Dog Breeds - Keeshond

Keeshond

ATTRIBUTES: Friendly, Lively, Outgoing

GROUP: Non-Sporting Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Likes To Be Vocal

COAT TYPE: Double

COAT LENGTH: Long

SHADDING: Seasonal

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Easy Training

CHARACTERISTIC: Best Dogs For Apartment Dwellers, Best Dog Breeds For Kids, Best Family Dogs, Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of warmth exhibited by a breed towards their family members or familiar individuals is an important consideration. Certain breeds may appear distant towards everyone except their owners whereas others treat everyone they are acquainted with as if they were their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The extent of a breed's endurance and understanding towards children's actions as well as their overall compatibility with families is an essential aspect to consider. It is crucial to supervise dogs around young children or children who have limited experience with dogs regardless of their age.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall friendliness of a breed towards other dogs. It is crucial to supervise interactions and introductions between dogs to ensure safety. However, certain breeds inherently have a higher propensity to get along with other dogs whether it be within the home or in public.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that a breed is prone to shedding is an important consideration. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering specific allergies and will necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed, such as bathing, brushing, trimming, and other forms of coat maintenance, should be taken into account. It is important to consider the time, patience and budget available for such care when evaluating grooming requirements. Additionally, it is essential to note that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool should be considered. For individuals who prioritize cleanliness, breeds that leave excessive slobber on arms or create large wet spots on clothes may not be the most suitable choice.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Long

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of friendliness exhibited by a breed towards strangers is an important factor to consider. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the setting, while other breeds will eagerly welcome and engage with new humans whenever they are encountered.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play is an important aspect, even beyond puppyhood. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will prefer to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The breed's inclination to alert you of the presence of strangers is worth noting. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, these breeds are prone to warming up to strangers who enter the house and are acknowledged by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change is a crucial factor to consider. This encompasses their ability to adjust to alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily routines and other variations in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training a dog and their willingness to learn new things are important considerations. Certain breeds are highly motivated to make their owners proud and are more receptive to training, while others are more inclined to do as they please, whenever and wherever they want.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed are significant factors to consider. High-energy breeds are constantly ready and eager for their next adventure. They thrive on activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more content to relax and snooze, resembling couch potatoes.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization, including barks or howls in a breed should be taken into consideration. Some breeds tend to bark at every passer-by or even at birds in the window, while others are more selective and will only bark in specific situations. Additionally, there are barkless breeds that may still be vocal expressing themselves through other sounds.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The mental stimulation requirements of a breed should be taken into account to ensure their happiness and overall well-being. Purpose-bred dogs, which have been bred for specific tasks often require mental challenges that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities. Without proper mental exercise these dogs may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which may not align with the owner's preferences. It is crucial to provide adequate mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of warmth exhibited by a breed towards their family members or familiar individuals is an important consideration. Certain breeds may appear distant towards everyone except their owners whereas others treat everyone they are acquainted with as if they were their closest companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The extent of a breed's endurance and understanding towards children's actions as well as their overall compatibility with families is an essential aspect to consider. It is crucial to supervise dogs around young children or children who have limited experience with dogs regardless of their age.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The overall friendliness of a breed towards other dogs. It is crucial to supervise interactions and introductions between dogs to ensure safety. However, certain breeds inherently have a higher propensity to get along with other dogs whether it be within the home or in public.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair that a breed is prone to shedding is an important consideration. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering specific allergies and will necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed, such as bathing, brushing, trimming, and other forms of coat maintenance, should be taken into account. It is important to consider the time, patience and budget available for such care when evaluating grooming requirements. Additionally, it is essential to note that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool should be considered. For individuals who prioritize cleanliness, breeds that leave excessive slobber on arms or create large wet spots on clothes may not be the most suitable choice.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Long

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of friendliness exhibited by a breed towards strangers is an important factor to consider. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the setting, while other breeds will eagerly welcome and engage with new humans whenever they are encountered.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play is an important aspect, even beyond puppyhood. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will prefer to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The breed's inclination to alert you of the presence of strangers is worth noting. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, these breeds are prone to warming up to strangers who enter the house and are acknowledged by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change is a crucial factor to consider. This encompasses their ability to adjust to alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily routines and other variations in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training a dog and their willingness to learn new things are important considerations. Certain breeds are highly motivated to make their owners proud and are more receptive to training, while others are more inclined to do as they please, whenever and wherever they want.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed are significant factors to consider. High-energy breeds are constantly ready and eager for their next adventure. They thrive on activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more content to relax and snooze, resembling couch potatoes.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Likes To Be Vocal

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The mental stimulation requirements of a breed should be taken into account to ensure their happiness and overall well-being. Purpose-bred dogs, which have been bred for specific tasks often require mental challenges that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities. Without proper mental exercise these dogs may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which may not align with the owner's preferences. It is crucial to provide adequate mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black & Silver	016
Gray & Black	101
Gray Cream & Black	321
Gray Silver & Black	108
Silver & Black	177
Wolfgray & Black	228
Black	007
Tawny	198
Silver	176
White	199
Wolfgray	227

