<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The Keeshond was named after the 18th century Dutch patriot, Kees de Gyselaer, leader of the Dutch rebellion against the House of Orange. The dog became the rebels' symbol, and when the House of Orange was returned to power, this wonderful breed almost disappeared. Luckily, the breed continued as a guard on Dutch barges. Later, in the 1920's, Baroness van Hardenbroeck took an interest in the breed and began to build it up again. The Keeshond was accepted for AKC registration in 1930. Now bred for many generations as a companion dog, the Keeshond easily becomes a loving, family member.
<b>Description:</> A medium sized squarely proportioned arctic-type Spitz dog with a fox-like head and erect, triangular ears. The head is wedge-shaped with a definite stop. The markings around the eyes should form "spectacles". The lips are black and the teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The feet should be cat-like, compact and round, with arched toes and black nails. The Keeshond sports a magnificent double coat, consisting of a long, harsh outer coat and a thick fluffy undercoat. The AKC standard describes many details of the ideal Keeshond's coat color and markings. The following are highlights from the standard: The dramatic body coat is most often gray with black tipped hairs. The dog should have a full mane like a lion and a curled, plumed light-colored tail with a black tip. The muzzle and ears are dark and the legs, feet and tail are a light creamy color. Hair on the legs, muzzle, skull and ears is short and smooth. See the standard for a more complete description.
<b>Notes:</> "Smiles" like a fox. Puppies are born black, turn cream by four months and then gray, black and cream by eighteen months. The coat needs regular attention--a thorough grooming at least once a week is a must. Some trimming around the feet, pasterns, hocks and whiskers helps keep the Keeshond looking his best. The Keeshond tends to be as clean as a cat. Prone to hip dysplasia, skin problems and heart disease. A good jogging companion, but highly susceptible to hot temperatures due to his thick coat.
<b>Personality:</> An excellent children's companion, lively, intelligent and very alert. A good watchdog. Easy to train if owners are consistent. Train gently and patiently without a lot of jerking, as Kees are full of personality. Affectionate, friendly and generally outgoing. The Keeshond needs to be part of family activities. Some individuals are reserved or timid, and should be socialized extensively as puppies.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Loves everyone.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Needs people a lot.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Friendly with other dogs.
<C>Noise:</C> Likes to bark.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Extensive grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Some trimming or stripping (little skill required).
<C>Coat:</C> Fluffy coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Seasonally heavy shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Needs lots of exercise.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Fairly active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Prefers cool climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> watchdog, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> KEESHOND
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
