Breeds

Keeshond

Breed Facts Size: Small - Medium Height: Ideally 43.2 - 45.7cm (17 - 18 inches) Weight: 15 - 20 kg (33 - 44lb) Life Span: 14 years Grooming: Demanding Exercise: Medium Feeding: Medium Temperament: Friendly & obedient Country of Origin: Germany & Holland AKC Group: Non-Sporting Other Names: Wolfspitz, Dutch Barge Dog

Temperament
Keeshonds have been known over the centuries as the "smiling Dutchman dog" as they tend to "smile" when happy. The Keeshond is alert, intelligent, bold and mischievous. Keeshonds are fantastic characters and make ideal companions. They get on well with children and the elderly and their intelligence makes them highly obedient and trainable. Keeshonds make excellent watchdogs and are naturally good with other dogs. They do need to be introduced to cats while they are young to avoid difficulties later on. Keeshonds are loyal to their handler and their clownish, boisterous behavior makes them lovely pets for energetic families.

Grooming
Keeshonds require regular brushing and combing to keep the coat knot-free and looking tidy. This is the sort of coat that well rewards the conscientious and dedicated owner.

Exercise
Keeshonds need an average amount of exercise and they tend to adapt themselves to the family activities for most of their exercise needs.

Feeding
Keeshonds can be greedy eaters and need rationing to avoid them becoming overweight.

History
The Keeshond originates from the Arctic Spitz. They were originally known as the Dutch Barge dog and for five centuries they traveled up and down the River Rhine with their Dutch owners. This breed got their name from the Dutch patriot leader de Gyselaer, whose dog was called 'Kees'. This dog later became the symbol of his master's political movement. However the popularity of these dogs quickly decreased after the suppression of this party by the Prince or Orange in 1576. The Keeshond managed to avoid extinction by working for the river boat captains who valued their even-temperament, loyalty and the fact that they would bark at unwanted intruders.

Physical Characteristics

General Appearance
Compact, lion-like mane with an intelligent expression.

Color
Mixture of black and grey. The undercoat is a very pale grey or cream and the out coat hairs are tipped with black.

Coat
The outer coat is harsh, long, straight and off standing. The undercoat is dense and soft. The hairs on the legs are smooth and short except for some feathering and the head hair is also smooth and short.

Tail
Set high, tightly curled (a double curl at the end is desirable), moderately long, black tipped and carried over the back.

Ears
Set high, small, ivy-leaf shaped, carried erect and covered in thick, velvety short hair.

Body
The back is short, straight and sloping towards the hindquarters. The well-ribbed chest is deep and strong with the belly being moderately tucked up.

Additional Comments

• Keeshonds are solidly-built and thick-coated, allowing them to withstand the toughest of weather conditions including snow and freezing temperatures. 
• Keeshonds are among the most wonderful pets that you could ever have. They love children, adults and other animals. They live to make you happy and only ask for a scratch in return. They have an amazingly good temperament and learn very quickly.

Next