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Keeshond

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Keeshond (Gray Cream & Black, Face)
Gray Cream & Black, Face

Breed Information

Popularity

2022: #90

2021: #95

2020: #96

2019: #88

2018: #95

2017: #87

2016: #92

2015: #84

Name Keeshond
Other names Dutch Barge Dog, Smiling Dutchman, Chien Loup, German Spitz, Deutscher Wolfsspitz, Wolfsspitz, Kees
Origin

Germany

Netherlands

Breed Group

Non Sporting (AKC:1930)

Northern Breeds (UKC)

Size Medium
Type Purebred
Life span 12-14 years
Temperament

Agile

Bright

Obedient

Playful

Quick

Sturdy

Intelligent

Height

Male: 17-19 inches (44-48 cm)

Female: 16-18 inches (40-46 cm)

Weight 35-45 pounds (15-20 kg)
Colors

Black & Silver

Gray & Black

Gray Cream & Black

Gray Silver & Black

Silver & Black

Litter Size 3-8 puppies
Puppy Prices

Average $1500 - $2000 USD

The average price of a Keeshond puppy is between $1,500 - $2,000. Prices all depend on the pedigree of the puppies, the amount of work the breeder has put into producing the litter, and where the breeder is located.

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

5 stars

Apartment Friendly

3 stars

Will be okay in an apartment, although they should at least have an average-sized yard. Keeshonden prefer cool climates; they cannot withstand the heat well due to their thick coats.

Barking Tendencies

5 stars

Frequent

Cat Friendly

4 stars

Child Friendly

4 stars

Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.

Dog Friendly

4 stars

Exercise Needs

2 stars

This breed needs to be taken on a daily walk. In addition, they will also enjoy good run in a safe, open field each day. This breed is fairly active indoors. When a Keeshond spins in circles it is a sign he needs more stimulating exercise. See video clip of an excited Keeshond spinning in circles.

Grooming

4 stars

High Maintenance: Because of their double coat, Keeshonden need regular brushing; an hour a week will keep the dog comfortable and handsome. The Keeshond's coat sheds dirt when dry, and the breed is not prone to doggy odor, so frequent bathing is unnecessary and undesirable.

Health Issues

3 stars

Prone to hip dysplasia, skin problems and heart disease. In some Keeshonden that have unsound stifles, very demanding exercise will cause trick knee to develop.

Hypoallergenic: No
Intelligence

5 stars

Ranking: #16 Full Ranking ListThe Keeshond is very bright in work and obedience. The Keeshond ranks 16th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of excellent working/obedience intelligence. This intelligence makes a Keeshond a good choice for the dog owner who is willing to help a dog learn the right lessons, but also entails added responsibility.

Playfulness

4 stars

Shedding Level

5 stars

Constant Shedding: Expect this dog to shed frequently. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner.

Stranger Friendly

5 stars

Trainability

5 stars

Easy Training: Training will be enjoyable. This dog is inclined to listen to commands and obey its owner. This breed will require fewer repetitions to obey specific instructions, pleasing owners who like to see quick results.

Watchdog Ability

4 stars

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Keeshond Puppy (Lie, Face)
Lie, Face

Keeshond Names

Rank Boy Names Girl Names
01 Buddy Lucy
02 Cooper Bella
03 Leo Zoey
04 Bentley Lola
05 Jake Chloe
06 Cody Ellie
07 Milo Lily
08 Gus Annie
09 Sam Zoe
10 Gizmo Lexi
100 Cute Puppy Names ›

Overview

The Keeshond is a square-proportioned, sturdy dog of Northern type. It is an all-purpose dog, a generalist rather than a specialist, and its build reflects this. The gait of the keeshond is distinctive: clean, bold and brisk, with only slight to moderate reach and drive. It has a long straight harsh outer coat standing off from its body, a good mane and a thick downy undercoat — all imparting superb insulation from cold and damp.

The keeshond combines many traits of the best house dogs: fairly energetic and playful, very attentive and loving, and ready for adventure yet content to take it easy. It is sensitive and learns readily. It makes a good companion for a child or adult. It is friendly to all but, nonetheless, an alert watchdog.

History

The Keeshond (“kayz-hawnd”) is a member of the Spitz (Northern Dogs) family and is of the same stock as the German Spitz, probably being a direct descendant of the German Wolfspitz. In fact, the FCI still considers the breed a Wolfspitz. The breed has a long history of popularity with the people of Holland and was, and still is, used for a variety of jobs, including as a watch dog, for herding, for draft work and for hunting. It is also known as the “Barge Dog,” as it was customarily used on the barges as a guard and a companion. The accepted theory for the breed name is that it was named after “Kees,” the leader of the Dutch Patriot Party, for which the little dog was the mascot. The Keeshond was recognized by the AKC in 1930.

References

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