Keeshond Information

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(Wolfspitz) (Chien Loup) (German Wolfspitz)  The Keeshond (plural: Keeshonden) is a compact little breed, and strongly resembles its  ancestor, the Samoyed.  The Keeshond has oblique chestnut eyes and erect triangular ears. The Keeshond has a double coat: the undercoat is cream or pale grey, the outer coat varies in shades of grey, with black tips. The hair stands away from the body, especially the front ruff. The male's ruff is longer than that of the female. The front and rear legs are feathered. The tail is of medium length and is rolled on its back. The Keeshond has distinctive pale markings around the eye, described as "spectacles." For show dogs, it is imperative that these markings are present.

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Character

The Keeshond is a lively and excitable little dog, and like most little dogs and small children it enjoys spinning around in a tight circle, barking its head off, for no apparent reason. They are friendly, affectionate and outgoing, and can be trained to perform tricks. Harsh discipline in obedience training must not be used.  They make an excellent children's companion, being full of love. The Keeshond needs to be part of the family, and not neglected. Most Keeshond are good with other pets, although there are always some that may be reserved or timid - usually females. Extensive socialization as puppies may overcome this trait. Keeshond are also somewhat needy, and will pine for their owners, so they should not be left alone for long periods of time.


The Keeshond is a lively dog, very intelligent and can be mischievous. Keeshonds will bark a warning if there is a visitor or if another animal comes in to its yard. It is protective towards its family. If properly trained, it will quiet immediately upon command. Some Keeshonds may be needy, based on how it is are raised and its current environment. Most believe this is not a trait it uniformly shares. Like any breed Keeshonds have a mix of temperaments which can be influenced by environmental settings and breeding.

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Size

16-19 inches
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Weight

35‑66 pounds
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General Health

A Keeshond gains weight easily, so do not overfeed. (If your pet is gaining weight and you are not overfeeding, check to see if they have Cushing's Disease). They are prone to hip dysplasia, skin problems, epilepsy and heart disease. Properly cared for, however, they can live up to 15 years.

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History

The Keeshond breed was originally called a Wolfspitz, or German spitz. The breed was especially popular in Holland, making a perfect pet and guard dog for the barge-folk,  and was the symbol of those rebels who were trying to overthrow the House of Orange. They were led by a Dutch patriot, Cornelis (Kees) de Gyselaer. When the House of Orange put down the rebellion the breed fell out of fashion for a while. The Wolfspitze name was officially changed to Keeshond in England in 1926, to honor de Gyselaer.

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Maintenance

Daily brushing - with a stiff bristle brush - is important. The dense undercoat of the Keeshond is shed twice a year, during spring and fall. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary.


This breeds coat should not be clipped too short. Their coat protects from sunburn, bugs, the heat and the cold.

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Ideal Environment

The Keeshond has an extremely dense coat, and will not be comfortable in overly warm climates. Apartment living is okay provided they are exercised on a daily basis, however a house with an average‑sized yard is best.

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Dog Training!

If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. Update: I've been using and recommending DogProblems for three years now. I, as well as my users, value the techniques we've learned. I get weekly emails from users who have become better owners from the information they received.

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Keeshond Q&A

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last night I trim my keeshound I never did this befor I did not shave her only with a sissors but I didcut alot of hair away from her mane it's about 2 inches will her hair grow back I'm so upset about this it was a stupid mistake

We often shaved our Kees boy in the summer and by winter his gorgeous coat had grown back in every bit as lush and fabulous as before. I wouldn't worry if I were you. :)

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I have an 8 month old Kee who barks constantly. She likes to go out at night but if I or my husband are not with her she barks excessively and will not stop until one of us joins her or we have to bring her in. This also happens in the morning. Can you give any adviceor help? Thanks Barbara

I would start with teaching your dog to bark on command and then enough or quiet. To teach him/her to bark on command reward him and repeat the word bark till he gets it and barks when you give the command. Using a consistent hand gesture will help emphasize. To teach him to be quiet, first get him to bark with the command you just taught him then tell him enough or quiet and squirt him with water or jerk his chain not to hurt him but to get his attention. They have a collar that makes a loud sound when dogs bark to startle them out of what they are doing too. As far as at night he might be barking because he can see people walking by(in this case block the view). He may be bored in which case leaving the tv on or radio could help. Or he could be lonely in which case a second pet could help. Last of all he may be anxious from not getting enough exercise so a good walk before bed could do the trick. Good Luck!

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