American Kehhel Club describes the breed: "A medium-sized, sturdy dog, the Keeshond possesses the
characteristics of other Northern breeds – a fox-like expression,
stand-off coat and richly plumed tail carried over the back. His
coloring is a mixture of gray, black and cream, with variations from
light to dark and distinctive "spectacles" – markings and shadings in
the eye area, including a delicate, dark line slanting from eye to ear
and expressive eyebrows."
A Look Back
"Basically unchanged over the past two centuries, the Keeshond descended
from the same arctic strains as the Samoyed, Chow Chow, Norwegian
Elkhound, Finnish Spitz and Pomeranian. The Kees was originally served
as a watchdog on riverboats, barges and farms. Especially popular in
Holland in the late 1700s, the breed also became a symbol of the Dutch
Patriot political party and its leader Kees de Gyselaer, who owned a
dog named Kees and gave the breed its name. When the Patriots were
defeated, the Keeshond became rare in Holland until it was revived a
century later, when it also began appearing in England and America." (AKC)
Is Keeshond a Breed for You?
The Keeshond Club of America about the breed:
"The Keeshond is a very old breed, and one of the very few
which throughout history have always been raised for family companions
and watchdogs. The fact that they have not been bred to hunt, kill
animals, attack or chase criminals undoubtedly accounts for their
gentle, intelligent devotion to their owners as home-loving dogs with a
special fondness for children, for which they are renowned." (www.keeshond.org)
Keeshonden are intelligent, independent thinkers. They are inquisitive and energetic,
learn quickly but not requiring daily exercise. Keeshonden are eager to
please and very trainable but are not for inexperienced owners. Training should
be gentle and consistent. Keeshonden become very attached to their people and
will follow their owners around. They are sensitive and
sympathetic toward people, they have such clingy
tendencies that they have earned the nickname Velcro Dog.
Keeshonden are wonderful children's
companions. This breed can also be socialized to get along well with other
pets. Keeshonds make excellent watchdogs. Tikva Hope Dog, the
Keeshond was a therapy dog used at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks
for the benefit of the rescue workers. The ideal environment for a Keeshond
is in a cooler climate, in a home with a yard, but this breed can adapt to
apartment living as well.
If you are considering purchasing a Keeshond puppy, learn more here:
