EARS

Dark, small, ivy-leafed in shape, erect, velvety texture. Well set on head, neither too wide nor meeting.

Dark, small, ivy-leafed in shape, erect, velvety texture;
The shape of the ears, their size, placement and colour all play an important part in obtaining the correct, alert expression of the breed.

The ears should be dark in colour, almost black and covered in short, soft hair, feeling almost like velvet to the touch. Light coloured ears and thickly coated ears are undesirable.

Incorrectly shaped ear   Correctly shaped ear

The ears should be small, but still a prominent part of the outline and in complete proportion to the head. They must not be so small as to be lost and barely visible in the ruff which surrounds the head, nor should they be so large as to be the most noticeable feature of the head.

Apart from size, correct ear shape is also important. The ears should resemble the shape of an ivy-leaf in outline with the tips of the ear almost pointed. A tall sharply edged ear like a German Shepherd for instance, would be totally incorrect.

Ears should be carried erect at all times. However, one should always be aware of the fact that a Keeshond uses his ears to communicate his feelings. He may therefore 'drop' his ears momentarily if distracted or distressed by something. Some dogs will also naturally tend to fold their ears back when moving. In general though a happy Keeshond will tend to hold its ears erect.

Well set on head, neither too wide nor meeting;
The placement of the ears is crucial. Too wide an ear-set where the ears are low on the head is very unattractive and untypical. However, too high an ear-set where the ears are so close together as to be almost touching is also equally incorrect. For correct ear-set, imagine a clock face and visualise the ears as being set at five to one.

Ears correctly set at five to one Ears too closely set Ears too wide set

Perhaps a final point whilst on the subject of ears, is a reminder that while the ears should be carried erect. They should not be set on the head in such a manner as to point forwards in a 'poke bonnet' effect, as for example, a Japanese Akita or Japanese Shiba Inu would exhibit.
 

The Breed Standard Copyright © The Kennel Club Reproduced with their permission The Illustrated Breed Standard Copyright © The Keeshond Club Page Last Updated: February 2010