Expression is such a vital part of a breed that over 93% of the current AKC breed standards mention it. As the Collie standard reads, “Expression, like the term character, is difficult to define in words.” We can, however, suggest that there are key elements that make up a dog’s expression, and to share them, we borrow a phrase from another breed’s standard, the Shetland Sheepdog: “Contours and chiseling of the head, the shape, set and use of ears, the placement, shape and color of the eyes combine to produce expression.” 

One aspect that isn’t always mentioned in a standard is, we feel, a huge part of expression, and that is the eyebrows. Curiously, only one Non-Sporting breed’s standard mentions them at all, but in this breed, the eyebrows, as they say, are a “biggie.” That breed is the Keeshond.

The breed standard states that expression is largely dependent on the distinctive characteristic known as “spectacles,” a combination of markings and shadings in the orbital area which must include a delicate, dark line slanting from the outer corner of each eye toward the lower corner of each ear. These expressive markings and shadings gives a Kees its bright, inquisitive expression that we think makes the breed look as intelligent as it is. Without expressive eyebrows, however, the famous spectacles would look more like half frame reading glasses, and not the “designer eyewear” for which the breed is known.