Keeshond: Breed Characteristics, Care & Exercise Needs

Group: Northern, AKC Non-Sporting

AKC Ranking: 93

Also Known As: Dutch Barge Dog, Smiling Dutchman, Chien Loup, German Spitz, Deutscher, Wolfsspitz

About Keeshond

Origin In its veins runs the blood of the Samoyed, Chow Chow, Elkhound, and Pomeranian. Description Keeshonden are compact little dogs 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", a delicate dark line running from the outer corner of each eye toward the lower corner of each ear.

Height

Dogs 17-19 inches (44-48cm.)
Bitches are 10% less.

Weight

Some sources say 55-66 pounds (25-30kg.) while others say 35-45 pounds.

Temperament

An excellent children's companion, lively, intelligent, very alert, affectionate, loyal, 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. They like to bark and are good watchdogs because of its notable gift for warning of danger.

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 & Training

This breed needs to be taken on a daily walk and a good run in a safe, open field each day. This breed is fairly active indoors. When a Keeshond spins in circles it is a sign he needs more stimulating exercise. The Keeshond is a very bright dog as evidenced by its level of achievement in obedience work. It needs patient, consistent training, devoid of harsh punishments.

Being an intelligent dog, most problems with Keeshonden stem from the dog inventing its own activities (often destructive ones, like digging and chewing).

Grooming

Daily brushing of the long coat with a stiff bristle brush is important to maintain the coat and ward off doggy odor. 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, generally once or twice a year. The dense undercoat is shed heavily twice a year in spring and fall. During the "blow," a Keeshond should be groomed once or twice a week to facilitate rapid removal of the dead undercoat.

Health Issues

Keeshonden are prone to hip dysplasia, luxating patellas (trick knee), epilepsy, Cushing's disease, hyperparathyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Von Willebrand's disease has been known in Keeshonden but is not common. Keeshonden are a prime risk for bloat. They can also get colds and gain weight if not taken care of properly.

Life Expectancy: About 12 years

Breed Club & Rescue Link: www.keeshond.org