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Keeshond

The Keeshond

The amiable Keeshond is a medium-sized spitz dog of ample coat, famous for the distinctive “spectacles” on his foxy face. Once a fixture on the canal barges of his native Holland, the Kees was, and remains, a symbol of Dutch patriotism.

These square, sturdy companions descend from the same ancient stock as other spitz types, such as Pomeranians and Samoyeds. Typically “spitzy,” Keeshonden have a foxy face, pointed ears, an abundant coat, and a plumed tail carried high over the back. A unique breed characteristic’and one of the most charming hallmarks in all dogdom is the “spectacles.” These shadings and markings around the eyes give the impression that a Kees is wearing designer eyewear. The specs draw attention to an alert, intelligent expression.

The Keeshond (‘kayz-hawnd’; Keeshonden, plural) was a hardy, nimble-footed barge dog long kept as a guard and companion on Dutch vessels that sailed the manmade waterways of the Low Countries. An unpretentious ‘people’s dog,’ the Keeshond was a symbol of the 18th-century Dutch Patriots Party in its long opposition to the royal House of Orange. There’s historical disagreement over why the breed is called Keeshond: The name might refer to a Patriot mascot dog called Kees, or to two different Patriot leaders nicknamed ‘Kees.’

Keeshond has a playful, intelligent and obedient temperament which makes it a joy to be around. It makes a good companion for both adults and children. Keeshond’s even temperament makes it an excellent guard dog, watchdog and also family dog.

Spending time with its loved ones makes it really happy. Keeshond is an attention seeker that likes interrupting when ignored.

Keeshonden will adapt to many environments. Historically they have had homes ranging from farms with lots of space to run to barges having little room to move around. They do need regular exercise and like being with their families. A free run or a nice walk daily will benefit them physically and mentally, and then they will be glad to climb up on the sofa with you while you read or watch TV. An essential thing to know about Kees is that they are happy dogs and will smile every day if you just spend time with them.

 

Keeshonden do require regular grooming, but going through their coats once a week with a pin brush usually does the job. This will keep the undercoat brushed out, and keeps shedding to a minimum. The only trimming needed is tidying around the feet, pads, and hocks. Pet owners can brush weekly and take their dogs to the groomer for a bath and blow-dry every four to six weeks, or they do it themselves. Show dogs are bathed a few days before the show weekend.

A well-kept secret is that Kees are very smart and highly trainable. They excel at obedience, where some of them are nationally ranked, as well as agility, where the first multiple MACH was a Keeshond named Molly. Many Kees have also distinguished themselves in therapy work. Kees learn things quickly and are motivated to please their trainers. However, the trainer has to keep up with them, as they can become bored. It is important to start with your Kees as a puppy between 10 and 14 weeks. They will learn fast and move to the next level. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Without training they will learn things, but not necessarily what you had in mind!

Keeshond Puppies for Sale

Keeshond Puppies for Sale

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases The only trimming needed is tidying around the feet, pads, and hocks.

Keeshond’s love their family and they have a natural watchdog nature.  They will bark at unfamiliar people but if the family behaves like the stranger is ok, then the dog will be open to the stranger.

Pet owners can brush weekly and take their dogs to the groomer for a bath and blow-dry every four to six weeks, or they do it themselves. Show dogs are bathed a few days before the show weekend.

 

Yes. Keeshond sheds heavily but this can be dealt with by brushing once or twice a week with a pin brush. It sheds twice a year when blowing its entire undercoat all at once, the shedding period is usually intense and can last for up to three weeks.

Keeshond has less dog smell than most dogs because of its undercoat which allows air to circulate adjacent to its skin.

Yes. The Keeshond does really well with children however; parents should ensure the kids do not play too roughly with the Keeshond as it can take a lot of abuse without retaliating. Also, kids should not be allowed to ride on the back of the Keeshond as this might cause physical damage to the dog.

Yes. Keeshond is very intelligent and can read the mind of its owner, it is also very eager to please and as a result, can grab whatever it is being taught really quick.

Feeding a Keeshond has to do with its age, puppies between 8 and 12 weeks old need to be fed 4meals in 24 hours. 3 to 6 months old puppies should be fed 3 meals in 24 hours while puppies between 6 months to 1 year should be fed 2 bowls in twenty-four hours.

Keeshonden will adapt to many environments. Historically they have had homes ranging from farms with lots of space to run to barges having little room to move around. They do need regular exercise and like being with their families. A free run or a nice walk daily will benefit them physically and mentally, and then they will be glad to climb up on the sofa with you while you read or watch TV. An essential thing to know about Kees is that they are happy dogs and will smile every day if you just spend time with them.

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