The Keeshond is a friendly and hardy dog that is a native of Holland and is descended from the same ancestors as Pomeranians and Samoyeds.
Nature
The Keeshond is a lively, gregarious, and sociable dog that makes an outstanding watchdog.
These active dogs need daily exercise
Trait
A Non-Sporting breed is the Keeshond. He also belongs to the northern breed of Spitz, which is distinguished by a thick, fluffy coat, a plumed tail, and a foxlike face with pointed ears.
His face is marked with what look like spectacles.
Life
12 to 15 years
Colour Collection
The lavish coat of the Keeshond is a blend of black and another colour, which can be anything from cream to grey to silver.
Hair fall
Although the Keeshond breed occasionally sheds, weekly brushing with a pin brush will help prevent undercoat shedding. His coat will remain in excellent condition with a bath and blow dry every four to six weeks.
Health
Keeshonds are often strong, energetic canines. Responsible breeders examine their breeding stock for eye conditions, primary hyperparathyroidism, patellar luxation, hip and elbow dysplasia, and other conditions.
Breed History
Although keeshonds are now appreciated for their boisterous personality, they were once prized as companions and guard dogs on the Dutch barges that navigated the canals of the Low Countries.
When the Keeshond became the emblem of the Dutch Patriots Party, which opposed the royal House of Orange, the connection between this breed and Holland and its people took on a political dimension in the late 1700s.
The name Keeshond may have its origins in this political connection. According to legend, the breed was named after Kees de Gyselaer, the founder of the Dutch Patriots Party, who also had a dog by that name.
