Chad Moultan, age 12, of Albuquerque, N.M., for his question:

IS THE KEESHOND A RARE DOG?

Keeshond is a Dutch dog of Arctic descent, related to the Samoyed, chow chow and Pomeranian. Although it isn't necessarily a rare dog, there aren't too many of them around.

Here's how you pronounce the dog's name: kays hond.

The keeshond is the national dog of The Netherlands. You'll find lots of them living with families in that country.

Keeshonden are a familiar sight on Rhine River boats.

The keeshond has long, thick, gray hair tipped with black. Its eyes are slanting and are marked with lines that look like spectacles. Its head is wedge shaped and its tail curls tightly.

Keeshonden stand 17 to 18 inches high. They weigh between 35 and 40 pounds.

The keenshond is classified as a nonsporting dog.