Finding a reputable Keeshond breeder is crucial to ensure you're getting a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder. Look for breeders who are members of national kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC).
A reputable Keeshond breeder will have their breeding program evaluated and approved by a kennel club, which ensures they follow breed standards and prioritize puppy health. This evaluation process is a great way to gauge a breeder's commitment to their dogs.
Reputable Keeshond breeders will also have a clear health guarantee and provide regular veterinary check-ups for their puppies.
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Keeshond Care and Grooming
The Keeshond is a happy-go-lucky breed that can thrive in a relatively small space, but he needs to be part of the family and live in the house with his owners.
To keep your Keeshond happy, it's essential to spend quality time with him in the house on a daily basis. If left unattended in the yard for hours on end, he'll become bored and may develop nuisance barking.
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A daily walk is a must for your Keeshond's health and well-being, but he's not a high-energy breed and doesn't require long-distance running. He's happiest in cool weather and should be kept inside on hot days.
The Keeshond's thick coat is a beautiful feature, but it does require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Brush him at least twice a week, and bathe him every three months.
Keeshonds are prone to shedding, with two major shedding periods every year that can last up to three weeks. During this time, they'll shed their entire undercoat, so be prepared for some extra grooming.
Despite their dense coat, Keeshonds are relatively low-maintenance to groom, but it's essential to brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental disease. Daily brushing is ideal, but twice a week is better than nothing.
To keep your Keeshond's ears clean and healthy, wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle ear cleaner. Don't insert anything into the ear canal, and check for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection.
Keeshonds are intelligent dogs who thrive with basic training and plenty of time with their family. They're not a high-maintenance breed, but they do need regular grooming to stay happy and healthy.
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Their thick coat is actually a plus in hot weather, as it acts as insulation and protects them from sunburn. Never shave your Keeshond in the summer, and trim their fur on the hocks and feet as needed.
By following these simple grooming tips, you can help your Keeshond stay happy, healthy, and looking their best. Regular grooming sessions will also give you the opportunity to bond with your dog and detect early signs of any potential health issues.
Keeshond Health and Nutrition
Keeshonds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health problems in keeshonds include hip dysplasia, which can cause weakness, lameness, or pain in the hips.
Keeshonds are also susceptible to luxating patella, a condition where the knee cap moves in and out of place, which can be painful but often manageable with proper care. Cataracts are another common issue, which can cause blurry or cloudy vision, but may be treatable with surgery.
Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in maintaining your keeshond's health. Feeding your keeshond 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dog food divided into two meals each day is a good starting point. Overfeeding can lead to health conditions like canine obesity, heart disease, or diabetes, so it's essential to follow your dog food's recommendations for proper portions by weight.
Your veterinarian can help you develop a healthy meal plan if you're unsure how much to feed your keeshond. Keeshonds typically live for 12-14 years, and regular check-ups with your vet can help identify any potential health issues early on.
Here's a list of health concerns that may affect keeshonds:
- Hip dysplasia
- Luxating patella
- Cataracts
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Diabetes mellitus
- Ventricular septal defect
Keeshond Training and Behavior
Keeshonds are intelligent dogs that like to please their owners, responding best to positive reinforcement training methods.
They can begin basic obedience as early as 8 weeks of age, making them a great breed for families who want to start training early.
Keeshonds are sensitive and learn readily, but they don't like to be left alone and can become destructive when lonely and bored.
Socialization is key, and puppy training classes are a great way to help them feel comfortable and confident around other pets and people.
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Gait
The Keeshond's gait is truly one of a kind. They move boldly, cleanly, and briskly.
Their movement is straight and sharp, making them a joy to watch.
The Keeshond's reach and drive is between slight to moderate, giving them a smooth and efficient stride.
Training
Keeshonds are intelligent dogs that like to please their owners, responding best to positive reinforcement training methods.
They can begin basic obedience as early as 8 weeks of age, making them a great breed for families who want to start training early.
Puppy training classes are also a great way to socialize them to be comfortable and confident around other pets and people.
Keeshonds were bred to live with barge operators, so they're meant to be alongside their humans, which means they don't like to be left alone.
If your family is away from the home often, you may want to consider another breed to avoid endless barking or destructive behavior when lonely and bored.
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Keeshond Feeding and Nutrition
Feeding your Keeshond is crucial for their overall health and well-being. You should feed your adult Keeshond 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. A highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog.
The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference. Better dog food will go further toward nourishing your dog and you'll need less of it.
Keep your Keeshond in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. This will help prevent overfeeding.
Overfeeding can result in health conditions like canine obesity, heart disease, or diabetes. Follow your dog food's recommendations for the proper portions by weight.
If you're unsure how much to feed your Keeshond, your veterinarian can help you develop a healthy meal plan.
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Keeshond General Information
The Keeshond is a member of the Spitz family and is of the same stock as the German Spitz, probably being a direct descendant of the German Wolfspitz.
This ancient breed has a long history of popularity with the people of Holland, where it was used for various jobs like herding, draft work, and hunting.
In fact, the Keeshond was a common sight on Dutch barges, where it served as both a guard and a companion, earning it the nickname "Barge Dog".