PATTERNS

About The Breed

The Keeshond is an amiable medium-sized spitz dog with a distinctive appearance. Descending from the same ancient stock as other spitz breeds like Pomeranians and Samoyeds, it exhibits typical spitz features such as a foxy face, pointed ears, an abundant coat and a plumed tail carried high over the back. One of the most charming and unique characteristics of the breed is the "spectacles," which are shadings and markings around the eyes giving the impression that the dog is wearing designer eyewear. These markings highlight the Keeshond's alert and intelligent expression. The breed has a notable history as a symbol of Dutch patriotism and was once commonly found on canal barges in Holland.

What to Expect When Caring for a Keeshond

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Keeshond: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Keeshonden are generally a healthy and active breed known to live a happy life ranging from 12 to 15 years of age. The Keeshond Club of America recommends specific health tests for all Keeshonds before they are bred aiming to help breeders identify any potential health concerns. These tests typically include X-rays to screen for hip and elbow dysplasia, examination for patellar luxation a CERF eye exam and genetic screening for primary hyperparathyroidism. Reputable breeders often conduct these tests in order to reduce the occurrence of these conditions within the breed, resulting in a higher percentage of Keeshonds being free from them. When purchasing a Keeshond puppy, it is the buyer's responsibility to ask the breeder for the test results of the pup's parents and discuss any health concerns accordingly. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Patella Evaluation Hip Evaluation Elbow Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	Keeshonden do require regular grooming, but it can be managed with relative ease. Going through their coats once a week with a pin brush is usually sufficient to keep their fur in good condition. Regular brushing helps to remove loose fur and keep shedding to a minimum. Trimming is typically only necessary around the feet, pads and hocks to maintain tidiness. Pet owners can opt to brush their Keeshonds weekly and take them to a professional groomer for a bath and blow-dry every four to six weeks. Alternatively, they may choose to handle the bathing and drying process themselves. In the case of show dogs, they are often bathed a few days prior to the show weekend to ensure they are in prime condition for the competition. Regular grooming practices help maintain the Keeshond's coat and overall appearance.

Exercise

	Keeshonden are known for their adaptability to various environments. Throughout history, they have lived in a wide range of homes, including farms with ample running space and barges with limited room for movement. Although they can adapt, it is important to provide Keeshonds with regular exercise as they enjoy being active and being a part of their families. Engaging them in a daily free run or a nice walk not only benefits them physically but also mentally. After getting their exercise, Keeshonds are content to cuddle up with their families on the sofa while reading or watching TV. One important aspect to note about Keeshonds is their happy nature and their tendency to "smile" when they spend time with their loved ones. Spending quality time with a Keeshond is one of the key factors in keeping them happy and content.

Training

	well-kept secret about Keeshonden is that they possess high intelligence and are highly trainable. They excel in obedience training and have even achieved national rankings in this field. Keeshonds have also shown exceptional performance in agility, with Molly being the first Keeshond to earn multiple MACH titles. Additionally, many Keeshonds have made a notable impact in therapy work. One of the key reasons for their success in training is their quick learning ability and their motivation to please their trainers. However, it is important for trainers to keep up with their Keeshonds, as they can become bored easily. Beginning training when they are puppies between 10 and 14 weeks old is recommended. During this period, they learn rapidly and progress to the next level. Early socialization and participation in puppy training classes are highly encouraged. Without proper training, Keeshonds may still learn things, but not necessarily what the owner had in mind. Thus, investing time and effort into training Keeshonds is essential to guide their intelligence and energy in a positive direction.

Nutrition

	Keeshonden generally thrive on a high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. Similar to many Northern breeds they tend to do well on a fish-based diet that is low in carbohydrates. It is important to select a diet suitable for the dog's age, whether they are a puppy, adult or senior. Some Keeshonds may be prone to weight gain so monitoring their calorie intake and weight levels is crucial. While treats can be a useful tool in training, excessive amounts can lead to obesity. It's essential to understand which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. If there are any concerns about a dog's weight or diet, consulting a veterinarian is recommended. Furthermore, clean and fresh water should always be readily available for Keeshonds to stay hydrated.

Historiography

The Keeshond pronounced as 'kayz-hawnd', was historically a robust and agile barge dog that served as a guard and companion on Dutch vessels that navigated the manmade waterways in the Low Countries. As an unassuming and approachable breed, the Keeshond came to be recognized as a "people's dog." Moreover, during the 18th century, the Keeshond became a symbol of the Dutch Patriots Party, which strongly opposed the royal House of Orange. There exists historical debate regarding the origin of the name "Keeshond." One theory suggests that it may have been derived from a dog named Kees, who served as a mascot for the Patriots. Another theory proposes that it could have been linked to two different leaders of the Patriots Party, both of whom were nicknamed 'Kees.'.