The Keeshond is a medium sized breed of dog that originates from Germany. The breed is commonly also known as the 'Dutch Barge Dog' and the 'Smiling Dutchman.' The breed is known for its unique plush two-layered coat, curled tail and its silver and black fur with a ruff around its neck. The breed is closely related to other breeds within the Spitz typing such as the Mittelsplitz, Kleinspitz and Pomeranian. The breed was originally called the 'German Spitz, ' but the breed's name was changed in 1926 to the Keeshond. The first breed standard for the Keeshond was posted at a dog show in Berlin in 1880. The breed is sturdily built with a wedge-shaped head, a medium-sized muzzle, a tightly curled tail and a pair of small pointed ears. The Keeshond's ruff is a good way to guess the dog's gender: males tend to have a much thicker and more pronounced ruff than females. The temperament of dogs is normally affected by the following factors: individual personality, heredity, training and socialization. It is therefore important to make sure that you meet the puppy's mother before purchasing a Keeshond. It is also important to make sure to thoroughly socialize your Keeshond with strangers, children and other animals during its puppyhood. Generally speaking, the Keeshond is known to be an extremely playful breed with a love of physical exercise and athletics. The breed as a whole seems very eager to please humans, which actually leads to the Keeshond being a highly trainable breed. Their intelligence and trainability has led to the Keeshond being used as a guide dog. The Keeshond makes an excellent family dog as they love human contact and get along very well with children and other household pets. The breed is also known to be incredibly empathetic as was actually the first choice for 'comfort dogs' to help the rescue works after the tragedy of 9/11. It is important to note that as a working and sporting breed, the Keeshond has a high amount of energy which needs to be expended. If the Keeshond has a buildup of energy it is likely to develop destructive behaviors due to boredom or hyperactivity. Before purchasing any pet it is important to understand that as a pet owner you are responsible for the care and wellbeing of your pet. It is important to try and learn as much as you can about the animal you are considering to keep as a pet to make sure that your lifestyle, household and financial status are suited to provide your pet with the best possible care. This guide has been designed to provide you with both precise and concise information about a Keeshond's basic needs to help you provide your pet with the best quality care practices. This guide will give an in-depth explanation on training your Keeshond, raising your Keeshond from a puppy, grooming, health care and everything in between! "The Keeshond: A Complete and Comprehensive Owners Guide to: Buying, Owning, Health, Grooming, Training, Obedience, Understanding and Caring for Your Keeshond," by Michael Stonewood is the perfect purchase or gift for a first time Keeshond owner. This guide includes sections on caring for a puppy, breeding, health care, training, the basic cost of owning a Keeshond and much more. This book is the second edition - the first edition was published by 'Dog Care Professionals.'