Introduction
The Keeshond, with its luxurious, plush coat and soulful, expressive eyes, is a captivating dog breed that has enchanted dog lovers for centuries. Originating from the Netherlands, this charming breed was once the trusted companion aboard barges and canal boats, serving as both friend and guardian. Known for their gentle and affectionate disposition, Keeshonden (the plural form of “Keeshond”) are the quintessential family dogs, bred to be loving household members.
This medium-sized breed typically weighs between 35 and 45 pounds and stands 17 to 18 inches tall. Their unmistakable appearance features a magnificent mane-like ruff framing their neck, sharp, pointed ears, and a distinctive curled tail, making the regal Keeshond impossible to overlook.
Caring for a Keeshond
Keeshonden are celebrated for their warm, friendly, and outgoing personalities. As a member of the spitz family—a group that includes Samoyeds, Huskies, Norwegian Elkhounds, and Pomeranians—they share many traits such as a thick, fluffy coat and keen intelligence.
With a moderate energy level, Keeshonden adapt well to various living environments, provided they receive daily love and interaction from their owners. These social butterflies thrive on companionship and want to be by their family’s side, participating fully in daily life. The cornerstone of Keeshond care lies in showering them with affection and maintaining their dense, double coat through regular grooming sessions.
Keeshond Health Issues
Generally a robust breed, Keeshonden can still be prone to certain hereditary and age-related health concerns. Securing reliable pet insurance can offer peace of mind when welcoming a Keeshond puppy into your home.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the bones of the hip joint fail to align correctly, leading to friction, joint damage, and decreased mobility.
This condition can be diagnosed through X-rays, with treatment plans tailored to the severity of the case. Since hip dysplasia is relatively common across many dog breeds, it’s vital to keep an eye on your Keeshond’s hip health, especially as they mature.
Patellar Luxation
Keeshonden can be affected by luxating patellas, a hereditary condition where one or both kneecaps intermittently dislocate. While usually not painful, it can cause your dog to limp or place more weight on one leg, increasing the risk of further knee injuries or arthritis.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the knee and enhance your dog’s quality of life.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)
Primary hyperparathyroidism is an inherited disease found in Keeshonden, often resulting from a tumor in the parathyroid glands. These glands regulate calcium levels in the body, and tumors can cause excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone, dangerously elevating blood calcium.
Typically affecting adult dogs, early signs may be subtle, including increased thirst and urination. As the illness progresses, symptoms worsen to include weakness, weight loss, lethargy, organ damage, and eventually kidney failure.
The standard treatment involves surgically removing the affected gland. Genetic testing is available for puppies, enabling early detection and vigilant monitoring to catch signs of PHPT promptly.
What To Feed a Keeshond
Choosing the perfect diet for your Keeshond involves considering your dog’s unique lifestyle, weight, age, and overall health.
Prioritize a high-quality diet composed of premium ingredients that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. Consulting with your veterinarian will help tailor nutritional choices suitable for your Keeshond’s individual needs.
How To Feed a Keeshond
Most Keeshonden thrive on a straightforward feeding routine. Typically, offering two balanced meals per day—morning and evening—works well. Growing Keeshond puppies, however, benefit from more frequent feedings, up to four meals per day to support their development.
How Much Should You Feed a Keeshond?
Always consult the feeding guidelines on your dog food packaging to provide your Keeshond with the appropriate portion supporting their daily nutritional requirements. For an adult Keeshond, 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day, divided into two meals, is a good starting point, with necessary adjustments based on life stage and activity level.
Your veterinarian is your best resource to determine precise feeding amounts tailored to your dog.
Nutritional Tips for Keeshonden
Incorporating fish oil supplements can enhance the shine and health of your Keeshond’s luxurious coat. Additionally, glucosamine supplements may support joint health, especially beneficial for dogs affected by hip dysplasia or knee issues. Always consult your vet before introducing any supplements.
Keeshond Personality and Temperament
Keeshonden are renowned for their friendly and eager-to-please dispositions. They coexist harmoniously with children and other pets who respect boundaries. As highly social dogs, Keeshonden do not fare well if left alone for lengthy periods—they crave inclusion and affection from their human family.
Dubbed the “smiling Dutchman” for their joyful expression and sunny temperament, Keeshonden are playful companions, always ready to brighten the day.
Keeshond Behavior
Generally, Keeshonden are well-behaved and rarely indulge in excessive barking. However, they can become vocal if left alone for long stretches or if they sense anything unusual around their home.
Keeshond Training
Their sharp intellect paired with a willingness to please makes Keeshonden highly responsive to positive reinforcement training. They excel in obedience and enjoy mentally stimulating activities with their owners.
It’s recommended that Keeshond puppies attend puppy kindergarten classes between 9 and 12 weeks old to learn foundational commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Early socialization is crucial to raising a well-rounded pup.
Fun Activities for Keeshonden
- Agility training courses
- Interactive puzzle toys
- Games of fetch
- Scent tracking adventures
- Social outings with friends and family
- Following their loved ones around the house
- Leisurely neighborhood strolls
Keeshond Grooming Guide
The Keeshond sports a plush, double-layered coat that sheds moderately throughout the year, with seasonal surges during molting periods. Keeping this breed looking and feeling their best requires consistent grooming efforts. Keeshonden come in beautiful shades including silver, black, cream, and gray.
Skin Care
While the breed generally boasts healthy skin, it’s important to observe your Keeshond for any changes such as redness, flaking, or itchiness. Maintaining skin health involves regular baths and brushing to keep the coat clean and tangle-free.
If you notice any skin issues, consult your veterinarian promptly.
Coat Care
Thanks to their dense double coat, Keeshonden require brushing multiple times per week to remove loose hair and prevent the formation of mats or tangles. Occasional professional grooming sessions can make upkeep even easier.
Eye Care
One of the breed’s signature features is their “spectacles”—dark markings circling their eyes that give them a distinctive, expressive look. While these markings do not interfere with vision, trimming excess fur when necessary helps keep their eyes clear.
Regular cleaning with veterinarian-approved wipes can ward off irritation. Be vigilant for signs of redness or discharge and seek veterinary care if any eye problems arise.
Ear Care
Routine ear cleaning with vet-recommended solutions is essential to maintaining healthy ears. This is particularly important after your Keeshond has been exposed to water from baths or swims to prevent infections.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Though adaptable, Keeshonden flourish best in homes where they receive plenty of attention and are treated as cherished family members. Their moderate energy and grooming demands require commitment, while their natural affectionate nature means they do best with owners who include them in everyday activities and offer abundant companionship.
Is a Keeshond a good family dog?
Absolutely! Their friendly temperament and manageable medium size make Keeshonden wonderful companions for families.
Is a Keeshond high-maintenance?
While their grooming routine involves regular brushing several times a week, their loving and attentive nature means they need plenty of affection, making them moderately high maintenance in terms of social interaction.
Are Keeshonden a rare breed?
While not extremely rare, Keeshonden are less commonly seen than many popular breeds. The American Kennel Club ranks them as the 90th most popular breed out of 199.
How much does a Keeshond puppy cost?
Prices for Keeshond puppies vary based on breeder reputation, lineage, and location. Generally, prospective owners can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for a puppy from a responsible breeder.
