Exercise
Keeshonds need an average amount of exercise and they tend to adapt themselves to the family activities for most of their exercise needs.

Feeding
Keeshonds can be greedy eaters and need rationing to avoid them becoming overweight.

History
The Keeshond originates from the Arctic Spitz. They were originally known as the Dutch Barge dog and for five centuries they travelled up and down the River Rhine with their Dutch owners. This breed got their name from the Dutch patriot leader de Gyselaer, whose dog was called 'Kees'. This dog later became the symbol of his master's political movement. However the popularity of these dogs quickly decreased after the suppression of this party by the Prince or Orange in 1576. The Keeshond managed to avoid extinction by working for the river boat captains who valued their even-temperament, loyalty and the fact that they would bark at unwanted intruders.

Physical Characteristics

General Appearance
Compact, lion-like mane with an intelligent expression.

Color
Mixture of black and grey. The undercoat is a very pale grey or cream and the outcoat hairs are tipped with black.

Coat
The outercoat is harsh, long, straight and offstanding. The undercoat is dense and soft. The hairs on the legs are smooth and short except for some feathering and the head hair is also smooth and short.

Tail
Set high, tightly curled (a double curl at the end is desirable), moderately long, black tipped and carried over the back.

Ears
Set high, small, ivy-leaf shaped, carried erect and covered in thick, velvety short hair.

Body
The back is short, straight and sloping towards the hindquarters. The well-ribbed chest is deep and strong with the belly being moderately tucked up.

Additional Comments

• Keeshonds are solidly-built and thick-coated, allowing them to withstand the toughest of weather conditions including snow and freezing temperatures.

• Keeshonds are among the most wonderful pets that you could ever have.  They love children, adults and other animals.  They live to make you happy and only ask for a scratch in return.  They have an amazingly good temperment and learn very quickly.

American Eskimo

Temperament
The American Eskimo Dog is affectionate, obedient, intelligent, eager and protective. American Eskimo Dogs are eager to please and very outgoing. They get along well with children and love human companionship. Their intelligence allows them to learn quickly and are easily trained. American Eskimo Dogs are naturally untrusting of strangers and make excellent watch dogs, without threatening to attack or bite people. American Eskimo Dogs are known to be noisy and will sound warning barks when strangers arrive.

Grooming
American Eskimo Dogs should be brushed twiced weekly to prevent their thick coats from becoming tangled. A pin brush (with blunt pins) is suitable for regular brushing and keep in mind that these dogs shed heavily at least once a year.

Exercise
The American Eskimo Dog loves games and being outdoors. They are an active breed and shouldn't be denied regular exercise and inclusion in family activities. If they isolated or unoccupied they can become destructive or display undesirable behaviors. American Eskimo Dogs are known to excel in dog obedience trials.

History
This breed's name is misleading as they haven't descended from the working Eskimo sled dogs (unlike the Canadian Eskimo Dog). The American Eskimo Dog was specifically bred as a companion dog and is a descendant from the German Spitz. Around 100 years ago they were a popular breed for American circus dog trainers. American Eskimo Dogs were first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1994.

Physical Characteristics

General Appearance
Brilliant white, cuddly and charming.

Color
White or white with biscuit cream.

Coat
Stand-off double coat. The outer coat is long, harsh and grows up through the dense under coat. There should be no curl or wave.

Tail
Heavily plumed and carried curled over the back.

Ears
Set high, triangular, pricked and blending softly with the head.

Body
The body is slightly longer than it is tall with a level topline. The chest is deep and broad with well-sprung ribs. There is a slight tuck-up of the belly just behind the ribs and the loin is strong and well-muscled. The back is straight, broad, level and muscular.

Additional Comments

• American Eskimo Dogs should be trained at an early age to keep their barking to a minimum or they can become nuisance barkers.

• The American Eskimo Dog is commonly referred to as "Eskie".

• There is a pronounced ruff of hair around the neck that is more noticeable in dogs than bitches.

• Like most white-coated breeds the American Eskimo Dog has a tendancy to develop reddish-colored tear stains below the eyes.