| The Keeshond is a dog that can live in an | | | | and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical |
| apartment as long as frequent long walks are | | | | care and excellent living conditions. |
| available. She is fairly active indoors and | | | | |
| makes a good watch dog because she generally | | | | *History. The Keeshond comes from the |
| likes to bark. She is great with older, | | | | Netherlands where they were probably bred |
| considerate children and wants to be a part | | | | from the Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow Chow and |
| of the family. As reminder, never leave a | | | | Elkhound. They were used to guard canal |
| child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. She | | | | boats. They were first registered by the |
| can be fine with other dogs and pets, | | | | American Kennel Association in 1930. |
| especially if extensively socialized early. | | | | |
| She loves everyone, especially her human | | | | Some Registries: |
| family. | | | | |
| | | | *Keeshond Club of America |
| *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate | | | | |
| adult size (two years old or older) of the | | | | *UKC United Kennel Club |
| Keeshond is 17 to 19 inches to the withers | | | | |
| (highest point of the shoulder) and 35 to 40 | | | | *NKC National Kennel Club |
| pounds. The females range a bit smaller then | | | | |
| the males. | | | | *CKC Continental Kennel Club |
| | | | |
| *Special Health Considerations. Most dog | | | | *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. |
| breeds have certain inherited health problems | | | | |
| associated with that specific breed and | | | | *AKC American Kennel Club |
| Keeshond is no exception. Be on the look out | | | | |
| for the Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based | | | | *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale |
| looseness in the hip joint that can lead to | | | | |
| arthritis pain and lameness), genetic eye | | | | *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club |
| disease, heart defects and skin problems. | | | | |
| This disease list is an informative guideline | | | | *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain |
| only. Other diseases may also be significant | | | | |
| threats, please contact your veterinarian for | | | | *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club |
| a complete list. | | | | |
| | | | *ACR = American Canine Registry |
| She should visit the veterinarian several | | | | |
| times in the first year for shots, boosters | | | | Litter Size: 3 to 8 Keeshond puppies |
| and check up. Then, as an adult, she should | | | | |
| visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and | | | | Category: Non-Sporting |
| check up. As she gets older, six years and | | | | |
| on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a | | | | Terms To Describe: Handsome, balanced, |
| year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid | | | | sturdy, lively, affectionate, friendly, |
| feeding your dog sweets. | | | | alert, |
| | | | |
| *Grooming. The Keeshond has long, harsh, | | | | *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| straight hair standing from a soft, thick | | | | |
| undercoat. She sheds the undercoat twice a | | | | Very good with children. |
| year, seasonally. She needs to be carefully | | | | |
| brushed Brushing will help her maintain a | | | | Good watch dog. |
| clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help | | | | |
| you keep a closer eye on her health and | | | | *SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| strengthen your emotional bond with her. | | | | |
| | | | Can be very stubborn. |
| Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a | | | | |
| week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed | | | | May suffer in heat. |
| for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation | | | | |
| of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities | | | | Poor guard dog. |
| (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog | | | | |
| periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of | | | | Can be a barker. |
| teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. | | | | |
| | | | May overeat. |
| Her toenails may need to be examined for | | | | |
| growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of | | | | *Other Names Known By: Dutch Barge Dog, Wolf |
| the rear feet grow slower than the toenails | | | | 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. The Keeshond can live between 13 | | | | |