Welcoming a new Keeshond puppy into your family is a thrilling experience, but it's essential to remember that they require special care and attention. Keeshond puppies need to be socialized from an early age to prevent anxiety and fear-based behaviors.
Keeshond puppies are born with their eyes closed, and they typically open them around 10-14 days old. This means they rely heavily on their sense of smell and hearing during their early weeks.
Keeshond puppies are prone to obesity, so it's crucial to monitor their food intake and ensure they get plenty of exercise. A daily walk of at least 30 minutes is recommended to keep them healthy and active.
Keeshond puppies are naturally playful and curious, so be prepared for lots of energy and enthusiasm. They love to run, jump, and play, and they need plenty of opportunities to do so.
Getting Started
If you're considering bringing a keeshond puppy into your family, you'll want to make sure you're prepared to provide the attention and interaction they crave.
Keeshonds are highly intelligent dogs, so they'll thrive in homes where they're mentally stimulated and engaged.
Be prepared for frequent barking, as keeshonds are known to be vocal dogs.
Leaving your keeshond puppy alone for long periods can lead to stress and anxiety.
To prevent this, try to limit your puppy's alone time to a minimum, and make sure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied.
Keeshonds are perfect companions, so if you're looking for a close buddy, this breed might be an excellent choice.
Quick Facts
Keeshond puppies are a joy to have around, and here are some quick facts to get you started:
Keeshond puppies originate from the Netherlands, a country known for its beautiful landscapes and friendly people.
Their size is medium, which means they're not too big or too small, making them a great fit for many families.
Keeshond puppies typically weigh between 35-45 pounds, which is just right for a playful companion.
Their lifespan is 12-15 years, which means you'll have plenty of time to enjoy their company.
Keeshond puppies have a beautiful double coat, with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer guard coat that's usually gray and black with white markings.
Here are some key characteristics of Keeshond puppies at a glance:
As for health concerns, Keeshond puppies are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems.
Friendship and Family
Keeshond puppies thrive in families with children, making them a great addition to households with kids of all ages. They're playful and good-natured companions.
However, it's essential to teach children how to approach and touch dogs gently, and always supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling.
Keeshond puppies get along well with other dogs and pets as long as they're well socialized and well trained. They're adaptable, but they do need quality time with their family.
The Keeshond's moderate energy level means they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Health Needs
Keeshond puppies are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to catch any potential problems early on.
The Keeshond is a smart breed that thrives with basic training, which should start early in life. Proper training will help your puppy develop good habits and prevent behavioral issues.
As mentioned earlier, the Keeshond's thick coat requires minimal grooming to stay soft and tangle-free. Regular brushing will help prevent matting and keep your puppy's coat looking its best.
One of the most common health issues in Keeshonds is hip dysplasia, a hereditary condition that can cause weakness, lameness, or pain in the hips. This condition can be managed with proper care and exercise.
In addition to hip dysplasia, Keeshonds can also be prone to luxating patella, a condition where the knee cap moves in and out of place. Regular exercise and proper care can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further problems.
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Keeshonds can also be susceptible to cataracts, a condition that affects the lens of the eye and can cause blurry or cloudy vision. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the condition.
To ensure your Keeshond puppy stays healthy, it's essential to keep an eye out for signs of illness or injury. If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms, consult with your veterinarian immediately.
Here are some common health issues to watch out for in your Keeshond puppy:
Nutrition and Feeding
As a Keeshond owner, you'll want to make sure your puppy is eating the right amount of food to support their growth and development. For Keeshond puppies, it's recommended to feed them up to four meals a day, as they have high energy needs.
The quality of dog food is crucial, and it's best to choose a high-quality dry food that meets standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This will ensure your puppy is getting the essential daily nutrients they need to thrive.
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To determine how much to feed your Keeshond puppy, you can follow the feeding guide on the dog food bag, which typically recommends 1.5–2.5 cups daily, divided into two meals. However, this amount will need to be adjusted based on your puppy's life stage and activity level, so it's always best to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Size
Males stand 18 inches tall and weigh approximately 45 pounds. Their sturdy build requires a balanced diet to maintain their overall health.
Females stand 17 inches tall and weigh approximately 35 pounds, which is slightly smaller than their male counterparts.
