| Description: The Keeshond is a member of the Spitz | | | | known to be a guard dog and watchdog on river |
| group. This dog is 17 to 18 inches, in height and 35 to | | | | boats and barges, but mostly it has been known for |
| 45 pounds in weight. This dog has a stocky build, | | | | being a companion. |
| with a wedge shaped head, small but pointed ears | | | | Temperaments: The Keeshond is an excellent |
| and a medium length muzzle, in proportion to the rest | | | | companion, which is filled with energy and has great |
| of the body. The Keeshond tail is tightly curled and | | | | intelligence. They are also great with children and are |
| should be carried high. With good straight legs and | | | | outgoing and friendly. This is a breed of dog that can |
| catlike feet that are solid and well rounded. This | | | | be trained to perform tricks, and is quick to learn. |
| breed has a dense double coat with a very thick ruff | | | | The best way to train this dog is by using gentle but |
| around the neck this is more pronounced in the male | | | | firm leadership. Socialising them well as a puppy helps |
| of the breed. This breed has a long straight and | | | | to avoid any trouble later in life such as being timid. |
| harsh outer coat. The colours are steel or grey with | | | | This dog is a very keen barker so it's important to |
| black tips. The undercoat being cream and pale grey | | | | teach them when to stop barking. This dog is an |
| this is soft. The Keeshond coat stands away from | | | | excellent watchdog and will warn you have the |
| the main body, which exaggerates the ruff neck. This | | | | slightest change. A Keeshond needs daily exercise, |
| breed has a very expressive face. | | | | both physical and mental, as it's intelligent and has |
| History: The Keeshond breed has Arctic origins, and | | | | energy to burn. The Keeshond needs you to be the |
| was known as "a dog of the people" as it was a | | | | pack leader, remaining firm, and consistent. |
| symbol of the rebellions, against the house of | | | | Health issues: The Keeshond can have hip dysplasia, |
| Orange, in the 18th century. This breed, as we know | | | | heart problems and skin problems. Trick knee can |
| it today, came from the Netherlands. It is known to | | | | happen with very demanding exercise. This dog can |
| be part of the German spitz family. It was first seen | | | | get overweight and so watching of their portion size |
| at the 1899 club the German spitz. And the German | | | | is needed . Grooming: This breed grooming is easier |
| standards were revised in 1901, and it went on to be | | | | than the coat looks. Daily brushing is needed against |
| recognized by the British kennel club in 1915 then in | | | | the grain first then lay it back into place. Bath only |
| standards set in 1926. The Keeshond was recognized | | | | when really needed, as any more will strip the fur of |
| by the club and given its present-day name. Thanks | | | | its natural look. This is a heavy shedder but only |
| to a man called Carl Hinderer, visiting the AKC. The | | | | twice a year in spring and autumn. |
| breed was registered in 1930, he had work hard for | | | | Living conditions: The Keeshond is fine in an |
| this recognition and even had all the German | | | | apartment but will need to have daily exercise to lose |
| standards translated for the AKC. This dog has been | | | | all the energy this breed has. |