The Keeshond: Dog of Dutch Politics

The Keeshond Dog Breed in Brief:

Origin: Holland

Height: 16 to 19 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 30-50 pounds

Exercise Needs: Moderate

Grooming Needs: Medium

Life Expectancy: 13+ years

Good With Kids: Yes

Trainability: Medium

Known for his beautiful fluffy coat and extremely friendly temperament, the Keeshond makes a very sweet and engaging little family pet. Usually quite well-behaved, both with children and other dogs, the Keeshond is considered by many to be the ideal member of your household. It takes careful consideration, however, to choose the breed that’s right for you.

The History of the Keeshond

Perhaps originating in the Artic or Sub-Artic parts of the world, at some point, this lively little fellow migrated down to populate areas along the Rhine River. There, he would come to serve on small vessels that were known as rijnaken, earning his keep by chasing off rats and other vermin, acting as a companion animal, and performing other various tasks. Believed to be a relative of dogs such as the Chow Chow, the Pomeranian, the Norwegian Elkhound, the Samoyed, and the Finish Spitz, this fur-coated cutie has remained true to form and undergone very few changes over the past couple of centuries.

Towards the end of the 18th century, the Keeshond was adopted as a symbol of the Patriots and earned his place in the public eye, as well as politics. This had a detrimental effect on the Keeshond when the Prince of Orange later came to establish his own party; few people wanted to own a dog that represented or signified the opposition and so, many of the Keeshond breeders and fanciers chose to dispose of their dogs. The breed’s numbers would dwindle, significantly, until 1920.

In 1920, the Baroness van Hardenbroek became interested in this fascinating breed and, consequentially, launched an investigation to see how many Keeshond dogs remained in the country. While he may have disappeared from the public eye, the Baroness discovered that the Keeshond was still alive and well, retaining his position on various watercraft, as well as remaining a favorite of many farmers in the area. Determined that he not disappear completely, the Baroness van Hardenbroek set out to raise awareness for the Keeshond and get him out where he could be seen by various people and his popularity would spread once more. In no time, the Dutch Keeshond Club was started. By 1930, they would become a recognized breed within the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The Keeshond Appearance

The Keeshond bears a strong resemblance to his relatives, the Spitz dogs and Norwegian Elkhounds. A compact and sturdily-built little canine with fox-like features, the Keeshond bewitches with his happy-go-lucky expression and plumed tail carried up over his back. Overall, this beautiful little canine always seems to have a joyful and friendly expression.

The Keeshond coat is a striking mixture of black, grey and cream, with black ticking that gives the dog their unique shading. Usually, the puppies will have lighter markings but, as they mature, their coats develop that striking depth of color that we see in them as adults. This unique shade is created by the dog’s possessing a soft downy undercoat of dense cream or buff-colored hair, intermingled with the longer, harsh hairs of the outer coat, which provide the dog’s gray and black coloration. The Keeshond’s ears, however, are covered with a short velveteen hair, very soft and plush to the touch.

Keeshonden are commonly known for the generous ruff which they sport around their necks, as well as the heavily feathered legs and plumed tail. Show animals are not to be trimmed, save for a little scissoring on the feet, pasterns and hocks, and the whiskers. Any other trimming that is done to a show dog is severely penalized.

The Keeshond Temperament

The Keeshond is known as a very personable and friendly dog - happy to wag his tail and bounce up and down, regardless of whether he’s meeting family or strangers, he’s a very happy-go-lucky animal with a good personality towards dogs, cats and children. While the Keeshond is ready and eager to learn, he can tend to be a bit hyper or high strung, often enjoying lifestyles where he can be constantly on the go. If left alone for long periods of time, he can be somewhat bratty and cause mischief as well.

The Keeshond Exercise Needs

The Keeshond is generally a busy little dog, bred for an active working life, and enjoying it now, even with his new status as a household pet. Keeshonden are always up for a good rousing romp and often love to play fetch or Frisbee, especially if it’s a game where they can run, full tilt, and jump. The Keeshond loves to play and will do so until his human is thoroughly worn out. If not granted the opportunity to run and burn off excess energy, your Keeshond may develop a vice, such as barking or chewing on things that he shouldn’t chew on.

Keeshond Grooming Requirements

The Keeshond is generally and easy dog to maintain, as far as his coat goes. A good brushing, once or twice a week, will keep the undercoat from becoming matted and keep your Keeshond looking beautiful. Most dogs are shown in their natural state and excess trimming is faulted in the show ring. Aside from a good brushing, the main upkeep required in owning a Keeshond, is ensuring that his nails are properly clipped, his ears are kept cleaned, and his teeth are kept in good condition. Bathing needs only be done as necessary - usually once a month unless there are reasons for a more frequent bath schedule.

Training Your Keeshond

The Keeshond is a friendly and adaptable little dog, quite eager to please and quick to learn tricks. His busy personality can make him a bit distracted, at times but, if treated with love and praise, he will learn to keep his eyes on you as a source of affection and entertainment. Keeshonden do well in obedience training as well as learning the obstacle courses. Always willing to learn, he enjoys a challenge and will jump right to it, when offered one.

Keeshond Health Concerns

Keeshonden, like any purebred breed of dog, can be subject to a variety of health concerns. To ensure your puppy is healthy, always buy from a reputable breeder, request a health record and guarantee on your new puppy and, very importantly, always take him to your own veterinarian as soon as possible. Some of the health problems that can affect Keeshonden include:

• Epilepsy
• Heat intolerance
• Congenital heart disease
• Prone to skin conditions

Is the Keeshond the Right Breed For You?

The Keeshond is a wonderful and gregarious little individual, who is always eager to make friends and learn new tricks. Ideal for families with children, this beautiful dog enjoys to play and his sweet disposition ensures that he gets along well with both children and other animals. There are some problems with the Keeshond, particularly if you live in a hot climate, as he doesn’t do well in the heat. The Keeshond can also be prone to hyperactivity and commonly suffers from Canine Separation Anxiety. If you have the time and the patience for this wonderful little dog, however, the rewards are bountiful and you may very well find that the Keeshond is the perfect dog for you.

Shawna L. Krautheim

2007