General Information

Dog NameKeeshond
Other NamesDutch Barge Dog
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeSpitz
GroupNonsporting
Breed ForFarm Dog
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginGermany

Physical And Size

SizeMedium
Min Life Span12
Max Life Span15
Min Ideal Weight for male15
Max Ideal Weight for male20
Min Ideal Weight for female15
Max Ideal Weight for male20

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentLively, Affectionate, Alert
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyHigh
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyMedium
Dog FriendlyLow
Office FriendlyLow
Apartment FriendlyHigh
Senior Citizens FriendlyHigh
Service DogHigh
Search and Rescue DogHigh
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginGermany
Nicknames and Other NamesKees, Dutch Barge Dog, Smiling Dutchman,
Wolfspitz, Deutscher Wolfspitz
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupNon-sporting, Spitz Group
Bred ForFarm Dog, Barge Dog
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, ANKC, CKC, KC, NZKC, UKC
Life Span12-15 years
Ideal Weight35-45 pounds (male and female)
Ideal HeightMale: 18 inches
Female: 17 inches
Fur TypeDouble coat, thick ruff around the neck,
dense
Common ColorsBlack and Silver, Gray Silver and Black,
Silver and Black, Wolfgray and Black,
Gray Cream and Black
MarkingsNone
AvailabilityCommonly available
AchievementsFeatured in movies and cartoons
Suitable for ApartmentsModerately suitable
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToGerman Spitz

The Keeshonds are beautiful dogs with long straight fur and adorable eyes. These dogs are always happy and sometimes clownish. The Keeshond will do anything to grab your attention.

Keeshond can be a good choice for families with children. If you want a dog who are sturdy with minimum exercise session then these breed may be the right choice for you.

Origin And History

The Keeshond are ancient breed originated in Holland in the early 14th century. They were developed crossing between, Samoyed, Siberian Husky, Norwegian Elkhound, Finnish Spitz, Chow Chow and Pomeranian. During the 14th and 15th centuries, they were preferred by farmers as guard and watch dogs.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, they were used as jack-of-all-trade dogs in European farms, barges, and riverboats. They were extreme barkers and great guard for children too. Not only these, but they were also skilled at herding livestock, killing rats, and vermin.

The first Keeshond was registered in the American Kennel Club in 1930, under the breed name ‘Keeshonden’. The Keeshond Club of America was later found in 1935.

Are Keeshond Child Friendly?

No doubt! Keeshond are extremely good with kids. He’s playful and lively with kids of all ages. If given a chance they will play the whole day running around with kids. Since they are attention seekers, they think this is the right way to grab anyone’s attention.

Keeshond and Kid.
Kesshond: My Partner Teaching Me To Do High-Five. Image Source- Instagram @bladder_thevikingpuppy

Keeshond knows how to handle and treat a child. They will become very gentle and tolerant around kids. Kees is also very protective of their playmate.

Keeshond Behavioral Traits

Keeshond is very well behaved dogs. They know what makes their owner happy and what makes them sad. Kees is never aggressive rather they are very friendly, lively and loving with everyone even with strangers.

Kees is very smart, intelligent and affectionate with cuddly and clownish behavior. They always want to be the center of attraction and are happiest when get a chance to participate in family activities.

Guilty Keeshond Dog.
Adorable Keeshond. Image Source- Instagram @alaska_thunderfluff.

The fluffy dogs are great eaters meaning, they are very fond of eating and will never refuse any treats when given. They are recognized as therapy dogs for autistic children which isn’t a surprise since we all know their love for children is legendary.

Separation anxiety is a common problem in Keeshond. Since they love being in a pack, it is not safe to leave your Kees alone for a long time. They may become extreme barkers, chewers, and aggressive.

Trainability

Keeshond is quick learners and are known to be in-tune with their trainers. However, they can somewhat be strong-willed and independent which can affect their training making it hard. Positive reinforcement and lots of praise followed by tasty treats might help and encourage them to follow the cues.

Keeshond Playing Fetch Game.

Keeshond won’t mind repeating the same task again and again until and unless they’re being offered treats as we have already discussed that they are great eaters.

Fun Facts About Keeshond

  • The Keeshond appeared in the dog show in 1929, but then it was called Dutch Barge Dogs.
  • In the 1800s, the Keeshond was also known as, “Overweight Pomeranian”, “Dutch Barge Dogs” and “Fox Dog”.
  • The Kees is given the nickname, “Smiling Dutchman”.

Health Problems

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesPatellar Luxation, Eye Problems,
Hip Dysplasia, Allergies, Epilepsy
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Kennel Cough, Leptospirosis,
Canine Coronavirus, Canine Distemper,
Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza
SheddingHeavy Shedder
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingAdvance Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage to High
Separation AnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesSkin Allergy
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 25%
Fat: 8%
Milk Thistle
Glucosamine
Multivitamins

Keeshond is a fairly healthy breed but you will need to prevent your fluffy from overweight. The Kees will enjoy the life expectancy of 12-15 years.

Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological condition that is often but not always inherited. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show unusual behaviors hiding, chasing or running frantically as if being chased.

Allergies: Allergies are common in every dog breed and Keeshond is no exception. There are three types of allergies: food allergies, contact allergies and inhalant allergies.

Cataracts: Cataracts cause opacity in the eyes, resulting in poor vision. This condition usually occurs in the old age and can be removed by surgery to improve vision.

Price of Keeshond Puppies

Always buy a puppy from a reputable breeder to get the best version of your pet. The pure breed of Keeshond will cost you $1,100 – $4,000.

Keeshond Puppy.
Cute Keeshond Puppy. Image Source- Flickr.

The Keeshond will give birth to 3-8 puppies at a time.

Size of Keeshond

Height: The Keeshond will stand up to 17-19 inches tall.

Weight: The average weight of the Keeshond is 35-45 pounds.

Color Patterns

The Keeshond is found in five colors.

  • Black and Silver
  • Grey and Black
  • Black, Cream and Black
  • Grey, Silver and Black
  • Silver and Black

Which Breeds Are Similar To Keeshond

Visit Doglime For More Information on various dog breeds.

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