Wolfspitz Keeshond: A Comprehensive Guide to the Breed

The Wolfspitz Keeshond is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in the 18th century in Europe.

They typically weigh between 35-55 pounds and stand between 17-20 inches tall at the shoulder.

This breed is known for its distinctive fox-like appearance, with a thick double coat that sheds heavily twice a year.

The Wolfspitz Keeshond is an intelligent breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

The Wolfspitz Keeshond has a fascinating history that spans centuries. It originated in the Netherlands in the 18th century, where it was known as "the dog of the people".

The breed is a mix of Chow Chow, Elkhound, Samoyeds, and Pomeranian, which explains its unique characteristics. It was introduced to the United Kingdom by Mrs. Wingfield-Digby and later gained popularity in the United States in 1920.

During the French Revolution, a patriot named Gyselaer had a Wolfspitz named Kees, which became a symbol of the Dutch homeland. The breed was later known as Keeshond in honor of Kees.

Unfortunately, when the Patriot faction lost, many Keeshond owners got rid of their dogs, which led to a decline in the breed. However, Baroness van Hardenbroek made an effort to revive the breed in the 1920s.

The Wolfspitz Keeshond has a long history, with the Spitz being one of the oldest dog breeds in Germany. It was developed over generations as a versatile working dog, serving as a house, farm, and guard dog.

In the Netherlands, the name Wolfspitz is used as a general term for the breed, with different names used to distinguish between the various types. In Skandinavia, both names are used, but with different meanings.

Expand your knowledge: Keeshond Dog Breeders

The Wolfspitz Keeshond has a distinctive head shape, resembling a fox's head from above, with a medium-sized head and a wedge-shaped profile.

Their nose is small and round, with a black color, except on brown dogs, where it's dark brown. Their eyes are medium-sized, elongated, and dark.

Their ears are triangular and pointed, standing erect on their head. They have a deep chest and a moderately collected abdomen.

The Wolfspitz Keeshond's tail is high and slightly curved inwards, covered with abundant bushy hair.

A unique perspective: Keeshond Brown

The Wolfsspitz has a wild appearance that's quite striking. Its dichte, mittellange Fell is silbergrau gefärbt with schwarzen Haarspitzen, giving it a rugged look.

The coat is a key part of the Wolfsspitz's wild appearance, with a grau-gewölkte Fell that's reminiscent of a wild wolf's markings. This distinctive pattern is typical of the breed.

With a Widerristhöhe of 43 bis 55 cm, the Wolfsspitz is one of the larger representatives of the Deutsche Spitze.

An Alt-Wolfsspitz can live up to 15 years or more, which is likely due to the fact that the breed was never overbred.

Their lifespan is a testament to their hardiness and adaptability, traits that were particularly valuable during times of scarcity.

In fact, the Keeshond's ability to thrive in challenging environments made them a popular companion during the Second World War.

This ruggedness is a hallmark of the breed, and one that has allowed them to maintain their natural, wild spirit.

The Wolfspitz is a cheerful and alert breed, but they can be reserved with strangers and barkers, making them good guard dogs. They're very attached to their human family, but may not be the best fit for very young children due to their reactive behavior.

These dogs require regular grooming, with a daily brushing during molting seasons to prevent entanglements. Their coat is dynamic and needs to be brushed at least three times a day to keep it in good condition.

Wolfspitz dogs are adaptable to living in small flats or houses, but having a small garden is beneficial, especially for larger breeds. They can tolerate cold to temperate climates, but don't do well in intense heat.

The Wolfspitz Keeshond is a breed that's known for being cheerful, alert, and dynamic. They're also very attached to their human family.

They can be good guard dogs due to their reserved nature with strangers and tendency to bark. However, they're not suitable as protection dogs.

Pups that are well socialized can tolerate strangers without issues, but conflicts with dogs of the same sex may arise. This is why proper socialization is crucial.

They generally get along with other pets in the household, just like they do with humans. However, they're not ideal for very young children due to their reactive behavior.

Older children who know how to care for and respect a dog are a better match for the Wolfspitz Keeshond.

To keep your Keeshond's coat in good condition, you should brush it at least three times a day, more frequently during molting. This will prevent entanglements and keep their fur healthy.

Their energetic nature requires regular exercise, including daily walks and playtime to burn off steam. A small garden is a bonus, especially for larger breeds like the Wolfspitz.

Keeshonds are adaptable to small living spaces, but they thrive with human companionship and prefer to live indoors. Their thick coat makes them suitable for cold to temperate climates, but they can't tolerate intense heat.

Their distinctive appearance features a thick, furry collar and a bushy tail carried high on their back. Their lively eyes and pointed ears add to their charming, impertinent look.

As a medium-sized breed, Keeshonds weigh between 14 and 25 kg and stand between 43 and 55 cm tall at the shoulder. Their rugged build makes them well-suited for outdoor work, like accompanying barges on the Rhine River.

Their unique coat color, reminiscent of a wolf's fur, earns them the nickname "Wolfspitz" or "Dutch Barge Dog". Their fascinating personality has made them popular as both pets and working dogs.

To keep their coat manageable, a regular brushing is sufficient, as their undercoat doesn't prone to matting or tangling. This breed's low-shedding coat is also a bonus, minimizing strong dog odors.