Keeshond
Non Sporting

Group:

Non sporting

Size:

medium

Lifespan:

12-14 years

Exercise:

medium

Grooming:

medium

Trainability:

medium

Watchdog ability:

very high

Protection ability:

very low

Area of Origin:

The Netherlands

Date of Origin:

1700's

Other Names:

Wolfspitz

Original Function:

barge watchdog

History

The Keeshond is a member of the Spitz family of northern dogs. Originally most popular in the Netherlands, it descended from the German Wolfspitz and thus is a close relative to the Pomeranian. Throughout the 18th century, the breed was used in the Netherlands as a "dog of the people." As a good watchdog, companion, and swimmer, it was commonly found in villages, farms and on the barges in the Dutch canals. During a period of unrest in Holland, the dog became the mascot for the Patriot party, which was led by Kees de Gyselaer, and thus the name "dog of Kees" or "Keeshond" was assigned to the breed. Although it was exhibited at Dutch shows in the late 1800's, the breed did not gain popularity elsewhere until the 1920's. Today the breed is appreciated by those who want a good family pet.

Temperament

The friendly Keeshond loves nothing more than being a part of the family. A swimmer, companion and watchdog, Keeshonds are lively and warm and love bouncing around with children.

Upkeep

This is a lively breed that can have its exercise needs met with moderate exercise. A good walk on leash, combined with a vigorous game, can satisfy its needs. It can live outside in temperate or cool climates, but it is such a sociable dog that it prefers to share its life with its family. The double coat needs brushing once or twice weekly, and more when shedding.

Official Breed Standard

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
A short, compact body, alert carriage, foxlike head; small pointed ears; a well-feathered, curling tail, carried over the back, hair very thick on the neck, forming a large ruff; head, ears and legs covered with short thick hair. Dogs should move cleanly and briskly (not lope like a German Shepherd) but movement should be straight and sharp. Dogs should show boldly.

Head and Skull:
Head well proportioned to the body, wedge-shaped when seen from above; from the side showing definite stop. Muzzle should be of medium length, neither coarse nor snipy.

Eyes:
Dark with well-defined spectacles.

Ears:
Small and well set on head, not wide and yet not meeting.

Mouth:
Should be neither over nor undershot, upper teeth should just overlap under teeth and should be white, sound and strong (but discolouration from distemper not to penalize severely).

Forequarters:
Forelegs feathered, straight, with good bone and cream in colour.

Hindquarters:
Hind legs should be straight, showing very little hock and not feathered below the hock. Cream in colour.

Feet:
Round and cat-like with black nails.

Tail:
Tightly curled, a double curl at the end is desirable. Plume to be white on the top where curled, with black tip.

Coat:
Dense, and harsh (off-standing), dense ruff and well feathered, profuse trousers; a soft, thick, light-coloured undercoat. Coat should not be silky, wavy or woolly, nor should it form a parting on the back.

Colour:
Should be wolf, ash-grey; not all black or all white, and markings should be definite.

Weight and Size:
The ideal height is 45.7 cm (18 in) for dogs and 43.2 cm (17 in) for bitches, but type is of more importance.

Faults:
Light eyes, prominent eyes. Curly or wavy tendency in coat. Silky coat. Absence of spectacles. Nervous demeanour. Drop ears. Whole white foot or feet. Black marks below the knee, pencilling excepted. White chest. Apple head or absence of stop.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.