Keeshond Dog

Keeshond

Keeshond Characteristics: The fun-loving and agile Keeshond is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1930). The Keeshond, is characterized by its stylish, imperious appearance with a lion-like ruff and profuse hair, thickly coated legs forming characteristic "trousers". The Keeshond has and intelligent expression with dark brown, medium sized, almond-shaped, slanting eyes. Other characteristics include; small, triangular shaped ears and a distinctive spitz-type puffy tail that curls up and over its back. The temperament of the Keeshond can be described as Agile, Obedient, Playful.

The coat type of the Keeshond is described as dense double coat with a thick ruff in assorted colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Keeshond demonstrated the desired traits of a Ratter and Barge watchdog and is known by its nick name the "Dutch Barge Dog". The origin of the Keeshond dog breed was in Netherlands where it was developed in the 1700's.

Fast Facts about the Keeshond: The following facts provide fast information about the Keeshond breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1930) *** Nick name: "Dutch Barge Dog" *** Origin: Netherlands *** Male Height: 17 - 19 inches (44 - 48 cm) *** Female Height: 16 - 18 inches (40 - 46 cm) *** Male Weight: 35 - 45 pounds (15 - 20 kg) *** Female Weight: 35 - 45 pounds (15 - 20 kg) *** Coat Type: dense double coat with a thick ruff *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 3-8 puppies *** Health Problems: Eye problems, Epilepsy, Heart Defects *** Lifespan: 12-14 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Keeshond Breed Group and Dog Type - Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1930): The Keeshond is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1930).

Other names for the Keeshond: The Keeshond is known by the nickname of the "Dutch Barge Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Kees, Wolfspitz, Chien Loup and German Wolfspitz.

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Keeshond" relates to the pet dog of Dutch nationalist Cornelis "Kees" de Ghyselaer during the "Patriot Period" from 1780 to 1787 when Dutch patriots opposed the Orangists and the rule of William V, Prince of Orange.  The Dutch Patriots allied themselves with the American republican revolutionaries. The Patriots were defeated and de Ghyselaer was executed. To own a Keeshond at this time was to admit to sympathizing with the cause and many of the dogs were destroyed to the point of extinction. The Keeshond survived and later became the symbol of the ordinary people in Holland.

Keeshond History and Origin: The country of origin of the Keeshond breed was in Netherlands during the 1700's. The dog was initially used as a barge dog and one of its other main duties was to hunt mice and rats. The ancestors of the Keeshond were the ancient Spitz type dogs and the Keeshond kept the distinctive features of the spitz dogs including its wolf-like appearance, pointed muzzle and pointed ears, a thick, dense coat with a high carried tail that curls up and over the dog's back. The Keeshond also has a distinctive ruff around his neck giving it a leonine appearance.

The Dutch used the breed as watch dogs on barges, farms and also on produce-bearing carts. The people of Holland adhered to an ancient superstition that dogs brought good luck, especially on boats. The Netherlands is famous for its many river dikes and numerous canals and the barges that travelled the canals all had barge dogs, including the Keeshond and this tradition continues to the present day. The Keeshond was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930.

Keeshond Modern History: The modern history of the Keeshond moved on and the breed is now used as a Watchdog, Guard Dog and family companion.

Keeshond Height: This breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 17 - 19 inches (44 - 48 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 16 - 18 inches (40 - 46 cm).

Keeshond Weight: The weight of the Keeshond male in this medium sized dog is 35 - 45 pounds (15 - 20 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 35 - 45 pounds (15 - 20 kg).

Keeshond Coat Type: The coat type is described as dense double coat with a thick ruff .

Keeshond Coat Colors: The colors of the Keeshond dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Grey, Grey, Silver, Cream & Black, Grey & Black and Black & Silver.

Keeshond Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Keeshond are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Keeshond is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears.

Keeshond Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 3-8 puppies. Keeshond puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Keeshond puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Keeshond Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Fun-loving, Agile, Obedient, Playful and Agile.

Keeshond Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of the Keeshonds breed of dog is moderate. The Keeshond requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a fluid, smooth gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game.

Keeshond Diet: A fully grown Keeshond dog should be fed 2 times per day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Keeshond Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Keeshond breed include Eye problems, Epilepsy, Heart Defects. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Keeshond dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Keeshond Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Keeshond breed is 12-14 years.

Keeshond Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Keeshond breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Keeshond names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Dirck *** Garritt *** Barend *** Jaap *** Larz *** Jelle *** Pieter *** Willem *** Pim *** Bram.

Keeshond Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Keeshond names are Aleta *** Edda *** Lena *** Sabine *** Brandy *** Margo *** Wilma *** Sofie *** Anika *** Kiki.

Fast Facts about the Keeshond: The following facts provide fast information about the Keeshond breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1930) *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Netherlands *** History / Date: 1700's *** Male Keeshond Height: 17 - 19 inches (44 - 48 cm) *** Male Keeshond Weight: 35 - 45 pounds (15 - 20 kg) *** Coat Type: dense double coat with a thick ruff *** Litter Size: 3-8 puppies *** Keeshond Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Keeshond Lifespan: 12-14 years ***

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