Height: 16-19 inches
Weight: 35-40 lbs.
Life Span: 12-15 yrs.
Breed Group: Northern
Overview
Lovable, gentle, affectionate, and adaptable, keeshonden (plural) are ideal
family dogs. They are alert and do very well in obedience classes as long
as they are kept focused with firm but gentle handling.
They get along with other animals and enjoy the company of children. Keeshonden
are friendly to strangers but will bark to let the household know that a
visitor has arrived.
Appearance
The keeshond's outercoat is abundant, long, straight, and harsh, and stands
out from a thick, downy undercoat. The hair on the legs is smooth and short,
except for feathering on the front legs and "trousers" on the back legs.
Coat color is a mixture of black-tipped gray, black, and cream, with a very
pale gray or cream undercoat.
The plume of the tail is very light in color when curled on the back. The
underside of the tail is cream colored, and the tip of the tail is black.
"Spectacles" appear around the eyes.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
To avoid severe matting, the keeshond needs to be brushed and combed daily.
This dog does not need a lot of exercise; a short, brisk walk or a lazy,
long walk and some playtime will suffice.
Origins
The national dog of Holland, the keeshond was used as a watchdog on river
barges in the 16th century.
Breed related health concerns: hip dysplasia, heart disease, epilepsy, hypothyroidism.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
