A historic breed of dog, the Keeshond served as a companion and watchdog aboard barges and boats that navigated Holland’s canals and rivers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, he nearly exclusively serves as a companion dog.  Keeshonds are people-lovers who are eager to take part in all family activities. They flourish in households where the owners demand this behavior from their dog. They are intelligent, active, and vigilant, which have made them the most adored dog in Holland. These versatile puppies can even make ideal apartment pets, but keep in mind that they have a propensity to bark, which your neighbors might not like. Additionally, they won’t enjoy spending a lot of time at home by themselves.

Keeshond Dog  History

The Samoyed, Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, Finnish Spitz, and Pomeranian are all near relatives of the Keeshond. The Keeshond was a companion and guardian on small Rhine River vessels called rijnaken in the 17th and 18th centuries.  During a period of political instability in Holland, the Keeshond became the most popular dog. Holland was divided into two factions: the prinsgezinden, or supporters of the Prince of Orange, and the patriots.

The leader of the rebels was a man by the name of Cornelius de Gyselaer, who was always accompanied by a spitz-like dog by the name of Kees. The rival Orange party mockingly referred to De Gyselaer’s supporters as “Keezen.” The Keeshond gained popularity among the people and came to represent the rebel group.  The rebel party was eventually overthrown by the supporters of the Prince of Orange, and the Keeshond was derided as the symbol of a failed cause, leading to the killing of numerous canines. Some made it on ships around Amsterdam and on Dutch farms.

A Miss Hamilton-Fletcher rediscovered the breed in 1905. She persuaded her parents to bring two puppies home. These dogs were transported to England where they served as the foundation stock for the spread of the breed outside of its native Holland. In England, Mrs. Wingfield-Digby and Mrs. Alice Gatacre sparked interest in the breed, leading to the establishment of the English breed club in 1926.

Up until 1920, when Baroness van Hardenbroek developed an interest in the breed, the Keeshond was still on the decrease in Holland. The Baroness discovered that farmers, workers, and riverboat captains were still keeping the dogs. She started raising Keeshonds and spread their legend across Europe. The Dutch Keeshond Club was founded in ten years.

Carl Hinderer produced the first litter of Keeshonds in the United States in 1929. The American Kennel Club registered the first Keeshond in the Non-Sporting Group in 1930, and the Keeshond Club of America was established in 1935.

Keeshond Dog  Information

Dog Name	Keeshond
Keeshond  Dog Height	Male: 43 – 46 cm
Weight	Male: 14 – 18 kg
Life Span	13 – 15 years
Breed Group	Non-Sporting Group
Temperament	Bright, Playful, Agile, Obedient, Quick, Sturdy
Dog Price	$1,500 – $2,000
Color	Black, Black & Silver, Grey, Silver, Grey & Black, Grey Cream & Black

 

Keeshond  Dog  FAQ

Are Keeshonds suitable as family pets ?

Keeshonden are charming canines with intelligence and good looks. They are great family pets because of their friendly and playful attitude. The Keeshonden are relatively simple to teach in comparison to other northern breeds. They don’t often bark incessantly, but they will do so to alert you when a stranger is nearby.

Are Keeshonds heavy shedders ?

Unexpectedly, the Keeshond’s full coat is not too difficult to care for. As long as you brush him at least twice a week, matted hair isn’t a serious issue. Twice a year, when he “blows,” or sheds his entire undercoat at once, he does shed heavily. This severe shedding phase can extend for three weeks.

Are Keeshonds suitable as puppy dogs ?

Keeshonds make good first dogs since they are highly intelligent and relatively simple to teach. The Keeshond can live successfully in a range of settings, from a little apartment to a large house, because they were bred to live on small boats.

Do Keeshonds enjoy the cold ?

Due to the breed’s Arctic ancestry, frigid climates are a good fit for it. The thick coat of the Keeshond kept it warm when it was used as a watchdog aboard Dutch riverboats.

Are Keeshonds good with cats ?

The normal Keeshond is sociable and good-natured, and gets along well with kids, cats, and other dogs.

Do kesounds enjoy the water ?

Additionally, they enjoy splashing water from their dog bowl with their paws while playing in the water.

How long can you leave a Keeshond alone ?

Keeshonds require a lot of attention and struggle if left alone for extended periods of time. They prefer company, and if left alone for an extended period of time, they may develop anxiety or depression. A Keeshond should ideally not be left unattended for longer than four and no more than eight hours.

Do Keeshonds easily become hot ?

The thick double coat of the Keeshond keeps them warm outside in cold weather but makes them susceptible to overheating in hot and muggy conditions.

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