In which I answer San Francisco's questions about my dog.

I have a dog. She is kind of an unusual breed and quite striking-looking. When we walk around San Francisco - especially in crowded areas - we can't get more than five feet without someone wanting to stop us to exclaim over her appearance, touch her, and ask me questions (which I guess is better than them wanting to touch me and ask her questions). I thought I would answer these questions here.

• She's a Keeshond.
• Bliss.
• Girl.
• Keeshond.
• K-E-E-S-H-O-N-D.
  
• Eight years old. She'll be nine in September.
• I got her when she was four months old.
• Yes, she sheds a lot, especially when she "blows her coat" a couple of times a year.
• The cottony undercoat thins out (I show the person the undercoat at this point).
• I'm supposed to brush her weekly. I don't.
• It takes about an hour or so and requires four different instruments (comb, brush, undercoat rake, slicker brush).
• She doesn't really need to be bathed more than once a year.
• Yes, she has a tail. It's just curly and hides. We call it "retractable."
• About 30 pounds. Not much dog under all that fur.
• No, she's not a Chow mix.
• She does okay in the heat, as long as she's not out too long.
• No, I've never shaved her. The coat protects her from both heat and cold.
• Holland.
• Very friendly.
• Too smart for her own good.
• Yes, your son/daughter may pet her. She's great with kids.
• No, she's not a giant Pomeranian. But they're related.
• Yes, she barks. A lot.
• Yes, she's very happy. And a very good girl.

Bliss