Breeds in the Utility Group of Dogs

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Keeshond

Known as the Dutch Barge Dog, the Keeshond is every inch a Spitz with his dense grey and black coat standing off his dense undercoat. His heavy mane and well-feathered tail exaggerate the shortness of his body to give him an extremely compact appearance. They are very popular in the Netherlands though this was not always the case. They get their name from Cornelius (known as 'Kees') Gysalaer who led the Dutch Patriot Party Revolution against the House of Orange in the late 18th century; the Keeshond became so closely associated with anti-Royalist unrest that when popular feeling turned against the Patriot Party the Keeshond fell into disfavour along with them and they were rarely seen in the towns.

However, the Keeshond's virtues as a guard and ratter meant that he was appreciated by farmers and the bargees in their constant travels on the network of waterways; this is the origin of his name as Barge Dog. However, the breed fell into decline as a pure-bred dog and it was not revived until in 1920 Baroness von Hardenbroek searched out the best examples of the breed she could and worked on a breeding programme to restore the fortunes of the Keeshond.

The Keeshond is a bold and alert dog who retains his guarding instincts and needs to learn his place in the family hierarchy. At most he is 18" tall and weighs up to 30kg, so is a very solid dog. The coat needs a fair level of care if he is to look typical, though it is not excessively difficult to care for. As would be expected from a dog who earned his living outdoors he is pretty well weatherproof and thoroughly enjoys his exercise. So long as he knows his place he makes an excellent companion and all round family dog.

Click here to read the Keeshond Breed Standard.

Selected Books

The time to make sure that the Keeshond is the right breed for you is before you bring him home. If you and your dog are going to be a good match speak to breeders, Breed Clubs, and generally find out as much as you can about the breed.

Understanding dog psychology, and what his motivations are will save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties. It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy. For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation. The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

Keeshond Breed Clubs

Keeshond Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should all be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own Keeshond, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for your dog.

Keeshond Breeders

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions. If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.

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