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Keeshonden are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them an excellent family pet. They love to be around people and typically get along well with children as well as other animals.
These dogs have been known to be mischievous at times, but most owners find this endearing rather than annoying. Keeshonden make great watchdogs due to their natural suspicion of strangers, but they do not bark excessively or become aggressive if properly socialised from a young age.
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Keeshonden are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them an excellent family pet. They love to be around people and typically get along well with children as well as other animals.
These dogs have been known to be mischievous at times, but most owners find this endearing rather than annoying. Keeshonden make great watchdogs due to their natural suspicion of strangers, but they do not bark excessively or become aggressive if properly socialised from a young age.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Keeshond Guide
About Keeshond
The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance. It has a thick, plush double coat featuring a silver and black colour scheme, and is sometimes known as the “Smiling Dutchman” due to its characteristic smirk. They’re also known as the “Dutch Barge Dog” since they were historically used to guard the barges and boats that sailed along Holland’s canals and rivers.
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Weight
16 to 20 kg
Height
41 to 46 cm
Grooming
The Keeshond’s coat helps to keep them warm in cold weather but can also be prone to tangles and mats if not cared for properly.
A Keeshond should be brushed at least two to three times per week to keep their coat looking healthy. A slicker brush or pin brush with metal bristles works best for this breed as it helps remove dead hair from the undercoat and get rid of any tangles.
Origins
The Keeshond is a very old breed, and holds the distinction of being one of very few breeds that were intended from the start to be companions and family pets.
These canine companions have always been highly valued by their owners, providing comfort and security throughout the years.
Before the 18th century, these dogs were relatively unknown outside of Holland and had not yet been given an official name. However, a Dutch patriot named Kees de Gyselaer adopted one of these dogs as his loyal companion and protector during his fight for freedom from the ruling House of Orange.
After his death in 1795, this breed became known as the Keeshond (Kees’ hound) in his honour.
After the rebellion failed, many owners abandoned breeding the Keeshond to avoid being labelled as rebels. However, the breed was rediscovered in 1905 when an Englishwoman brought two Keeshonden back home to England, arousing interest in the breed and finally introducing it to the world.
Since then, Keeshonds have become beloved family companions across Europe and North America thanks to their friendly personalities and loyalty towards their owners.
Key Characteristics Of Keeshonds
Are Keeshonds Family-Friendly?
Yes, Keeshonds are generally very friendly and loving with people of all ages, making them a great family pet.
Because they have not been bred to hunt, kill animals, attack or chase criminals means that a gentle temperament runs through the breed and they are typically very sweet and affectionate towards everyone.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Keeshonds may suffer from:
Hypothyroidism
Addison's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Nature / Temperament
Devoted, Sweet, Gentle, Patient, Friendly
Suitable Environment
Keeshonden are highly adaptable and can fit into almost any type of home environment. While they do require regular exercise, once these needs are filled they are generally calm and quiet indoors.
They love to snuggle with their humans and are more prone to curling up on the couch than rampaging around the house. It’s important to give your Keeshond plenty of attention and love throughout the day, as they can become moody when left alone.
Other Considerations
● The Keeshond’s tendency to vocalise can be a problem if he’s left alone too much and becomes bored.
● While they’re intelligent and confident, Keeshonden are also highly sensitive and need to be around people constantly.
● The Keeshond is closely related to the Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Finnish Spitz, and Pomeranian. In fact, before the breed had an official name it was called “the oversized Pomeranian”.
How can I take good care of my Keeshond?
Nutrition
As with any dog breed, it is important to provide the Keeshond puppy with a balanced diet to meet its nutritional needs as it grows.
It is best to feed a high-quality commercial food specifically designed for the Keeshond’s nutritional needs. This should be fed in measured quantities to ensure your dog gets enough but not too much food.
Fresh water should always be available at all times so that your pet can stay hydrated throughout the day.
Keeshonden will generally eat between 3 and 4 meals a day while they are still puppies, after which they may transition over to 2 meals a day as adults.
For more detailed nutritional advice, speak to your veterinarian.
Grooming
Keeshonden have a thick, long outer coat, and an undercoat of short, woolly fur. While they’re not usually high maintenance dogs, they do need a lot of brushing to keep their intense shedding under control.
Recommended Grooming Tips
It is best to have a professional groomer trim your Keeshond’s coat every couple of months or so, but you can do it yourself at home using scissors or clippers if you feel comfortable doing so.
Keeshonden are also prone to ear infections due to their heavy fur covering their ears so it is important to check their ears regularly for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, discharge, or an unpleasant odour coming from the ear canal.
Regular brushing with an approved canine toothpaste will help prevent plaque build-up, which can lead to serious dental problems.
Exercise
Exercise needs of a Keeshond can vary depending on the individual dog. Generally, they are an active breed that requires daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Physical exercise is important for Keeshonden as it helps them to stay fit, maintain muscle tone, and keep their weight under control. A good rule of thumb is to provide your Keeshond with at least one hour of exercise each day, divided into two or three shorter sessions if possible.
Training
Keeshonden are known for their intelligence, loyalty and affectionate nature. They make great family pets, but they also require quite a bit of training in order to keep them happy and healthy.
Obedience training is essential when it comes to owning a Keeshond. It’s important to teach your pup basic commands so they can be kept under control in dangerous or uncertain scenarios.
Keeshonds are sensitive dogs so positive reinforcement is the best method of training for them. It is best to remain calm and patient even when the dog is misbehaving, as scolding them harshly tends to do more harm than good.
You may opt to enrol your Keeshond in puppy training classes; if you do, ensure that the training program uses positive reinforcement methods.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Keeshond Questions
No, Keeshond puppies should not live outdoors. They are a companion dog and need to be close to their owners as much as possible.
Keeshonds can live in cooler climates if they have proper shelter and protection from the elements, but they should never be kept outside for long periods of time.
No, Keeshonds are not hypoallergenic. They shed a lot and produce dander which can trigger allergies in some people.
When looking for a Keeshond for sale, prioritise reputable and ethical breeders who test their breeding dogs for genetic conditions that can be passed down to the puppies.
Keeshond puppies from good breeders will end up better behaved and longer-lived than otherwise. The average cost of Keeshond puppies for sale is usually between AUD $1500 and $4000.
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