Description:

The Keeshond is a square proportioned dog with distinct Spitz characteristics. The head is wedge shaped and well proportioned with a clear stop. Black markings around the eyes, called “spectacles,” add to the dog’s alert, fox-like expression. Ears are small, triangular and carried erect. The body is strong and compact, and the tail is long and feathered, and lies tightly curled over the back and close to the body. The Keeshond’s outer coat is long, harsh and straight, and stands straight out from the body; the coat forms a mane around the neck. Coloring is in various shades of black, gray and cream.

Temperament:

The Keeshond is a friendly, outgoing breed that is intelligent and active. The breed learns quickly, and can be trained with relative ease so long as the owner is clear and consistent. This dog makes an excellent house pet and is very friendly toward children, and is usually quite good with pets as well. The breed is extremely affectionate and truly appreciates human companionship. The Keeshond loves to bark, and therefore makes a wonderful watchdog. One unique and rather endearing characteristic of the Keeshond is its habit of literally spinning in circles when excited.

Caring for a Keeshond:

The Keeshond has a moderate need for exercise and will generally be okay with a daily walk, although a nice run or romp in a park or field will always be appreciated. It is important to avoid overfeeding the Keeshond, as the breed can put on weight very quickly. This dog is physically able to live outdoors in moderate climates, but it much prefers to sleep inside and be around its family as much as possible. To maintain the Keeshond’s respectable appearance it is important to brush the dog’s coat on a daily basis. The breed sheds heavily twice yearly, once in the spring and again in the fall. Serious health issues are rare in this breed, though it may develop canine hip dysplasia, epilepsy, patellar luxation and skin problems.

Dog Breeds: Affenpinscher * Afghan Hound * Airedale Terrier * Akita Alaskan Malamute * American Eskimo * American Staffordshire Terrier * Australian Cattle Dog * Australian Shepherd * Australian Terrier * Basenji * Basset Hound * Beagle * Bearded Collie * Bedlington Terrier * Belgian Malinois * Belgian Sheepdog * Bichon Frise * Bloodhound * Border Collie * Boston Terrier * Bouvier des Flandres * Boxer * Brittany (Spaniel) * Bull Terrier * Bulldog * Bullmastiff * Cairn Terrier * Cavalier King Charles * Chihuahua * Chinese Crested * Chow Chow * Clumber Spaniel * Cocker Spaniel * Collie * Dachshound * Dalmation * Dandie Dinmont * Doberman * English Setter * English Springer Spaniel * Finnish Spitz * Flat Coated Retriever * Fox Terrier * French Bulldog * German Sheperd * German Shorthaired Pointer * Golden Retriever * Gordon Setter * Great Dane * Great Pyranees * Great Swiss Moutain Dog * Greyhound * Irish Setter * Jack Russell * Keeshond * Labrador Retriever * Lhasa Apso * Maltese * Miniature Pinscher * Old English Sheepdog * Papillon * Pekingese * Pomeranian * Poodle * Portugese Water Dog * Pug * Rhodesian Ridgeback * Rottweiler * Saluki * Schipperke * Schnauzer * Scottish Terrier * Shar Pei * Shetland Sheepdog * Shih Tzu * Siberian Husky * Silky Terrier * Stafordshire Bull Terrier * Tibetan Terrier * Vizsla * Weimaraner * Welsh Terrier * West Highland White Terrier * Whippet * Yorkshire Terrier