The Keeshond breed is a uniquely Dutch breed of dog with a loud, distinctive bark honed by generations of service as a guard dog on barges. But though still a bit territorial, Keeshonden tend to be very affectionate toward their families and get along well with others.
The Keeshond's Behavior
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Source: Wikipedia.
Recommended for: pet
The Keeshond dog breed tends to be quite playful and a good jumper, agile, and good at obedience exercises. They have even been used as guide dogs. Keeshonden are also said to love children and get along well with other dogs. Yet they also have a very loud bark, and the breed has been developed for centuries as a watchdog, making them tend to be both alert toward strangers and territorial.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.
The Keeshond's Physical Characteristics
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Here are some of the characteristics of the Keeshond breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.
- Size: males: 18 inches, females: 17 inches
- Coat: double-layered, long, straight, harsh hairs covering the entire body, with a mane around the neck
- Color: mixture of gray, black and cream
- Eyes: large, round, set wide apart, dark
- Ears: very dark
- Muzzle: dark
- Nose: dark
- Tail: plumed, light-colored with a black tip, curled
The Keeshondâs Origins and History
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Source: Wikipedia.
Country/Region of Origin: Netherlands
Original purpose: companion animal
Name: named after Cornelis (Kees) de Gyselaer, an 18th century Dutch patriot who led the rebellion against the House of Orange; originally called the German Spitz, the named was changed in 1925; the plural form of Keeshond is officially Keeshonden
Historical notes: The Keeshond dog breed became a mascot for the opposition to the House of Orange, and sharply declined after the restoration of the monarchy. Keeshonden were still widely used, however, guarding Dutch barges. The breed was revived in the 1920s by the Baroness van Hardenbroeck.