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The Keeshond (pronounced "case-hond") is a medium sized dog who is excellent as a family pet and makes an excellent companion for those who require an indoor pet. The Keeshond has a striking appearance and is affectionately known as the "lazy persons glamour dog".

The Keeshond has a double coat which consists of a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat or "guard hairs".  Their coats are non-oily, dirt and water resistant and if regularly brushed resists matting and has no odour.  They shed all their under coat at regular intervals.  Males will drop coat every twelve to eighteen months, whilst females tend to lose coat after every season.  If the dog is de-sexed they tend not to lose as much coat, and their coat grows more profusely.

The Keeshond coat is easily brushed and seldom needs a bath.  Keeshonds can be kept clean and well presented with a weekly groom of about half an hour.  Their double coat provides them with insulation from the heat and the cold.  The Keeshond will lose a small amount of coat all the time, they usually malt over a few weeks and it is best to brush all the dead hairs out.  A warm bath followed by a blow dry will help to remove any dead hair.

The Keeshond was originally used as a companion and watch-dog.  They once guarded the barges in Holland (so the name "Dutch Barge Dog" came about), where the limited confines of a vessel such as this demanded a relatively small agile breed such as the Keeshond - who has a sure footed stance and an alert nature.

Today, the Keeshond is a family dog and an alert watch-dog that sounds an alarm with any intrusion - yet not prone to excessive barking and never aggressive towards people or other breeds.  The Keeshond is a loyal companion and is always eager to please as well as being tolerant and trustworthy.

Keeshond puppies are among the most beautiful.  They will attract everyone's attention and the owners are the envy of all those who see the puppy.  Keeshond puppies at eight weeks are a smaller version of the adult.  At age twelve weeks to six or seven months, Keeshond puppies go through an ugly or monkey stage where the coat turns cream or silver but they maintain their black face and ears.

As early as six months their outer coat grows through to form shades of silver, black and grey.  At about two years of age the Keeshond is fully mature.  A Keeshond puppies’ coat requires more attention than an adult as their coats are much softer and more prone to matting.  Keeshond puppies love the water and will cease any opportunity to play in it.

As far as feeding is concerned, the Keeshond does not eat a great deal but possesses a huge apatite.  Therefore, owners must be careful not to overfeed their dog.  They are rarely fussy eaters and will eat a wide variety of foods.  Overall the Keeshond makes an excellent and very beautiful loving and loyal pet that will dazzle you with their intelligence and gentle and friendly nature.

Books Available on the Keeshond:

The Keeshond by Anna Katherine Nicholas

The Complete Keeshond by Clementine Peterson

The New Complete Keeshond by Carol & Ron Cash

How to Raise and Train A Keeshond by William D Wescott

Recommended Reading:

Give Your Dog A Bone by Dr Billinghurst

Puppies & Litters on this website - info on grooming / feeding / etc.

 

 

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