This loyal and friendly breed is known for being exceptionally loving and protective of their human companions, making them perfect for families with small children. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of the Keeshond breed including their physical characteristics, personality, and some tips on how to care for them.
History of the Keeshond Dog Breed
The Keeshond is a Spitz Dutch Barge Dog that was popularized in the 18th century. The breed gets its name from Cornelis “Kees” de Gyselaer, leader of the Dutch Patriot Party during the Patriot Revolt in the Netherlands. The Keeshond became the official symbol of the party and was known as the “Dutch Barge Dog” because it was often seen on barges along the canals of the Netherlands. The Patriot Party was eventually defeated and many of the Keeshonds were killed, but a few made their way to England where they became popular as companion dogs and guard dogs.
Keeshond Temperament
Keeshond personality is best described as being lively, affectionate, and devoted. They love spending time with their family and make great companions. They are also active and playful, which means they need plenty of exercise.
These dogs are intelligent and quick to learn new things. They excel in obedience training and enjoy learning tricks. Keeshonds are also known for being alert and watchful, making them perfect watchdogs.
Overall, the Keeshond temperament makes them ideal family pets that are loyal, loving, and full of life. If you are looking for a fun-loving, energetic dog to add to your family, then the Keeshond is the perfect breed for you.
Keeshond Looks, Size & Coat Type
Keeshonds have a distinctively fox-like face with an arched neck, and they are medium-sized dogs that weigh between 55 and 66 pounds. They have a thick coat of silvery fur with gray markings, black tipped guard hairs, and their tail is carried high and curled over their back. The undercoat is dense and soft, providing insulation against the cold weather.
These furry dogs require regular grooming to maintain their coat in good condition, and they are relatively active dogs that need daily exercise.
Their muzzle is long and wedge-shaped, and they have a black nose. Keeshonds have medium-sized ears that are triangular in shape and sit high on their head. Their eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown in color. Their life expectancy is 12-15 years.
How to Groom a Keeshond Puppy
Assuming you’ve already decided to get a Keeshond, there are a few things you’ll need to do to make sure your new furry friend is properly groomed. While the thick double coat of a Keeshond may appear daunting, regular grooming is actually quite easy and only takes about 20 minutes per week. With proper grooming, your Keeshond will always look his or her best.
Step 1: Brush Your Keeshond’s Coat
Using a slicker brush, start at the head and work your way down the body, brushing in the direction of hair growth. Be sure to pay special attention to any mats or tangles that may have formed in the coat. If you come across a particularly stubborn tangle, you can try using a comb to gently work it out.
Step 2: Bathe Your Keeshond
Place your Keeshond in a tub or sink filled with warm water. Apply a liberal amount of dog shampoo and work it into a lather. Be sure to avoid getting any water or shampoo in your puppy’s eyes, ears, or nose. Once the entire coat is lathered, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
If you’re using a conditioner, apply it now and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
Step 3: Dry Your Keeshond’s Coat
After bathing, use a towel to remove as much water as possible from your Keeshond’s coat. Then, use a blow-dryer set on low to finish the job. Be careful not to hold the blow-dryer too close to your dog’s skin – you just want to get the coat nice and dry, not hot.
And that’s it! With just a few simple steps, you can keep your Keeshond’s coat healthy and looking great.
How to Train a Keeshond Puppy
Keeshond puppies are intelligent and active, so they need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. The best way to provide this is through consistent training. Here are some tips on how to train your Keeshond:
1. Start with basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and heel. These puppies are quick learners, so they should be able to pick up these commands quickly.
2. Use positive reinforcement such as treats or praise to motivate your pup during training sessions.
3. Be consistent with your commands and rewards, and keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) to maintain your dog’s attention span.
4. Socialize your pup early on by exposing them to different people, places, and situations in a positive way. This will help them become well-rounded adults.
5. Always end training sessions on a positive note, so your dog associates learning with something fun and rewarding.
With patience and consistency, you can train your Keeshond to be a well-behaved adult dog. Just remember to remain positive and have fun with it!
Keeshonds: Dietary Needs
Keeshonds are also known to be quite active, so they need a diet that will help them maintain their energy levels. A high-quality dog food that is rich in protein and essential fatty acids is ideal for these dogs. In addition to a well-balanced diet, Keeshonds also need to have access to plenty of fresh water at all times.
If you are thinking of adding a Keeshond to your family, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your new furry friend. With proper nutrition, your dog can live long and happy lives!
Keeshonds: Exercise Needs
Keeshonds require a good amount of daily exercise to stay healthy and fit. They are an active breed that enjoys being outdoors, playing games, and going for walks or runs. A tired Keeshond is a happy Keeshond!
These dogs love spending time with their family and will often follow them around the house. They are not a breed that does well-being left alone for long periods of time and may become destructive if bored.
Exercise needs can vary from dog to dog, but a good rule of thumb is to give your Keeshond at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be in the form of walks, runs, games of fetch, or any other activity that gets your dog moving.
If you are not able to provide your pet with enough exercise, there are a few things you can do to help tire them out. One is to give them interactive toys that will keep their mind and body active, such as puzzle toys or Kongs filled with treats. Another is to enroll them in a dog daycare or boarding facility where they can play and socialize with other dogs all day long.
Keeshond Health Concerns
Keeshonds are a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common health concerns for them include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and von Willebrand’s disease.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that can cause the hip joint to become dislocated. It is a hereditary condition that affects many breeds of dogs, but Keeshonds are especially susceptible. Elbow dysplasia is another hereditary condition that affects the elbow joint and can cause lameness.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can cause seizures. It is also a hereditary condition, but this breed is particularly susceptible. Von Willebrand’s disease is a blood clotting disorder that can be fatal if not treated promptly.
There are several things you can do to help keep your dog healthy. Make sure you take them to the vet regularly for checkups and vaccinations. Keep them at a healthy weight to avoid joint problems. And give them plenty of exercise to keep their minds and bodies active.
Where to Find a Keeshond Dog, Price & Breeders
There are a few things to consider when looking for a Keeshond pup. First, it’s important to find a reputable breeder who can provide healthy, well-socialized puppies. Keeshonden are relatively rare dogs, so it may take some effort to find a breeder in your area. Be prepared to travel, or to ship a dog if necessary.
When contacting breeders, be sure to ask about health clearances and warranties, as well as what type of socialization and training the puppies have received. Be prepared to pay upwards of $1000 for a quality Keeshond from a reputable breeder. Puppies from pet stores or less reputable sources are often not as healthy or well-socialized, and may end up costing more in the long run in vet bills and behavioral problems.
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