| Keeshond |
Other names: Dutch Barge Dog
Origin
The Keeshond originated from the arcitic origin. In the eighteenth century the Keeshond was known as "a dog of the people." It is believed that the Keeshond comes from a variety from different breeds such as the Samoyed, Chow Chow, Finnish Spitz, Norwegian Elkhound, and Pomeranian. They were used as guard dogs on riverboats, barges and farms, (hence their other name “Dutch Barge Dog”). It is believed that at the beginning of the French Revolution, the Keeshond became a symbol of the Dutch Patriot political party which was led by the patriot ”Kees de Gyselaer. Gyselaer” who owned a Dutch Barge dog named “Kees”, and this gave the breed the name “Keeshond”.
Description
The Keeshond is a compact little animal which has a strong resemblance to its ancestor the Samoyed. Their eyes are medium sized and dark in colour. Their ears are erect and set high on the head. The Keeshond tail is medium in length that is carried over the back. They have a medium sized muzzle that is well proportioned to their head. Their feet are catlike and well rounded. The Keeshonds coat is double layered with the outer coat being long, straight and harsh, whilst the undercoat is soft and downy. The coat stands away from the body.
| Size | Medium |
| Colour | The Keeshond colouring is a mixture of colours. The outer coat is gray with black tips and the undercoat is a very pale grey or cream. |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Weight/Height Range | Bitches measure between 40 to 44cms at the withers, dogs between 44 to 48cms. Dogs weigh between 20 to 25kgs and bitches 15 - 20Kgs. |
| Ailments | The Keeshond can be prone to hip dysplasia, skin problems and heart disease. Some Keeshond can also be prone to Hypothyroidism, Epilepsy, Glaucoma and Renal Cortical Hypoplasia |
Feeding & Ownership
On the whole these dogs are not big eaters when you consider the amount of exercise they require.
| Food Cost | $10 to $15 |
Personality
The Keeshond is known as boisterous, loyal breed. Keehonds are naturally good with other dogs and children but they need to be introduced to other animals when they are still in puppies. They like to bark and are good watchdogs because of its notable gift for warning of danger. They are active dogs and require mental and physical stimulation, if they become bored they can become destructive and develop separation anxiety.
| Intelligence | Keeshonds are intelligent, and eager to learn. Training them is fairly easy, and require frequent and consist training. Keeshonds are often successful in obedience and agility trails. |
| Energy | High |
| Suitability for Children | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Overall Exercise Requirement | This breed needs to be taken on a daily walk if they do not get enough mental and physical stimulation, they may become a nuisance. Therefore it is important that you provide mental and physical exercise, to avoid separation anxiety |
| Suitability as a Guard Dog | Medium |
| Ease of Transportation | Medium |
| Level of Aggression | Low Medium |
| Other Animal Compatibility | Medium |
Grooming
Grooming Keeshonds is not as difficult as you might think, a daily brushing of the long coat with a stiff bristle brush is important when they are moulting. Remember to brush with the grain first, then lift the hair with a comb, against the grain, lay it back in place. Bathe once every two weeks in the warmer months and bathe once a month in the colder months. The dense undercoat will shed twice a year, normally is spring and autumn.
| Grooming Requirements | Twice a week |
| Amount of Hair Shed | Heavy |
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