| The Keeshond is a dog that can live in an apartment | | | | Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and |
| as long as frequent long walks are available. She is | | | | clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow |
| fairly active indoors and makes a good watch dog | | | | slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a |
| because she generally likes to bark. She is great with | | | | guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and |
| older, considerate children and wants to be a part of | | | | competent instructions to accomplish this can be found |
| the family. As reminder, never leave a child | | | | on the net. |
| unsupervised with a puppy or dog. She can be fine | | | | *Life Span. The Keeshond can live between 13 and 15 |
| with other dogs and pets, especially if extensively | | | | years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent |
| socialized early. She loves everyone, especially her | | | | living conditions. |
| human family. | | | | *History. The Keeshond comes from the Netherlands |
| *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size | | | | where they were probably bred from the Pomeranian, |
| (two years old or older) of the Keeshond is 17 to 19 | | | | Samoyed, Chow Chow and Elkhound. They were |
| inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) | | | | used to guard canal boats. They were first registered |
| and 35 to 40 pounds. The females range a bit smaller | | | | by the American Kennel Association in 1930. |
| then the males. | | | | Some Registries: |
| *Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have | | | | *Keeshond Club of America |
| certain inherited health problems associated with that | | | | *UKC United Kennel Club |
| specific breed and Keeshond is no exception. Be on | | | | *NKC National Kennel Club |
| the look out for the Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic | | | | *CKC Continental Kennel Club |
| based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis | | | | *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. |
| pain and lameness), genetic eye disease, heart defects | | | | *AKC American Kennel Club |
| and skin problems. This disease list is an informative | | | | *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale |
| guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant | | | | *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club |
| threats, please contact your veterinarian for a | | | | *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain |
| complete list. | | | | *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club |
| She should visit the veterinarian several times in the | | | | *ACR = American Canine Registry |
| first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as | | | | Litter Size: 3 to 8 Keeshond puppies |
| an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for | | | | Category: Non-Sporting |
| shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and | | | | Terms To Describe: Handsome, balanced, sturdy, lively, |
| on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for | | | | affectionate, friendly, alert, |
| check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your | | | | *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| dog sweets. | | | | Very good with children. |
| *Grooming. The Keeshond has long, harsh, straight hair | | | | Good watch dog. |
| standing from a soft, thick undercoat. She sheds the | | | | *SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| undercoat twice a year, seasonally. She needs to be | | | | Can be very stubborn. |
| carefully brushed Brushing will help her maintain a clean | | | | May suffer in heat. |
| and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a | | | | Poor guard dog. |
| closer eye on her health and strengthen your | | | | Can be a barker. |
| emotional bond with her. | | | | May overeat. |
| Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week | | | | *Other Names Known By: Dutch Barge Dog, Wolf |
| with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. | | | | Spitz, Chien Loup |
| Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and | | | | *Every dog is an individual so not everything in this |
| tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal | | | | information may be correct for your dog. This |
| disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss | | | | information is meant as a good faith guideline only. |
| of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. | | | | |