Keeshond
General
The Keeshond was named after the 18th-century Dutch Patriot, Cornelis (Kees) de Gyselaer and (hond), is the Dutch work for dog. Cornelis de Gyselaer was the leader of the rebellion against the House of Orange in the late 1700's. The dog became the rebels' symbol; and, when the House of Orange returned to power, this breed almost disappeared. They were originally used as watchdogs.
It originated in Germany, and its closest relatives are the German spitzes. Originally called the German Spitz, more specifically the Wolfspitz, the name was officially changed to Keeshond, in 1926 in England, where it had been known as the Dutch Barge Dog.
These dogs are known to be playful, quick learners and are good at both obedience work and agility. They are intelligent dogs, that tend to love people, and have been used as guide dogs for the blind - however, due to their smaller size, they are not used extensively in this genre. They are also used in Rescue to help to comfort, and at least one Keeshond, Tikva, was at Ground Zero on 9/11 to help comfort the rescue workers.
They make great family dogs, and it seems there is little that this breed does not do well.
The Keeshond was named after the 18th-century Dutch Patriot, Cornelis (Kees) de Gyselaer and (hond), is the Dutch work for dog. Cornelis de Gyselaer was the leader of the rebellion against the House of Orange in the late 1700's. The dog became the rebels' symbol; and, when the House of Orange returned to power, this breed almost disappeared. They were originally used as watchdogs.
It originated in Germany, and its closest relatives are the German spitzes. Originally called the German Spitz, more specifically the Wolfspitz, the name was officially changed to Keeshond, in 1926 in England, where it had been known as the Dutch Barge Dog.
These dogs are known to be playful, quick learners and are good at both obedience work and agility. They are intelligent dogs, that tend to love people, and have been used as guide dogs for the blind - however, due to their smaller size, they are not used extensively in this genre. They are also used in Rescue to help to comfort, and at least one Keeshond, Tikva, was at Ground Zero on 9/11 to help comfort the rescue workers.
They make great family dogs, and it seems there is little that this breed does not do well.
Is this the right dog for you?
If you are looking for a happy go lucky dog with average exercise requirements, then you can consider this breed. As mentioned above they can do just about anything required and are easy to train and love to do so. As with all training, only use positive reinforcement methods.
The one thing that may put you off this breed, is that they are known as barkers and have a very distinctive bark. This is due to their watchdog heritage and they were also used on barges on canals in Netherlands and middle Europe. which is probably due to what they were originally bred for, so it is a good idea to teach Bark and Shush as a pup and have it on cue.
The breed is known to be very attached to their owners and there is the danger of them becoming 'velcro dogs'. Due to this it is very important to teach them Alone Time, right from being a pup and keep in place. Dont let the dog become over dependent on you, as the last thing you want is a dog with separation anxiety, especially one that is known to be a barker.
These are clever dogs, so do make sure that you find ways to stimulate them not just physicall, but also mentally.
If you are looking for a happy go lucky dog with average exercise requirements, then you can consider this breed. As mentioned above they can do just about anything required and are easy to train and love to do so. As with all training, only use positive reinforcement methods.
The one thing that may put you off this breed, is that they are known as barkers and have a very distinctive bark. This is due to their watchdog heritage and they were also used on barges on canals in Netherlands and middle Europe. which is probably due to what they were originally bred for, so it is a good idea to teach Bark and Shush as a pup and have it on cue.
The breed is known to be very attached to their owners and there is the danger of them becoming 'velcro dogs'. Due to this it is very important to teach them Alone Time, right from being a pup and keep in place. Dont let the dog become over dependent on you, as the last thing you want is a dog with separation anxiety, especially one that is known to be a barker.
These are clever dogs, so do make sure that you find ways to stimulate them not just physicall, but also mentally.
Should you have 2 of the same, or 2 pups together?
On average the Keeshond does not tend to be aggressive to other dogs and gets on well with them, however you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
On average the Keeshond does not tend to be aggressive to other dogs and gets on well with them, however you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Do they get on with other dogs?
On average yes, however they can be aggressive to same sex dogs. Your pup should always attend puppy school and keep up continued socialization. This will put in place a solid social foundation.
Do they get on with other dogs?
On average yes, however they can be aggressive to same sex dogs. Your pup should always attend puppy school and keep up continued socialization. This will put in place a solid social foundation.
Do they get on with other animals?
On average yes, although it is always a good idea to undergo early socialization.
On average yes, although it is always a good idea to undergo early socialization.
Are they good with children?
They love children and are excellent family dogs, however never just presume this, ensure that you do a lot of socialization with babies and children when a pup. Also children should be educated as to how to apporach, pat and respect all dogs.
They love children and are excellent family dogs, however never just presume this, ensure that you do a lot of socialization with babies and children when a pup. Also children should be educated as to how to apporach, pat and respect all dogs.
Health
Overall, this is a very healthy breed. Though Overall, this breed is known to be healthy and congenital health issues are not common. The conditions that can be found are are HD (hip dysplasia), luxating patellas, epilepsy, Cushing's disease, diabetes, primary hyperparathyroidism, and hypothyroidism.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Overall, this is a very healthy breed. Though Overall, this breed is known to be healthy and congenital health issues are not common. The conditions that can be found are are HD (hip dysplasia), luxating patellas, epilepsy, Cushing's disease, diabetes, primary hyperparathyroidism, and hypothyroidism.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Don’t
Do’s
- Do get your pup from a KUSA registered breeder and do read the articles on Breeders and also choosing a pup
- Sterilize at approximately 6 months of age.
- Do take your pup for socialization - pups should start at 8 weeks of age and this should not be missed - lays the foundation for future social interactions.
- Do continue the socialiazation - keeps solid social skills in place
- Give daily, regular exercise which this breed really needs.
- Supply chew toys and mental stimulation when left alone.
- Allow your dog to be part of the family
- Give regular brushing and annual vacs.
- Supply mental games such as behaviour games, scenting games etc in the garden to mentally stimulate this breed.
- Take your dog for basic training and keep simple house rules in place
Don’t
- Don't use aversive training methods.
- Leave this breed outside alone – behaviour problems will develop