Keeshonds are ideal family pets. They are energetic, bold, loyal and affectionate and their world revolves around their family. They are gentle with children and want to be included in all family activities.
They don’t dig, drool or snore, are easy to train, their favourite activity is cuddling on the couch and they have a thick, luxurious fluffy coat – the Keeshond really is the perfect dog! They are people-orientated and love getting involved in all aspects of family life. They are gentle, friendly and all-round great pets for children. They are miserable when left alone, so make sure to include your Keeshond in your plans.
They are loyal and loving towards their family, and even polite and friendly to strangers although some breed lines are more timid than others (early socialisation will help reduce this). Known as ‘the smiling Dutchman’ due to their Dutch heritage and tendency to curl their lip and bare their teeth in a smile, these really are happy dogs. They are intelligent and eager to learn, but have an independent streak, so early positive training is a must. Rewards training works best. They are an active, bold and loyal breed that lives for 12-15 years.
Fun fact: The Keeshond hails from Holland where
it was formerly known as an overweight Pomeranian,
Dutch Barge Dog and a Fox Dog. They arrived in
Australian in the late 1940s.
Your Keeshond has oodles of energy so don’t skimp on the exercise. Take them on a daily walk and a play in the park. They have a high tendency to bark and will alert you to any arriving guests or strangers. They also tend to bark when bored, which daily exercise will help to prevent. If brought up together, your Keeshond will befriend other dogs and cats. Keeshonds shed heavily – don’t be surprised to find dog hair in every cupboard. Groom them by brushing twice a week with a stiff bristle brush. Keeshond’s are not hypoallergenic and their heavy coat is better suited to cold environments.
Scheduled six-monthly health checks and visits to the vet are important to ensure your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. It’s important that together with your vet a preventative health care program is determined and maintained based on the individual needs of your canine companion. Keeshonds are prone to hip dysplasia, skin problems and heart disease.
Size
A medium-sized breed weighing 15-25kgs with an average height of 40-48cms.
Space
A Keeshond, if exercised enough, can adapt to apartment living.
Energy Levels
They have high energy levels. A daily run and lots of games will keep this dog happy.
Difficulty Of Training
They are intelligent dogs and eager to learn, however they tend to have an independent streak.
Family suitability
They are great family pets and loyal companions.
Suitability to other pets
If socialised from a young age, your dog will befriend other pets.
Need for company
They have a high need for company and enjoy being by their humans side at all times.
Hypoallergenic dog breed?
No
Coat and grooming needs
This breed requires moderate maintenance. Brush their coat twice a week. They have a long coat in a range of colours. Often the outer coat is grey with black tips and the undercoat is a very pale grey or cream.
Shedding
They shed heavily.
Tendency to bark
They have a high tendency to bark.