Keeshond

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Size: Medium
Other Names: Dutch Barge Dog, Smiling Dutchman, Chien Loup, German Spitz, Deutscher Wolfsspitz, Wolfsspitz, Kees
Country of Origin: Netherlands and Germany
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Non-Sporting
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Non-Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Northern Breed
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Non-Sporting
The Kennel Club (KC): Utility
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Utility
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Non-Sporting

The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog with a plush, two-layer coat of silver and black fur, with a ruff and a curled tail. He is sturdily built, with a compact body, a wedge-shaped head, a medium-length muzzle with a definite stop, small pointed ears, and an expressive face. His tail is tightly curled and, in profile, is carried such that it is indistinguishable from his body.

A companion spitz who can live in a house or larger apartment; a heavy shedding coat, an alert bark, and a generally cheerful indoor manner if exercised.

Originally called the German Spitz, or more specifically the Wolfsspitz, the Keeshond (pronounced KAYZ-hond or plural, Keeshonden) originated in Germany. In 1926, his name was officially changed to Keeshond in England, where he had been known as the Dutch Barge Dog. His closest relatives are the other German spitzes, such as the Pomeranian. Bright and sturdy, Keeshonden have been trained successfully to serve as guide dogs for the blind, yet their small size has limited them from being more widely used in this role.

Height: 17-19½ inches
Weight: 35-45 pounds
Color: Silver-gray or cream (wolf-colored)
Coat: Double; profuse, with a thick ruff around the neck
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Litter size: 3–6 puppies

Temperament

Keeshonden are very playful, quick learners, and eager to please. They love children and are excellent family dogs, preferring to be close to their humans whenever possible. The breed has a tendency to become especially clingy towards their owners, even in comparison to other dogs. They need daily contact with their owners, and lots of activity to remain happy. They like to be brushed a lot, carried if they are a puppy, and played with. Being very intuitive and empathatic, the Keeshond is often used as a comfort dog. At least one Keeshond, Tikva, was at Ground Zero on 9/11 to help comfort the rescue workers. Generally, they get along with other dogs, and will enjoy a good chase around the yard. The Keeshond is an alert dog that will warn his owner of any new visitor with his loud, distinctive bark, but is not aggressive towards visitors. He has quick reflexes and strong jumping ability, making him an excellent agility dog.

Training

Consistency and fairness are needed when training a Keeshond, as well as a structured training environment. He will respond poorly to heavy-handed or forceful training methods. As the Keeshond can be a timid dog, it is important to train him to respect his owners and family, but not to fear them.

Care and grooming

Due to their double coat, a thick undercoat and a long haired coat above that, Keeshonden need regular brushing once every two weeks to maintain the coat and ward off doggy odor.

Shedding

Seasonal and heavy; the profuse coat blows large amounts of undercoat.

Health

Keeshonden may develop hip dysplasia, primary hyperparathyroidism, Addison’s disease, and epilepsy. Ask breeders about hip, eye, and parathyroid testing.

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