Keeshond

Temperament:
An excellent children's companion, lively, intelligent, and very alert. A real character that is quick to learn if their owners are consistent. They should be trained gently and patiently without a lot of jerking. Keeshond are full of personality. They can be trained to perform. Affectionate, friendly, and generally outgoing. The Keeshond loves everyone and needs to be part of the family activities. They are generally good with other pets, although some individuals are reserved or timid, and should be socialized extensively as puppies. For years the Keeshond was the dog-of-all-jobs on Dutch boats. Today it is used as a companion dog. They like to bark and are good watchdogs because of its notable gift for warning of danger. Beware of overfeeding, for the Keeshond will gain weight easily.

Grooming:
Grooming is not as troublesome as you might expect, a good line brushing down to the skin once a week is perfectly good for the Kees coat. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. The dense undercoat is shed heavily twice a year in spring and fall.

Exercise:
This breed needs to be taken on a daily walk. In addition, they will also enjoy good run in a safe, open field each day. This breed is fairly active indoors. When a Keeshond spins in circles it is a sign he needs more stimulating exercise. See video clip of excited Keeshond spinning in circles.

Living Condition:
Will be okay in an apartment although they should at least have an average-sized yard. Keeshonden prefer cool climates; they cannot withstand the heat well due to their thick coats.

Origin:
The Keeshond has an arctic origin. In the eighteenth century the Keeshond was known as "a dog of the people." In its veins runs the blood of the Samoyed, Chow Chow, Elkhound, and Pomeranian. At the beginning of the French Revolution, it became the symbol of the common and middle-class Dutchmen who were led by the patriot Kees de Gyselaer. The breed then suffered a long period of neglect. They were first introduced into the UK by Mrs. Wingfield-Digby and did not become popular again until 1920, when it arrived in the US. This typical Spitz type breed was used to guard canal boats. It became known as the Dutch Barge Dog, although in Victorian England it was perhaps rather unkindly named the Overweight Pomeranian!