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History
The Keeshond is a member of the Spitz family and is of the same stock as the German Spitz, probably being a direct descendant of the German Wolfspitz.
The breed was first exhibited in Holland as early as 1891, and was introduced to England about 1905. The Keeshond was brought to the United States around 1928.
The Keeshond was a popular companion and watchdog on small vessels called rijnaken on the Rhine River in the 17th and 18th centuries. The breed was used for various jobs, including as a watch dog, for herding, for draft work, and for hunting.
The Keeshond was named after Kees, the leader of the Dutch Patriot Party, for which the little dog was the mascot. This is the accepted theory for the breed name.
The Keeshond was a symbol of the rebel patriot party in Holland during a time of political unrest in the 17th and 18th centuries. The breed became popular among ordinary people, but fell out of favor after the patriot party was overthrown.
The breed was rediscovered in 1905 by a Miss Hamilton-Fletcher, who convinced her parents to take home two puppies. These dogs became the foundation stock for the breed's introduction outside of Holland.
The first American litter of Keeshonds was bred in 1921, and the first Keeshond was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1930.
General Appearance
The Keeshond's general appearance is quite striking. They have a well-balanced, short-coupled body.
Their distinctive markings, alert carriage, and intelligent expression make them stand out. The Keeshond's stand-off coat is one of its defining features.
Their small, pointed ears and richly plumed tail, which is well-curled over their back, add to their unique appearance. A lion-like ruff surrounds their neck, on the forepart of the shoulders, and on the chest.
This ruff is more profuse in males, which can be a notable difference between the sexes. Thick, short hair covers their head, ears, and lower legs.
Their hindquarters are thickly coated down to the hocks, forming characteristic "trousers" that are a hallmark of the breed.
Keeshond Buying and Adoption
If you're considering bringing a Keeshond into your family, you'll want to know the basics of buying or adopting one. Keeshond puppies can cost between $1,500 and $2,000, but prices may be higher depending on availability and pedigree.
To find a reputable breeder, research the Keeshond Club of America Breeder Listings, AKC Keeshond Breeders, or check out the Keeshond Club of America Rescue Organizations for adoptable Keeshonds.
If you do decide to purchase from a breeder, make sure to do your due diligence and ask questions about the litter's parents, living conditions, and medical history.
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Highlights
Keeshonds are known for their distinctive appearance, with a plush double coat and fox-like expression. They're often described as wearing "spectacles" due to the markings around their eyes.
Friendly and outgoing, Keeshonds make excellent family pets and companions. They're always up for a good time and love being around people.
Keeshonds are intelligent dogs with a keen sense of alertness, making them effective watchdogs. They're always on the lookout for potential threats.
Keeshonds form strong bonds with their families and are known for their loyalty and affection. They'll often follow you around the house and snuggle up next to you on the couch.
Keeshonds are adaptable dogs that can thrive in a variety of living situations. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, they'll adjust to their surroundings.
Here are some key characteristics of Keeshonds to consider:
Keeshonds are naturally vocal dogs and can be prone to barking, making them good alarm dogs.
Adopt or Buy
If you're set on bringing a Keeshond into your family, you have two main options: adopt or buy. Keeshond puppies typically cost between $1,500 and $2,000, but prices may be higher depending on availability and pedigree.
Keeshond puppies can be found through reputable breeders, but it's essential to do your research and ensure the breeder is ethical, reputable, and moral. Responsible breeders should provide medical history and allow prospective adopters to meet the litter's parents.
Breed-specific rescues can also help you find a Keeshond in need of a forever home. Many similar breeds in need of forever homes may be more readily available in your region, and adopting a rescue can be incredibly rewarding.
Here are some resources to help you find a reputable breeder or rescue organization:
- Keeshond Club of America Breeder Listings
- Keeshond Club of America Rescue Organizations
- AKC Keeshond Breeders
Remember, adopting a rescue can be a great option if you're unable to find a Keeshond through a breeder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Keeshonds a rare breed?
Historically, Keeshonds were a rare breed, but thanks to a concerted effort in the 1920s, their numbers have increased significantly. Today, they are a recognized breed with a dedicated following.
What is the life expectancy of a Keeshond?
Keeshonds typically live for 12 to 15 years, making them a long-lived breed. With proper care, they can enjoy a happy and healthy life.
Is a Keeshond a good family dog?
Keeshonds are ideal family pets due to their playful and affectionate nature. They make great companions for families who want a loving and intelligent addition to their household.
Sources
- Peak to Peak Keeshond Rescue (ppkf.org)
- Keeshond Affiliated Rescuers of the Mid-Atlantic (karmakees.org)
- The Keeshond Club of America (keeshond.org)
- Keeshond - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
- in 1930 (keeshond.org)
- nicknamed the Smiling Dutchman (akc.org)
- AKC Keeshond Breeders (akc.org)
- Keeshond Club of America Rescue Organizations (keeshond.org)
- Keeshond Club of America Breeder Listings (keeshond.org)
- What is a Keeshond? - FAQ (klompenkees.com)
- Keeshond Dog & Puppy Breed and Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
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