WHAT ARE KEESHONDS ?

WHAT ARE KEESHONDS?

Pronounced: KAZE - HAWND. Plural is KEESHONDEN pronounced: KAZE - HAWN - DEN. Commonly acceptable plural is KEESHONDs, acceptable pronunciation: KEYS - HAWNDS.

Keeshonds are a medium-sized, handsome dog with a "double-coat" (soft undercoat, harsh outer coat). They are all a mixture of gray, black, silver and cream. They can be light to dark in overall color range, depending on the amount of black tipping on the harsh outer coat. Their hallmark is their spectacles, which are the dark lines running from the outer corner of the eye to the base of the ear. Most all have the "glasses" look, which is the "circular" black tipping around the eyes making them appear as if they are wearing glasses. Keeshond males ideally are 18" at the shoulder and about 40#. Keeshond females are ideally 17" at the shoulder and around 35#.

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Keeshonds are fun loving dogs that get bored if left with nothing to do.

Keeshonds love people and will want to be near you or have you in their eyesight.

Keeshonds are curious about everything. Sometimes that curiosity makes them forget about what they were doing, including paying attention to you.

Keeshonds love to dig. That includes flowerbeds or anywhere there is dirt.

Young keeshonds love to chew... wood, baseboards, fencing, sticks, rocks, your shoes etc. To keep them from eating up things they shouldn't, give them plenty of toys and chews of their own.

Keeshonds must run off their energy. If they are penned up too much, when they are released, the can go into "racing frenzies".

Keeshonds are a "double-coated" breed and, as such, require weekly grooming. Actually, they have more of a fur than dog hair.

Keeshonds have cat feet and their toe nails must be kept short to keep their feet from splaying out and becoming flat footed. If their nails are not kept short, they can develop problems with their feet and even with slipping on surfaces, making them susceptible to injury, due to long pointy toenails. To keep on top of this, Keeshond owners must trim toenails weekly on growing puppies and less often on mature dogs.

Keeshond puppy coats are just like velcro; they pick up everything.

Keeshonds love water. That includes the water in their bowls and may dig out the water just for fun leaving a mess on your floor.

Keeshonds love to leap and jump. That includes on small children, if the Keeshonds are not use to them. It is not their intention to knock a child down, but it can happen.

Keeshonds act like a two year old child for about the first 2 years of their life. They must be given patience, understanding and guidance during this time.

Keeshonds are usually eager to please, but because of their clown instinct, they can add fun to training and be stubborn. They will get bored with useless repetition such as "puppy come, puppy come, puppy come .... (over & over again)" They must be shown what you expect.

Keeshonds are good natured dogs and harsh training methods are not required. Tone of voice is a very important tool in training.

As a pet, Keeshond males and females are about the same in temperament. Instead of choosing a sex when choosing a keeshond, choose an individual puppy or dog that has the temperament you like. Ask your breeder to recommend a temperament that fits your lifestyle. Many breeders perform a PAT test (Puppy Aptitude Test for temperament). Ask for those results.

Keeshonds love food and can quickly add weight (adults) if given free reign to eat everything they want. Their love of food makes reward training very effective.

Keeshond puppies need plenty of good food and rest. They should be given a place in the home that is their safe haven, such as a dog crate in the kitchen area. They can retire to this safe place when they are tired.

Keeshonds have a thick, dense coat when they are in full bloom. They should not be left outside in the heat. Provide a shady, cool spot or air conditioning for them during the hot summer. NEVER SHAVE A KEES thinking they will be cooler. In fact, they will not as the coat does provide some shelter for their skin in the heat.

All dogs perspire in only two places, the tongue and through the pads of the feet. Kees should be given plenty of fresh water at all times (except puppies during the night time). The hair on the feet between the pads should be kept trimmed to allow air circulation.

Keeshonds are beautiful dogs and generally healthy if given good food, exercise, weekly grooming & love.

Keeshond mature to be between 35-45 pounds. No matter their size, Keeshonds think they are small and will try to sit in your lap no matter how big they are.

Keeshonds are vocal dogs, some people think they are "yappy". They will voice their opinion about everything. That includes when they are not getting what they want, are left alone, are left caged or get bored. A Keeshond can be taught to "talk" so that it can also be taught how to "be quiet".

Keeshonds live an average of about 15 years. When adding a Kees to your family, be sure you are ready for this 15 year commitment. Not just for Christmas, or because the children want a dog, but consider them a lifelong companion & member of the family. This addition should involve the entire family.

Keeshonds are an arctic breed and love snow. Sometimes they won't come back in the house if they are having too much fun playing in the snow.

Keeshonds have a history of being watch dogs, rodent hunters and companions on barges. This instinct carries in most of today's good quality pedigree lines. Kees will act as an alarm for your home (in most cases) but do not attack. Some still hunt for moles and mice in their environment.

Keeshonds of poor quality (such as those purchased from pet stores or backyard breeders) are as expensive, if not more, to raise than those purchased from reputable breeders. If you are going to get a purebred dog, you might as well get one from a caring, reputable breeder who will be there throughout your dog's life, you might as well get a kees that looks like it is suppose to instead of one that ends up looking like a meager German Shepherd, a chow or any thing other than a good Keeshond.

Keeshonds go through an awkward development. They are not like some breeds like Scottish Terriers that look at 8 weeks like they will at maturity. Keeshonds from 3 1/2 months to about 9 months go through what is termed the "baboon stage". A reputable breeder will be able to explain the changes that occur during this stage.

Keeshond coat care is fairly simple to groom if kept up on a weekly basis. This can be therapeutic for the owners. Kees should never be shaved. Ask your breeder about grooming tools and techniques for the various developmental stages of your Keeshond's coat.

Keeshonds are not a breed for everyone. They demand attention and, as young dogs especially, require more exercise than some folks are willing to give. They require more coat care than some are willing to give. They will try your patience. They will be stubborn. They will try to outsmart you. They will love you, however.

Keeshonds are wonderful dogs. They deserve care, attention & training. They don't deserve to live tied out in a backyard. They deserve top notch care, including veterinarian care, good dog food and lots of love. In return, they'll give you their best.

Publications:

The best book on the Keeshond is:

The New Complete Keeshond by Carol & Ron Cash, published by Howell Book House

A good general book on raising puppies is:

The Art of Raising A Puppy by The Monks of New Skete, published by Little, Brown

A good general guide to dog care is:

Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook by Carlson & Giffin, published by Howell Book House

A good basic training book for non-puppies is:

Training Your Dog: The Step-by-Step Manual by Volhard & Fisher, published by Howell Book House

Good nutritional dog books are:

Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Pitcairn, publ. by Rodale

How To Have A Healthier Dog by Belfield & Zucker, published by Doubleday

The only Keeshond magazine available is:

JabberwocKEES, 1386 Craydon Place, El Dorado Hills CA 95762 (916) 933-4660. 6 issues yearly.

Copyright 1998 - A*starz Keeshonden - All Rights Reserved
This article is the property of: A*starz Keeshonden and cannot be reproduced, published in any format or used without express written consent of A*starz Keeshonden at: [email protected]

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