Keeshond
This dog breed is considered one of the most intelligent with a delightful personality. Keeshonds are medium-sized dogs with double coated breed also known for the distinctive spectacle on their foxy face
Breed Profile
Height
17 – 18
Inches
Weight
35 - 45
Pounds
Life Span
13 – 15
Years
Health
health
Hip Dysplasia
What is it?
Thighbone doesn't fit tightly into the hip joint because of this genetic problem leading to hip or elbow joints loosening, causing dysfunction and pain. Typically, it happens when dogs are still growing. This may lead to arthritis, muscular atrophy, and mobility issues over time.
Clinical signs
Malformation in dog’s hip joint
Loss of muscle mass in the thighs
Noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles
When the lower back muscles are touched, they flinch.
Difficulty or reluctance in climbing stairs, rising, jumping or running
Treatment
The treatment of Hip Dysplasia measures may include:
Orthopedic Braces - dog hip braces, such as ortho dog’s hip hound brace, provide support and stability to minimize pressure on dog joints and allow for post-surgical healing or pain-free exercise
Chiropractic therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
Prescribed supplements to reduce swelling in joints
Eligible vet bill
$2,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Cataracts
What is it?:
It is the same as found in humans and refer to opacity in the lens of the eye. They are usually caused by genetics but can also occur after a certain age due to some diseases. They can also lead to blindness
Clinical signs
Confusion or clumsiness, especially in new settings
A change of color to the pupil, usually from black to a blue-white or cream-white color
A reluctance to jump onto furniture or into the car
Redness to the white of the eye, or around the eyelids
Rubbing at and scratching the eyes
Squinting or repeated blinking
Treatment
There is no reversible treatment of the condition as it usually is inherited. The only option here would be to surgically remove the cataract. Regularly prescribed eye drops may be needed in some cases if one is trying to avoid surgery.
Eligible vet bill
$3,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Affection
This breeds love attention and requires great affection, and stays better with family rather than being left alone.
Intelligent
No personal training is required it’s in their natural tendency to act as a watchdog
Friendly
They develop strong relationships with their owners and get along with kids, other animals, and strangers.
Lifetime Care
Coat
A thick coat with a double topcoat, a woolly undercoat, and a long outer coat
Colors
Gray, Black, White & Cream
Hypoallergenic
No
Grooming
Regular brushing is required. It doesn’t require much grooming if done right to maintain their beautiful coat with the proper techniques. Keeshond coat sheds dirt when it’s dry and protects their skin, this breed doesn’t require frequent bathing.
Training
This breed doesn’t require much training as its origin has served as watchdogs they are well known for their intelligence. Quickly adapts and obedient to the family, can look after the house and protect it. They are alert and barks when they aren’t familiar
Origin
The Keeshond is a member of the ancient Spitz family of dogs, this breed was established in Holland as a watchdog found living on the barges and farms providing loyal companionship to their masters
Keeshond: Introduction to the Breed
Keeshond is a close cousin to the Samoyed, Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, Finnish Spitz, and Pomeranian. For many years, Keeshond was known as the "Dutch Barge Dog" due to his role as a companion and guardian on barges and small boats on Holland's many canals and rivers. They prefer cool weather. When the weather is nice, he enjoys spending time outside.
They are well-recognized for their delightful personality. They are easy to train and happiest when surrounded by family. They will bark when they spot strangers around and are rarely nuisance barkers. Because of its similarity keeshond is also called wolf spitz.
Some of the unique physical traits of keeshond include -
Medium breed with pointed ears
Dense and long fluffy coat
Tails are moderately long and well feathered
Foxlike expression
Keeshond is best suited for:
Outgoing owners
Someone who is looking for a guard dog
People with active lifestyles who can spend enough time with the dog
Things to know before deciding to own a Keeshond:
Keeshonds are perfect for families who spend a lot of time at home. When left alone for an extended period, they have been known to bark ceaselessly or even become aggressive
Keeshonds are ideal for first-time dog owners since they are highly intelligent and relatively simple to train
While all dogs benefit from exercise, the Keeshond does not require much. He isn't often regarded as the breed of choice for long-distance runners
Keeshond prefers chilly weather and dislikes hot climates. Keep him indoors, near fans, or in a cool place on hot days
Keeshonden shed twice a year and when they shed, they completely shed their undercoat. This seasonal shedding can be extensive and can extend for up to three weeks.
You should visit a groomer for routine maintenance grooming for your keeshond at least every three to four months.
What should a Keeshond eat?
For any dog owner, it is very important to keep a close look at what the dog eats and not as it is directly linked to its energy levels, contact with diseases, etc. In the case of Keeshond, it is recommended 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Overfeeding can lead to health problems, so ensure you feed in the required measurements only.
Conclusion
This Dutch dog is very affectionate, intelligent, and relatively rare to find in the United States. They are also known as “Smiling Dutchmen” because of their habit to curl their lip and bare their teeth in a grimace. They thrive in an environment where they can receive and express a lot of love they easily adjusted to households with dogs and kids. If you are looking for a therapy or nursing home dog you can definitely go for Keeshond as they make excellent therapy dogs.
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Licks to you!
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