Nutrition and Feeding
Feeding your Keeshond the right amount of food is crucial for their 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. Your Keeshond's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level all play a role in determining how much they need to eat.
You should measure your Keeshond's food and feed them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. This will help keep them in good shape and prevent overeating.
The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference - the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog. You may need to feed them less of high-quality food, which can be a cost-effective option in the long run.
For a healthy Keeshond, you should be able to see a waist when looking down at them. You can also check their body condition by placing your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. If you can't feel their ribs without having to press hard, they need less food and more exercise.
It's always a good idea to discuss your Keeshond's diet with your veterinarian, who can make a recommendation based on their specific medical history. Your veterinarian can help you develop a healthy meal plan that takes into account your dog's lifestyle, weight, age, and other factors.
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You can expect to feed your adult Keeshond 1.5-2.5 cups daily, divided into two meals. However, this amount will need to be adjusted based on life stage and activity level.
Fish oil supplements can be beneficial for a Keeshond's coat and overall health. Glucosamine can also be considered for joint health, especially in dogs experiencing hip dysplasia or luxating patellas.
Grooming and Coat
Keeshond puppies have a thick, double coat that's relatively easy to maintain, as long as you brush them at least twice a week to prevent matting.
Their coat sheds profusely twice a year, with each shedding period lasting up to three weeks. You can help minimize shedding by brushing your Keeshond regularly.
Don't let the idea of a thick coat fool you - Keeshonds are actually fairly low-maintenance to groom, as long as you brush them at least two times per week and bathe them about every three months.
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Their coat acts as insulation against warm temperatures, so it's best not to shave them down in the summer. Instead, trim the fur on the hocks and feet if needed.
Regular ear cleaning with a soft cotton pad and weekly nail trimming will also help keep your Keeshond looking and feeling their best.
Coat Grooming
The thick, double coat of a Keeshond is one of its most distinctive features. Brushing your Keeshond at least two times per week is essential to prevent matting and tangles from forming.
Regular grooming is crucial for keeping the Keeshond's skin and coat healthy. You should brush your Keeshond's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and prevent dental disease.
Keeshonds are known to shed moderately year-round, with an increase in furballs during seasonal changes. Brushing several times a week will help remove dead hair and keep their coat healthy.
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As a Keeshond owner, you'll need to bathe your dog about every three months, or more often if they get dirty. Don't shave your Keeshond in the summer, as their thick coat acts as insulation against warm temperatures.
The Keeshond's ear care is relatively simple, requiring a weekly check for redness or a bad odor. Clean debris in the ears with a soft cotton pad, avoiding cotton swabs that can damage the delicate inner ear.
Keeshonds need regular nail trimming, ideally once a month, to prevent overgrowth. Their paws are sensitive, so be gentle when handling them.
Ear Care
Ear Care is a crucial part of grooming a Keeshond. Routine ear cleaning with a veterinary-approved ear cleanser is vital for maintaining healthy ear canals.
You should clean your Keeshond's ears after bathing or swimming, as water can easily get trapped in the ear canal and cause infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price of a Keeshond?
The average price of a Keeshond is between $1,000 to $2,000. Expect to pay a premium for a puppy from a reputable breeder.
Is a Keeshond a good family dog?
Yes, Keeshonds are ideal family pets due to their playful and affectionate nature. They make great companions for families with children.
Are Keeshonds a rare breed?
Keeshonds were once a rare breed, but thanks to a concerted effort in the 1920s, their numbers began to recover. Today, they are a recognized breed with a dedicated following.
Sources
- AKC Weekly Winners (akcwinners.com)
- Watch Dog Shows (akc.tv)
- temperature guidelines for safety (fetchpet.com)
- stress, high temperatures, dental problems, allergic reactions, or nausea (vets-now.com)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- Peak to Peak Keeshond Rescue (ppkf.org)
- Keeshond Affiliated Rescuers of the Mid-Atlantic (karmakees.org)
- The Keeshond Club of America (keeshond.org)
- Keeshonds: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad ... (yourpurebredpuppy.com)
- Keeshond Club of America (KCA) (keeshond.org)
- Puzzle toys (chewy.com)
- in 1930 (keeshond.org)
- trim the fur on the hocks and feet (keeshondrescue.org)
- Keeshond Club of America Rescue Organizations (keeshond.org)
- Keeshond Club of America Breeder Listings (keeshond.org)
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