| The Keeshond is a dog that can live in an | | | | |
| apartment as long as frequent long walks are | | | | The Keeshond can live between 13 and 15 years |
| available. She is fairly active indoors and | | | | with proper nutrition, medical care and |
| makes a good watch dog because she generally | | | | excellent living conditions. |
| likes to bark. She is great with older, | | | | |
| considerate children and wants to be a part | | | | History |
| of the family. As reminder, never leave a | | | | |
| child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. She | | | | The Keeshond comes from the Netherlands where |
| can be fine with other dogs and pets, | | | | they were probably bred from the Pomeranian, |
| especially if extensively socialized early. | | | | Samoyed, Chow Chow and Elkhound. They were |
| She loves everyone, especially her human | | | | used to guard canal boats. They were first |
| family. | | | | registered by the American Kennel Association |
| | | | in 1930. |
| Approximate Adult Size | | | | |
| | | | Some Registries |
| The approximate adult size (two years old or | | | | |
| older) of the Keeshond is 17 to 19 inches to | | | | - Keeshond Club of America |
| the withers (highest point of the shoulder) | | | | |
| and 35 to 40 pounds. The females range a bit | | | | - UKC United Kennel Club |
| smaller then the males. | | | | |
| | | | - NKC National Kennel Club |
| Special Health Considerations | | | | |
| | | | - CKC Continental Kennel Club |
| Most dog breeds have certain inherited health | | | | |
| problems associated with that specific breed | | | | - APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. |
| and Keeshond is no exception. Be on the look | | | | |
| out for the Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic | | | | - AKC American Kennel Club |
| based looseness in the hip joint that can | | | | |
| lead to arthritis pain and lameness), genetic | | | | - FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale |
| eye disease, heart defects and skin problems. | | | | |
| This disease list is an informative guideline | | | | - NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club |
| only. Other diseases may also be significant | | | | |
| threats, please contact your veterinarian for | | | | - KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain |
| a complete list. | | | | |
| | | | - ANKC Australian National Kennel Club |
| She should visit the veterinarian several | | | | |
| times in the first year for shots, boosters | | | | - ACR American Canine Registry Litter Size |
| and check up. Then, as an adult, she should | | | | |
| visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and | | | | 3 to 8 Keeshond puppies |
| check up. As she gets older, six years and | | | | |
| on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a | | | | Category |
| year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid | | | | |
| feeding your dog sweets. | | | | Non-Sporting |
| | | | |
| Grooming | | | | Terms To Describe |
| | | | |
| The Keeshond has long, harsh, straight hair | | | | Handsome, balanced, sturdy, lively, |
| standing from a soft, thick undercoat. She | | | | affectionate, friendly, alert |
| sheds the undercoat twice a year, seasonally. | | | | |
| She needs to be carefully brushed Brushing | | | | SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| will help her maintain a clean and healthy | | | | |
| coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer | | | | - Very good with children. |
| eye on her health and strengthen your | | | | |
| emotional bond with her. | | | | - Good watch dog. SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| | | | |
| Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a | | | | - Can be very stubborn. |
| week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed | | | | |
| for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation | | | | - May suffer in heat. |
| of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities | | | | |
| (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog | | | | - Poor guard dog. |
| periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of | | | | |
| teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. | | | | - Can be a barker. |
| | | | |
| Her toenails may need to be examined for | | | | - May overeat. Other Names Known By |
| growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of | | | | |
| the rear feet grow slower than the toenails | | | | Dutch Barge Dog, Wolf Spitz, Chien Loup |
| of the front feet. Generally a guillotine | | | | |
| type trimmer is the best for this chore and | | | | Every dog is an individual so not everything |
| competent instructions to accomplish this can | | | | in this information may be correct for your |
| be found on the net. | | | | dog. This information is meant as a good |
| | | | faith guideline only. |
| Life Span | | | | |