Compared to other breeds in the "spitz" family, the Keeshond is quieter, more sensible, and less dominant. Bright, cheerful, and lively, the Keeshond needs moderate exercise, but more importantly, he needs companionship. He is very people-oriented, craves attention and petting, and needs to be fully involved in the family. Attitude toward strangers varies from friendly to polite. There is timidity in some lines, so early socialization is important to build an outgoing, confident temperament. With his acute hearing and emotional sensitivity, Keeshonds are more reactive to loud noises than some other breeds and don't do well in an environment with tension or shouting. This is not a guard dog. Keeshonds will bark, but it's usually welcoming rather than protective. Most are peaceful with other pets. The Keeshond has an independent streak and can be mischievous and "clever" (using his intelligence to get his own way). Focus on gentle, positive guidance and praise/food rewards.

The Kees is known as the "Smiling Dutchman" because of his tendency to curl his lip and bare his teeth in a hideous grimace. It's not a snarl, but only a happy and submissive grin. Is a medium-sized "spitz" (a dog with a wolf-like face, prick ears, curled tail, and thick coat) Is easier to live with (less dominant, less mischievous) than most other spitzes Needs only moderate exercise Is polite with strangers Is peaceful with other pets A Keeshond may be right for you. Suspiciousness or timidity when not socialized enough Stubbornness (mind of his own) Potential for excessive barking A good amount of regular brushing and combing A Keeshond may not be right for you. If I was considering a Keeshond, I would be most concerned about... To learn more about training Keeshonds to be calm and well-behaved, consider my dog training book, . It's a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will make your Keeshond the smartest, most well-behaved companion you've ever had.

My dog buying guide, , will teach you everything you need to know about finding a healthy Keeshond. If you'd like to consult with me personally about whether the Keeshond might be a good dog breed for your family, I offer a Dog Breed Consulting Service.Puppies For Sale Near Sheboygan Wi Once you have your Keeshond home, you need to KEEP him healthy -- or if he's having any current health problems, you need to get him back on the road to good health.Samsung Easy 1400 Vacuum Cleaner When you're acquiring a Keeshond PUPPY, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. Laminate Flooring At SutherlandsThere are plenty of adult Keeshonds who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics that are "typical" for their breed.

Head Type & Expression Article Genome Barks - AKC Podcasts Keeshond PHPT Genetic Test PHPT Genetic Test Instructions Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Hall of Fame Criteria Hall of Fame Inductees National Futurity Maturity Winners National BOB / BOS Winners Current Year Top Kees Standings Welcome to the Keeshond Club of America! The Keeshond Club of America is the AKC member club designated by the American Kennel Club as the parent club for the Keeshond breed in the United States. The Keeshond is a very old breed, and one of the very few which throughout history have always been raised for family companions and watchdogs. The fact that they have not been bred to hunt, kill animals, attack or chase criminals undoubtedly accounts for their gentle, intelligent devotion to their owners as home-loving dogs with a special fondness for children, for which they are renowned. They are descendants of the same prehistoric ancestry from which evolved among others, the much larger Samoyeds, Huskies, Norwegian Elkhounds and tiny Pomeranians, and apparently came into Europe with ancient voyagers from the North, a great many centuries ago.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, they were extensively used as watchdogs on river boats, farms, and barges and were known in Germany as "Wolfspitzen"; in France as "Chiens Loup"; in Italy as "Lupini"; and in Holland as "Keeshonden" - pronounced "kayz-hawnd-en," being the Dutch plural. Because of their great popularity and historically political prominence in Holland in the 18th Century, the breed has become known as the "Dutch" Keeshond.< < ⇒ > The Keeshond is a compact little animal with a strong resemblance to its ancestor, the Samoyed. Its eyes are medium sized and dark in color. The ears are erect, triangular in shape and set high on the head. The tail is medium in length and carried over the back. The muzzle is medium in length and well-proportioned to the skull. The feet are catlike, compact and well rounded. The dog has both a long, straight, harsh outer coat, which comes in shades of gray with black tips and a thick, downy undercoat, which is cream or pale gray.

The coat stands away from the body. An excellent children's companion, active, intelligent, very keen and outgoing, Keeshonden are full of personality. They can be trained to perform. Affectionate and friendly, the Keeshond loves everyone and needs to be part of the family activities. This breed is a real character that is quick to learn if its owners are consistent. It should be trained using gentle, but firm, calm leadership. It is generally good with other pets. Socialize well to avoid them from becoming reserved or timid. Keeshonden like to bark and are good watchdogs because of their notable gift for warning of danger. Teach them enough is enough, to stop barking after their first initial warning bark. Beware of overfeeding, for the Keeshond will gain weight easily. Be sure to take them for a daily pack walk to drain both mental and physical energy, to avoid over-excitability, such as spinning in circles and other behavior issues. A Keeshond that spins in circles has excess energy he needs to burn, both physical and mental.

Always be your dog’s pack leader, remaining firm, confident and consistent. Give the dog rules he must follow and limits to what he is and is not allowed to do. Dogs crave, and instinctually need, this type of order in their lives. Height: Males 17 - 19 inches (44 - 48 cm) Females are 10% less. Weight: some sources say 55 - 66 pounds (25 - 30kg), while others say 35 - 45 pounds (15 - 20 kg). Ask your breeder which standard they follow. Prone to hip dysplasia, skin problems and heart disease. In some Keeshonden that have unsound stifles, very demanding exercise will cause trick knee to develop. 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. This breed needs to be taken on a daily walk. In addition, they will also enjoy 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.

See video clip of an excited Keeshond spinning in circles. About 3 to 8 puppies Grooming is not as troublesome as you might expect, but daily brushing of the long coat with a stiff bristle brush is important. Brush with the grain first, then lift the hair with a comb, against the grain, and lay it back in place. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. The dense undercoat is shed heavily twice a year in spring and fall. The Keeshond has an arctic origin. In the eighteenth century the Keeshond was known as "a dog of the people." In its veins runs the blood of the Samoyed, Chow Chow, Finnish Spitz, Norwegian Elkhound, and Pomeranian. At the beginning of the French Revolution, it became the symbol of the Dutch Patriot political party, led by the patriot Kees de Gyselaer. Gyselaer owned a dog named Kees, which gave the breed its name. The breed then suffered a long period of neglect. They were first introduced into the UK by Mrs. Wingfield-Digby and did not become popular again until 1920, when it arrived in the US.