The Keeshond is to be shown in a natural state with trimming permissible only on feet, pasterns, hocks, and, if desired, whiskers. Part in coat down the back. A dramatically marked dog, the Keeshond is a mixture of gray, black and cream. This coloration may vary from light to dark. The hair of the outer coat is black tipped, the length of the black tips producing the characteristic shading of color.
Puppies are often less intensely marked.
The undercoat is very pale gray or cream, never tawny. The muzzle should be dark in color. Ears should be very dark, almost black. The shoulder line markings of light gray must be well defined. The plume of the tail is very light in color when curled on the back, and the tip of the tail should be black.