BODY

Short, compact, length from withers to tail equal to height at withers. Well sprung in rib. Good depth of brisket.

Short, compact, length from withers to tail equal to height at withers;

Correct square outline

As breeders, we strive to breed Keeshonds with short and compact bodies. However, we must take care not to allow our desire for a short back to be achieved at the expense of correct shoulder angulation. All too often a very short back can he accompanied by upright shoulders.

The Standard calls for 'length from withers to tail equal to height at withers' when it gives us a guide as to the correct body length to leg height ratio required for good overall balance. However this statement is misleading as the Keeshond should be a square dog in outline; the square being formed by equal distances from forechest to point of rump and withers to ground; a matter of semantics, as the intent of the standard is to achieve a square bodied dog.

The back should be firm without any tendency to a dipping topline. The topline should be level, although a slight slope downwards from withers to rump is considered MOST desirable. Highly undesirable is a slope in the opposite direction, upwards from withers to rump

Correct ribcage, well rounded Incorrect ribcage, too narrow

Well sprung in rib. Good depth of brisket;
The compact body should be well rounded right through the full length of the ribcage from behind the shoulders. A broad chest deep enough to reach the elbows, with a good depth of brisket is essential, giving plenty of heart and lung room.

A clearly defined sternum should be apparent when your hand is placed between both front legs. Otherwise there may be insufficient width between the front legs, which would be detrimental to front movement.

There should be a slight but definite 'tuck up' at the stomach area, giving the effect of a waistline and emphasising the depth of brisket. A Keeshond should always appear to be slightly heavier at the front than behind.

FAULTS   Narrow or slab-sided ribcage often accompanied by insufficient width between the front legs.   Slope upwards from withers to rump.   Too long in body.   Dipping or uneven topline.

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