Keeshond

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Breed info

Breed group: Non-Sporting

Color: mixture of gray, black, and cream. Undercoat is pale, and tips of the outercoat are black. Black muzzle, ears, tail tip

Height: male: 17-19, female 16-18 inches

Weight: male: 45, female: 35 lbs

Description: Keeshonden are compact little animals with a strong resemblance to its ancestor the Samoyed, with oblique chestnut eyes, erect triangular ears, and its medium-length tail rolled on its back. It has a cream or pale gray undercoat and a luxurious outer coat that comes in shades of gray with black tips and stands away from the body. Its coat always appears to have just been washed and combed. The markings are quite definite and there are distinctive pale "spectacles" around the eyes.

Temperament: An excellent children's companion, lively, intelligent, and very alert. A real character that is quick to learn if their owners are consistent. They should be trained gently and patiently without a lot of jerking. Keeshond are full of personality. When they get excited about something, it is a common trait for them to spin in happy circles. See video clip of excited Keeshond spinning in circles (you may have to wait for the clip to load before you can view the entire clip). They can be trained to perform. Affectionate, friendly, and generally outgoing. The Keeshond loves everyone and needs to be part of the family activities. They are generally good with other pets, although some individuals are reserved or timid, and should be socialized extensively as puppies. For years the Keeshond was the dog-of-all-jobs on Dutch boats. Today it is used as a companion dog. They like to bark and are good watchdogs because of its notable gift for warning of danger. Beware of overfeeding, for the Keeshond will gain weight easily.

Health problems: Prone to hip dysplasia, skin problems and heart disease.

Living conditions: Will be okay in an apartment although they should at least have an average-sized yard. Keeshonden prefer cool climates; they cannot withstand the heat well due to their thick coats.

Exercise: These dogs have a moderate exercise demand. They need a half mile walk or a good hour-long run in an open field each day. In some Keeshonden that have unsound stifles, very demanding exercise will cause trick knee to develop. A choke chain should not be used, as it will spoil the spectacular ruff. This breed is fairly active indoors.

Life expectancy: About 12-15 years

Grooming: Grooming is not as troublesome as you might expect, but daily brushing of the long coat with a stiff bristle brush is important. Brush with the grain first, then lift the hair with a comb, against the grain, lay it back in place. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. The dense undercoat is shed heavily twice a year in spring and fall.

Origin: The Keeshond has an arctic origin. In the eighteenth century the Keeshond was known as "a dog of the people." In its veins runs the blood of the Samoyed, Chow Chow, Elkhound, and Pomeranian. At the beginning of the French Revolution, it became the symbol of the common and middle-class Dutchmen who were led by the patriot Kees de Gyselaer. The breed then suffered a long period of neglect. They were first introduced into the UK by Mrs. Wingfield-Digby and did not become popular again until 1920, when it arrived in the US. This typical Spitz type breed was used to guard canal boats. It became known as the Dutch Barge Dog, although in Victorian England it was perhaps rather unkindly named the Overweight Pomeranian!

Recognition: CKC, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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