Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Your Pet, Our Passion.
Keeshond Mobile

Keeshond

The Keeshond is typical of the spitz type, with a foxy face, prick ears, thick stand-off coat and a plumed tail that curls over the back. The coat forms a huge and spectacular ruff around the neck and chest. This is a medium-sized dog, under the plush coat they are a lean, muscular, and sturdy dog.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

Key Facts

Lifespan: 13-15 years
Weight:  16-18kg
Height:  46cm for males and 43cm for females 
Colours:  Black and grey with a cream or very pale grey undercoat 
Size:  Medium
UK Kennel Club Groups: Utility

Ratings

Family-friendly: 5/5
Exercise needs: 3/5
Easy to train: 4/5
Tolerates being alone: 2/5
Likes other pets: 5/5
Energy level: 4/5
Grooming needs: 3/5
Shedding: 5/5

Personality

Alert, cheerful and described as impertinent by those who know the breed well, the Keeshond is still a natural watchdog, and remains very keen to let their owners know that trouble is a-foot! Friendly and companionable and very adept at living in small spaces, they are often called the ‘Smiling Dutchman’ due to their appealing bright eyed, happy face.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Holland

Closely linked to other spitz types such as the German Wolfspitz and the Pomeranian, the Keeshond takes his name from Kees de Gyselaer, the leader of the 18th century Dutch Patriots party. Their original function was as a working guard and companion, living and working on the Dutch barges. For this reason, they are also known as the Dutch Barge Dog. It is likely they also performed useful functions as ratters and vermin deterrents but their main job was to bark and alert their owners to intruders.

Did You Know?

  • One of the less obvious roles the Keeshond had on the barges was to act as a foghorn, sitting on the bows of the barge the Keeshond would bark as soon as they spotted another barge approaching through the fog. Since barges move slowly and are between 70 and 120ft long, this gave the bargee plenty of warning.
  • Despite being relatively rare outside the Netherlands, the Keeshond has had some celebrity owners including Walt Disney, Irish poet W.B. Yeats and Princess Diana.

Found your perfect breed? Take these next steps:

Labrador lying next to the sofa
Finding a pet
Is this the right breed for you?
All dogs have their own unique personality! Try our Dog Breed Selector Quiz and find out which dog breeds better match your preferences and lifestyle.
Dog with red collar sitting next to the owner
Finding a pet
Top 21 questions to ask a breeder
If your heart is set on a pedigree puppy, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. Find out what to look for in a puppy breeder with this guide.
Puppy walking next to owner on a lead
Finding a pet
Choosing the Right Dog for You
Getting a dog is one of the most exciting decisions you will ever make - and one of the biggest! Like all important decisions, doing your homework before taking on a new pup will make sure that you're choosing the right dog for you and your lifestyle.
Dog with red collar
Finding a pet
Welcoming your dog home
While you're waiting for the big day you may need to distract yourself, so luckily there are a few things you need to sort our before you welcome your new arrival.
Dog with red collar lying
Adoption
It's incredibly fulfilling to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organisation. It often means offering them a second chance at life. There are many dogs waiting for a loving family and their forever home, but what can you expect from the process?
Dog with red collar looking out the window
Puppy advice
Everything you need to know
Getting a new puppy is incredibly exciting for all the family, but it can be quite scary for your new pup. Find out how to deal with everything from behaviour to health questions with our expert puppy advice.
Owner checking dogs collar
Finding a pet
Benefits of having a dog
It's known far and wide that dogs are man's best friend, but did you know that there's actually numerous benefits of having a dog? From helping you to get fit to meeting new people, your puppy can actually help to improve your health and social life. Keep reading to discover the benefits of dogs!