Keeshond

The Keeshond is a Dutch spitz — a medium, plush-coated dog with fox-like features and distinctive "spectacle" markings around the eyes.

History

It worked as a watchdog and companion on the barges and farms of the Netherlands, and became a political symbol of the Dutch Patriot movement in the eighteenth century, which is where its old name of "Dutch barge dog" comes from. It was bred for alertness and company rather than for hunting or guarding by force.

Temperament

The breed is known for being friendly, lively and affectionate — an outgoing, people-oriented dog that makes an alert and vocal watchdog but far too sociable a guard. It bonds closely and dislikes being shut away.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and enjoys company and training, which it takes to readily. The thick double coat sheds heavily and needs regular brushing, more so in moult.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, an inherited parathyroid condition and epilepsy in some lines. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.