General Information - So you want to Adopt a Keeshond?

So you want to adopt A KEESHOND ?

The Keeshond, also known as the Dutch Barge Dog, is the national dog of Holland and a member of the Spitz group. The Keeshond - pronounced Kayzhond was used for more than a century as a barge dog. The Keeshond controlled vermin, and acted as guard dogs.

These handsome, medium-sized dogs, attract attention. The Keeshond has a lovely silver-gray-to-black shaded coat, along with an alert and intelligent expression, which is enhanced by its fox-like head shape, with "spectacle" markings around dark brown eyes.

The Keeshond today makes an excellent companion and guard dog. It has the usual Spitz independence of other northern dogs, though not to as great a degree as is found in Siberians or Malamutes. Therefore, it is an easily trained dog, and responds exceptionally well to positive and firm training.

The Keeshond, while not requiring a large amount of exercise, enjoys a daily walk, but eagerly participates in hikes and longer excursions.

The keeshond makes a great companion for children. They are alert, playful, and easily trained, as they are intelligent and thoroughly enjoy human companionship. While they will bark at strangers, they are also quick to make new friends, and will readily become a favorite member of any family with friends and neighbors.

The Keeshond has the Spitz group characteristic of needing to be a member of the family. They must be involved in family activities, and get hours a day of contact time with family members. The back yard is no substitute for human interaction. Good socialization is essential, and the well socialized keeshond readily accepts other pets. Many Keeshonds enjoy swimming, and they are good swimmers.

The Keeshond has another physical characteristic of the northern dogs--it needs much less food than we often feed dogs, so it gains weight easily. Regulated feeding is essential to keep the Keeshond fit and trim. Combined with regular walks and exercise, and a happy environment, the Keeshond can readily stay healthy for a 15 year lifetime.

The Keeshond's beautiful coat, which is certain insulation against cold, wet, or hot weather, needs minimal care. This "self-cleaning" coat has a soft texture. Dirt is easily brushed off, and the coat seldom mats. Like the other members of the Spitz group, the coat has no doggie odor, and should only be bathed 3 to 4 times a year.

Grooming consists of brushing out the coat regularly. The Keeshond sheds twice a year in most California locations.