Keeshond Breed Guide
Also known as: Kees, Dutch Barge Dog
Smiling Dutch companions, Keeshonds are cheerful spitz breeds whose thick coats and friendly personalities bring warmth and joy to any household.
Quick facts about this breed
Size
Medium
Weight
16-18 kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
High
Size
Medium
Weight
16-18 kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
High
About Keeshonds
The Keeshond originated in the Netherlands during the 17th century, where they were bred as companions and watchdogs on Dutch barges. These dogs became the symbol of the Dutch Patriots political party in the 18th century, which nearly led to their extinction when the party fell from power.
Keeshonds are medium-sized dogs with thick, fluffy double coats in shades of grey with darker guard hairs. They're known for their fox-like expressions, curled tails, and distinctive spectacles markings around their eyes.
These dogs are intelligent, alert, and make excellent family pets. They're known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and their love of children. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation but are generally adaptable to various living situations. Their coats need regular brushing to prevent matting and manage heavy shedding. While generally healthy, potential concerns include hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and certain heart conditions. Early socialisation helps ensure they develop into well-adjusted, confident adults.
Complete Care Guide for Keeshonds
Expert advice on keeping your Keeshond healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Providing optimal nutrition for a Keeshond requires careful attention to both quality and quantity. These intelligent, energetic dogs thrive on a well-balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins and healthy fats, which support their distinctive double coat and maintain their natural vitality. Establishing consistent feeding routines with two measured meals daily helps regulate their metabolism and prevent weight gain, a common concern for this breed.
Weight management plays a crucial role in maintaining your Keeshond's health. These dogs can become overweight without proper portion control, so it's essential to adjust their caloric intake based on age, activity level, and overall health status. Measuring portions and avoiding free-feeding helps maintain an ideal body condition.
While commercial dog foods can provide adequate nutrition, selecting options with minimal processing and appropriate carbohydrate levels supports optimal digestive health. Fresh, whole-food ingredients offer superior nutritional value and can enhance your Keeshond's overall wellbeing. Puppies require more frequent meals to support their rapid growth and development, typically transitioning to adult feeding schedules around 12 months of age.
How healthy is your Keeshond?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Keeshonds from our community of pet parents
Keeshonds are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their human companions, making them quite easy to train. They get along well with children and other pets, and they are known to be very loyal. Despite their playful and energetic nature, they are also quite gentle and are not known to be aggressive. Keeshonds love being a part of family activities and they thrive on companionship.
Dog Breeds Similar to Keeshond
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