This outstandingly beautiful breed may be new to you, but it has been known in Europe for centuries. It is best known in Holland, the country from which the present name originated in the 18th century. The name is pronounced "Case-Hond", which means the dog (hond) of Kees (Case). Kees is a shortened version of the name Cornelius.

The Keeshond is known as the DUTCH BARGE DOG as it frequently travelled on the barges in Holland.

The Keeshond has been in Australia for some fifty years, but it is still relatively unknown to the general public and is often confused with the Chow Chow or Samoyed. Because most people are familiar with the Samoyed, it is easier to describe the Keeshond as similar to a Samoyed but smaller in size and silver/grey in colour.

DESCRIPTION

A medium sized dog, growing to a height of around 18 inches, covered with a dense coat of real fur, which is waterproof, odour-free and can actually be spun like wool. The overall colour is silver-grey, with the presence of black-tipped hair, a large ruff or mane around the neck, a tail curled well over the back, cream legs and feet, which altogether creates a very attractive dog with the colours merging and blending slightly differently in each Keeshond. An added attraction is the presence of markings and lines around the eyes which are called "spectacles".

CHARACTERISTICS

The breed has many endearing qualities and most notable is its devotion, companionship and friendly disposition. At the same time it is renowned as a watch dog, being extremely alert.

The Keeshond is an extremely clean, hardy and healthy breed, and one which is readily adaptable to owners of all ages. It thrives on affection and shows its own affection for humans by extending a paw quite readily. Some Keeshonds can "smile", a gesture by which they show their teeth.

This can sometimes be mistaken as a sign of aggressiveness, but don't be alarmed if your Keeshond does this as it is a sign that he or she is happy to see you.

The puppies are the most attractive of all the breeds and have an instant appeal to people of all ages. They are bright, cute and cuddly bundles of fluff, and are frequently referred to as "teddy bears". At age 12 weeks up to 7 or 8 months of age, the puppies go through an "ugly" stage where the coat turns cream or silver but they maintain their black face and ears. At about 2 years of age the Keeshond is fully mature.

GROOMING

The Keeshond has a double coat which consists of a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat or guard hairs. Both coats inhibit dirt from penetrating to the skin, thus your Keeshond seldomly needing a bath. The hair is non-oily and water resistant and generally is not inclined to tangle or matt. A thorough brushing once a week for half to one hour will keep the skin healthy and maintain a showy appearance.

All Keeshonds shed their undercoat once every 12-18 months, while females tend to shed large amounts of coat after every season. If the dog is desexed, they tend to not lose as much coat and their coat grows more profusely. Their double coat provides them with insulation from the heat and the cold.

To learn more about Keeshonds as a breed, and to share the experience of ownership we recommend membership of the KEESHOND CLUB OF NSW. They welcome all owners of Keeshonds including pet owners and anyone generally interested in the breed. The Club aims are to protect and preserve the integrity of the Keeshond, as well as to encourage responsible ownership of the breed.

The Club produces a newsletter four times a year with loads of information and contacts pertaining to the breed.