Home > Dog Breeds > Keeshond

Keeshond - Non-Sporting


Keeshond

Family:

Spitz, Northern (companion)


Area of origin:

The Netherlands


Original function:

barge watchdog


Average size of male:

Ht: 17-19, Wt: 45


Average size of female:

Ht: 16-18, Wt: 35


Other names:

Wolf Spitz


  • ••••

    Energy

  • ••••

    Exercise

  • ••••

    Playfulness

  • ••••••

    Affection

  • ••••

    Friendliness towards dogs

  • •••••

    Friendliness towards other pets

  • •••••

    Friendliness towards strangers

  • ••••

    Ease of training

  • ••••••

    Watchdog ability

  • ••

    Protection ability

  • ••••

    Grooming

  • •••••

    Cold tolerance

  • ••

    Heat tolerance

Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen |

Keeshond Dogs Available on Petfinder Right Now

See more adoptable Keeshonds available on Petfinder™

Temperament

The Keeshond combines many traits of the best house dogs: fairly energetic and playful, very attentive and loving, and ready for adventure yet content to take it easy. He is sensitive and learns readily. He makes a good companion for a child or adult. He is friendly to all but, nonetheless, an alert watchdog.

Care

This is a lively breed that can have his exercise needs met with moderate exercise, such as a good walk on leash, combined with a vigorous game. He is such a sociable dog that he prefers to share his life with his family. The double coat needs brushing once or twice weekly, and more when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: CHD, epilepsy, skin problems
Occasionally seen: renal cortical hypoplasia, tetralogy of Fallot,
mitral valve insufficiency
Suggested tests: hip, (cardiac)
Life span: 12-14 years

Related Dogs

American Eskimo Dog (Standard)
Chow Chow
Finnish Spitz
Schipperke
Shiba Inu

Interested in the history of the Keeshond breed?

Expand

The Keeshond (plural: Keeshonden) is one of the family of Spitz dogs, although his exact origin is undocumented. He seems to have been well-established in Holland at least since the 18th century as a companion and watchdog. The breed later became known as the barge dog because he was often kept as a watchdog on the small vessels navigating the Rhine River. By a stroke of fate, the breed became entangled in the political events of Holland in the years preceding the French Revolution. The leader of the patriot faction was a man named Kees de Gyselaer, who in turn owned a barge dog named Kees. The dog Kees appeared in so many political cartoons that he and his breed 'a dog of the people' became the symbol of the patriots. Unfortunately for the Keeshond, the patriots did not prevail, and many Keeshond owners disposed of their dogs lest they be identified with the losing party. To make things worse for the Keeshond, the barges that floated the Rhine became larger, and the small Keeshond became less favored as a barge dog. Nonetheless, the breed did survive, although with a low profile, through the efforts of a few loyal river boatmen and farmers. In 1920, Baroness van Hardenbroek began an effort to rescue the surviving members. She was so successful at winning friends for the breed that the Keeshond was in England by 1925. AKC recognition soon followed in 1930. So much did the Keeshond recover in his native land that he is now the national dog of Holland.


Work With a Group

Some animal welfare organizations with Keeshonds ready for adoption:

  • No matches found
petfinder video

Animal Planet's Dogs 101

Check Out Dogs 101

Learn about a new collection of dog breeds each week. Get the schedule here.

Watch Dogs 101 Clips

Boston Terrier: This “American Gentleman” is one of the first breeds to originate in the U.S.
Shar-Pei: This unique, wrinkly breed's name is Chinese[?] for "sand skin."
Saint Bernard: This drooler is an attention-getter with a sweet disposition.
Basset Hound: The Basset Hound has the longest ears of any dog.
Labrador Retriever: Labs are natural swimmers thanks to webbed paws, otter-like tails and water-resistant coats.

Related Articles