It’s always a “spectacle” when dogs get together and horse around (ever notice how they seem to recognize their own breed?) but the kind of spectacle we’re talking about is an important attribute of the Keeshond, so much so that the breed standard considers its absence to be a very serious fault.
“Spectacles” refer to the markings and shadings in a Kees’s orbital area, and it has to include a delicate, dark line slanting from the outer corner of each eye toward the lower corner of each ear.
It’s not unheard of for some exhibitors to enhance this area by clipping some of the hair surrounding the eye to give it a lighter look, but it’s unnecessary in most Kees, and combined with expressive eyebrows, “spectacles” give the Keeshond it’s wonderfully alert and intelligent expression. Since the breed was used as a watch dog on barges navigating the Rhine River and the canals of Holland, Keeshonden were bred to live in small quarters. It’s cheerful demeanor and pleasant expression not only made it a wonderful companion to the men who worked these vessels, but a lovely dog to look at, as well.
As barges became larger, the breed became less favored and soon became scarce. Through the efforts of Baroness Van Hardenbroek, breed numbers were restored. Change came as well to the barges when they were unable to compete with newer and larger ships. Many of these barges have been renovated and are now used as luxury hotel barges carrying vacationers on the same canals on which they once carried cargo. One wonders if any of them include a Keeshond…..
Keeshond by LA Shepard/thedoglover
https://www.facebook.com/L.A.ShepardArt
http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/l.a.shepard/all
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheDogLover
Having owned, trained, showed, breed and loved my Keeshonden since 1981, as well as being active in the regional Keeshond clubs of Northern California and Keeshond Club of America member, I know of what I write here. Keeshonden have not only expressive spectacles, but a tremendous sense of humor, fun and mischief, so creating a ‘spectacle’ comes naturally to them. At the 2008 Keeshond Club of America, the High in Trial trophy was a framed artwork depicting a San Francisco trolley with disembarking Keeshonden running amok in the street. During an exercise, long sits or, perhaps, long downs…one Keeshond got up and disturbed another Keeshond. Suddenly, a fast and fur-ious play erupted causing more Keeshonden in the ring to get up. What this a case of life imitating art or vice versa? The judge was kind to Kees and their exhibitors allowing all to have a second chance at the exercise, except for the original two that started it.
A wonderfully vivid anecdote, Martha – and a wise judge! Thank you for sharing this!
We got 2 keeshonds but as they grow we are noticing that they do not have spectacles around their eyes. Is that a common problem or no big deal?
Great question, and we’ll put it to the 87,000 friends on our Facebook page! Be checking back for an answer.