The Keeshond (pronounced “Case-hond”) is a handsome, medium-sized dog whose ideal height is 17-18″ at the shoulder. Kees attract admiring attention for their abundant silvery-gray to black shaded coat, alert expression (notice the “spectacles”), and white-plumed tail curled tightly over the back.
The personality of the Keeshond fairly sparkles. This spirited disposition makes them ideal companions in the home. They love company and never tire of play, a most important attribute around children. Though they’re friendly, they quickly develop into an excellent watchdog — alert and discriminating. Their intelligence and quick, eager desire to please make them an ideal agility, rally, trick, or obedience partner.
The Keeshond has been bred for several centuries as a family companion and watchdog in the Netherlands. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Keeshond was used extensively on the barges and floating homes in Holland, where they guarded the cargo and provided companionship for the children. It is one of the few breeds never bred to hunt or attack, which accounts for their gentle devotion to their people.
The Keeshond is a loving, cheerful and playful dog, typically excellent with children and other animals. Their lovely silver, black and cream coat and perky curled tail can make their person proud. Of course, like every breed, one must also understand the Keeshond’s special qualities.
The Keeshond is a house dog. They’re very people-oriented dogs who must be included in family life and given the attention and affection of any family member. Leaving them alone too long or shunting them off to the backyard is guaranteed to cause behavior problems, such as digging, excessive barking, or overexcitement.
The Keeshond is also an energetic breed, who tends to remain playful and bouncy until well into old age. For Keeshond lovers, this is a wonderful quality, but it may be too much activity for someone who prefers a sedate dog.
The Keeshond was bred as an alarm-sounding watchdog for the canal barges in Holland. You should be prepared for the fact that a Keeshond can be “barky.”
The Keeshond’s beautiful, distinctive coat insulates the dog against cold, hot and wet weather, and is surprisingly low-maintenance. However, it does require regular grooming. The Keeshond should be brushed once a week and bathed every few months.
Once you surrender your heart to a Kees, you will never be lonely, or bored, or unloved. If you’d enjoy a little cheer in your life, a fluffy, kissable Keeshond clown may be just what you’re looking for!