The Keeshond (/ˈkeɪshɒnd/ KAYSS-hond, plur. Keeshonden) is a medium-sized dog with a plush, two-layer coat of silver and black fur with a ruff and a curled tail. All markings should be clear, not muddled or broken. Absence of the spectacles is considered a serious fault. The eyes should be dark brown, almond-shaped with black eye rims. The coat also loses its distinct color as the black tipping on the hairs will be shorn off. If frequent brushing is too much effort, it is better to choose another breed rather than clip the Keeshond short. The coat also loses its distinct color as the black tipping on the hairs will be shorn off. No one knows the exact number of colored Keeshonden born in the United States. Incorrect or incomplete documentation makes it impossible to determine how many colored Keeshonden, and of which colors, have been born in the United States.