The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog that originated in the Netherlands where it was mainly used as guard dogs on farms, riverboats and barges. It is known by a large variety of names including the Keeshond, Kees, Dutch Barge Dog, Wolf Spitz, Smiling Dutchman, Deutscher Wolf Spitz, Chien Loup and the German Spitz. The Keeshond is a Spitz breed that has been around since about the 18th century. It is a close relative to such other Spitz breeds as the Pomeranian, Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Chow Chow and the Finnish Spitz. It was named after an early fancier of the breed: a man by the name of Kees de Gyselaer.
While the average size for most adult Keeshonden can range between 33 and 45 pounds, it is not uncommon for some of them to weigh as much as 66 pounds. This is because early Keeshonden were larger than today's dogs. They have a long overcoat with a thick fuzzy undercoat. Acceptable colors are gray or silver with black markings. The Keeshond has a wedge-shaped head with a small black nose and almond-shaped dark eyes. The ears are triangular and should be held fully erect on the top of the skull. The body is somewhat compact, and there should be a heavy "mane" around the dog's neck. The tail is heavily plumed and curls up and over the back. The Keeshond is a furry, medium-sized dog breed with square proportions. It has a double coat with a dense, woolly undercoat and a coarse, furry outer coat. It also has a bit of a mane. Keeshond shed a lot and need regular brushing.
Personality
The Kees has many positive traits. Not only is it highly intelligent and easy to train, but it is also extremely affectionate, gently and loyal. It gets along quite well with other pets and children. Keeshonden love to bark, which makes them great alarm dogs. However, if you have neighbors who may become annoyed with the barking, you may want to consider another breed. Are you looking for a dog that can keep up with your children but will enjoy cuddling with you as well? If so, why not consider a Keeshond? Keeshonden love to play with their human family members; however, they are extremely affection and enjoy cuddling as well. Furthermore, the average Keeshond gets along quite well with other dogs and other types of household pets. The Keeshond is lively and playful dog that is affectionate and good-natured. It needs moderate daily exercise in the form of walks or short romps. It makes a good watchdog and is a good family companion. It is friendly towards other dogs and strangers.
Breed Characteristics
| Family: | Spitz |
| Life Span: | 12 - 15 years |
| Nicknames: | Kees, Dutch Barge Dog, Wolf Spitz, Smiling Dutchman, Deutscher Wolf Spitz, Chien Loup, German Spitz |
Keeshond Build Information
While the average size for most adult Keeshonden can range between 33 and 45 pounds, it is not uncommon for some of them to weigh as much as 66 pounds. This is because early Keeshonden were larger than today's dogs. They have a long overcoat with a thick fuzzy undercoat. Acceptable colors are gray or silver with black markings. The Keeshond has a wedge-shaped head with a small black nose and almond-shaped dark eyes. The ears are triangular and should be held fully erect on the top of the skull. The body is somewhat compact, and there should be a heavy "mane" around the dog's neck. The tail is heavily plumed and curls up and over the back. The Keeshond is a furry, medium-sized dog breed with square proportions. It has a double coat with a dense, woolly undercoat and a coarse, furry outer coat. It also has a bit of a mane. Keeshond shed a lot and need regular brushing.
| Size: | medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The Kees has many positive traits. Not only is it highly intelligent and easy to train, but it is also extremely affectionate, gently and loyal. It gets along quite well with other pets and children. Keeshonden love to bark, which makes them great alarm dogs. However, if you have neighbors who may become annoyed with the barking, you may want to consider another breed. Are you looking for a dog that can keep up with your children but will enjoy cuddling with you as well? If so, why not consider a Keeshond? Keeshonden love to play with their human family members; however, they are extremely affection and enjoy cuddling as well. Furthermore, the average Keeshond gets along quite well with other dogs and other types of household pets. The Keeshond is lively and playful dog that is affectionate and good-natured. It needs moderate daily exercise in the form of walks or short romps. It makes a good watchdog and is a good family companion. It is friendly towards other dogs and strangers.
| Activity Level: | Moderately active |
| Affection Level: | very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very friendly |
Appearance
A neglected Keeshond can become a matted mess rather quickly. As such, it is highly important that you brush your Kees at least once every day and more often during shedding season. You should not need to give your pet a bath unless it becomes absolutely necessary. Check your dog's ears once in a while and clean out any excess wax using the tip of a damp wash cloth or clean rag. If your Keeshond's nails grow overly long, you can trim the small hooks off of the tips using a pliers-type nail clipper that has been specially designed for use with pets.
| Shedding: | Heavy |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
Keeshond Common Health Conditions
Keeshonden are hardy dogs that can live anywhere between 12 and 15 years or longer. They rarely suffer from any genetic health issues. However, there have been a few Keeshond owners who have reported that their dogs developed one or more of the following conditions: Hip Dysplasia, Skin Allergies, Heart Problems, Luxating Patellas, Epilepsy, Defective Thyroids, Diabetes and Cushing's Disease.
Keeshond Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The plural form for Keeshond is Keeshonden. Early Keeshonden came in a variety of colors including orange, red, white, black, silver and wolf gray. The Keeshond is not an independent dog. It loves its family and does not like to be separated from them. When left alone, the Keeshond can become depressed and/or destructive.
| Training: | Medium |