No. The Keeshond coat is relatively easy to keep in good condition. It's harsh, off-standing hairs makes the coat less prone to matting and knots than other long-haired breeds, but they do require REGULAR maintenance, and to be groomed thoroughly each week.
Yes, all dogs can get hot, especially where there is no escape for them to a cooler area.The Keeshond coat is a double coat comprising of stiff outer guard hairs, and soft fluffy undercoat. The outer guard hairs work to keep the undercoat lifted and separate. The undercoat however, if allowed to matt and knot, will make air circulation around the skin impossible, and trap heat close to the dog's skin.The double coat works as insulation against the heat, but if exercised on hot days, the heat may become trapped due to the dog's inability to sweat. Keeshonds lose heat by panting, and are usually far happier sleeping on the bathroom tiles rather than the Master Bedroom (unless the room is air-conditioned) on hot days.
Try adding ice cubes to a metal waterbowl (kept in the shade), exercising only in the early morning or late afternoon (night time could be even better in summer), and keeping your Kees brushed often to allow for air circulation. Find the coolest spot in the house by placing a small thermometer on a floor accessible to your dog, and measure the temperature in various places throughout the house. Ice bricks are another consideration, but do not use ones which may contain toxic gels, instead use the hard water-filled plastic ones which are easily washed and re-frozen.
Yes, they can. Diabetes, Epilepsy, Hip Displasia, Acquired Hypothyroidism, Mitral Valve Malformation, Renal Cortical Hypoplasia, Generalised Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Tetralogy of Fallot (severe heart murmur) have all been recorded in this breed, but careful selection of breeding stock by breeders have made these abnormalities a rarity, with the breed recognised as one of the healthiest and longer-living companion dogs. Always purchase your keeshond from a registered breeder.
Yes. During the moulting process which occurs every season with bitches and less regularly for dogs, your keeshond may appear to have 'clumps' of hair throughout his coat, just prior to the 'blow'. Desexed keeshonds tend to moult less than their entire relatives. This moult is usually only restricted to seasonal changes, unlike shorter haired dogs which moult continuously. When a keeshond is moulting, it can appear that you have an indoor snowstorm, unless you follow the dog around with a broom. The good news is that once your keeshond has finished this coat drop, they will only leave 'tumbleweeds' floating in the corners of your rooms.These 'tumbleweeds' are easily swept up or vacuumed off the carpet, unlike shorter dog's hair which 'stabs' carpet and cushions, and is very difficult to remove.
The Keeshond was bred as a companion/watch dog, and as such, makes an excellent family dog.This does not mean the dog will put up with being treated cruelly by children. If your keeshond is part of a family with small children, teach your children that the dog must be respected and treated with kindness. Do not leave small children alone with any dog, as toddlers cannot be expected to realise the consequences of their actions until an avoidable accident has occurred.
This statement relates to all breeds, not just to keeshonds. Most keeshonds love children, but supervision is always recommended for SMALL children. All our keeshonds are brought up with the family here, and you should look for a puppy which has been socialised with children if purchasing the puppy for a family household.
Clipping your keeshond defeats the purpose of purchasing a long-haired breed. If you feel that this is a necessity, perhaps you should look at what you really love about the breed before committing yourself to owning one, especially if the amount of grooming is an important consideration. Breeders do not recommend clipping because it allows the dog to be affected by temperature changes (both hot and cold) quite severely. But having said that, I have seen the 'Lion' clip where the mane, chest, forelegs and tail were left and the rest of the hair clipped to no less that 1" long.