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Keeshond Puppies for Sale
Keeshond
(Wolfspitz) (Chien Loup) (German
Wolfspitz)
Sadie, the Keeshond at 11 years old
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Pronunciation |
KAZE-hond |
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Description |
Keeshonden are compact little animals with a
strong resemblance to its ancestor the Samoyed, with oblique chestnut eyes,
erect triangular ears, and its medium-length tail rolled on its back. It has a
cream or pale gray undercoat and a luxurious outer coat that comes in shades of
gray with black tips and stands away from the body. Its coat always appears to
have just been washed and combed. The markings are quite definite and there are
distinctive pale "spectacles" around the eyes. A choke chain should
not be used, as it will spoil the spectacular ruff. |
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Temperament |
An excellent children's
companion, lively, intelligent, and very alert. A real character that is quick
to learn if their owners are consistent. They should be trained gently and
patiently without a lot of jerking. Keeshond are full of personality. They can be trained to perform.
Affectionate, friendly, and generally outgoing. The Keeshond loves everyone and
needs to be part of the family activities. They are generally good with other
pets, although some individuals are reserved or timid, and should be socialized
extensively as puppies. For years the Keeshond was the dog-of-all-jobs on Dutch
boats. Today it is used as a companion dog. They like to bark and are
good watchdogs because of its notable gift for warning of danger. Beware of
overfeeding, for the Keeshond will gain weight easily. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 17-19 inches (44-48cm.) Bitches 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. |
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Health Problems |
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. |
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Living conditions |
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. |
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Exercise |
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 excited Keeshond spinning in
circles. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years |
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Grooming |
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, 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. |
| Origin |
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, Elkhound,
and Pomeranian. At the beginning of the French Revolution, it became the symbol
of the common and middle-class Dutchmen who were led by the patriot Kees de
Gyselaer. 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. This typical Spitz type breed was used to
guard canal boats. It became known as the Dutch Barge Dog, although in Victorian
England it was perhaps rather unkindly named the Overweight Pomeranian! |
| Group |
Northern, AKC Non-Sporting |
| Recognition |
CKC, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC,
NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
"This is Sadie, my 12 year old
Keeshond (also shown above) in her summer puppy cut. Sadie gets very hot,
uncomfortable and miserable in the hot summer months. This year we decided
to give her a shave and she is extremely happy, not to mention adorable!"
Keeshond Shirts!
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A Friend Forever |
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Rachel and Sadie |
9 years later |
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Kalla at 9 weeks
Keeshond Pictures Pages 1
German Spitz Types
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