Overview: The Keeshond is a playful and very affectionate dog that has a high amount of energy. This breed often enjoys the company of other dogs and pets as well as playing with strangers. This dog can be trained rather easily to be a great watchdog but it not considered a protection. The coat on the Keeshond offers great cold tolerance but is not good for heat and needs grooming.

Temperament: The Keeshond has many of the features that make an excellent companion. Playful and full of energy, it also is friendly and caring towards its owner. This breed can do well around children or adults as it is sensitive and can learn quickly what it can and cannot do. It is a great watchdog but it won't do well as a protector as it doesn’t fear strangers.

History: The exact origin of the Keeshond is unknown. However it is known that this breed was first recognized in Holland during the 18th century and was used primarily as a barge watchdog. At some point this dog was associated with political events in Holland before the French Revolution. The leader of the Patriot faction, Kees de Gyselaer owned one of this breed and had named it Kees. This canine was used in political cartoons to represent the patriot faction and became the dog of the people to the patriots. When the Patriots failed many Kees owners feared that they would be associated with the patriots and decided to dispose of their dogs. Also, when the barges that it used to guard were constructed much larger, it became harder for this canine to protect such a large vessel. Therefore the Keesond fell out of favor and was less sought after. The breed did survive, however, but didn't gain much popularity for many years. In the late 20th century Baroness van Hardenbroek attempted to save the breed from extinction. The Keeshond was brought to England and the United States a few years after this in the 1920s. Also the breed became so popular in its land of origin that it is now the national dog of Holland.

Names: The Keeshond is also known as the Wolf Spitz and Chien Loup.

Groups: The Keeshond was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 and assigned to the Non-Sporting Group.

Physical Characteristics: The average adult Keeshond can be between 16 and 19 inches in height and can weigh 35 to 45 lb. This breed is considered handsome and well-balanced having a fox-like expression on its face. The coat of the breed is long and straight with harsh hair that stands out from the undercoat. The colors available to the Keeshond are a mixture of gray, black and cream each color having distinct markings.

Care: Only moderate exercise is needed to keep the Keeshond's energy spent. A walk or various activities should suffice. While it can live outside in the cold and not in the heat it is a social dog and would be better off living in the home. The coat needs to be brushed about twice a week and more often when it is shedding.

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