The Keeshond., an infrequent breed in Australia, has been known in Europe for centuries. In Holland it is known as the Dutch Barge dog, in Germany as the Wolfspitz and in France as the Lou Lou or Chien Loup. In Holland the pure white Keeshond is quite popular.While in parts of Germany the all black Keeshond still holds pride of place, though the grey’s are well known in both countries. In France it appears only the white variety is known.
The Keeshond was first introduced into England in 1905, and in that country as well as Australia only the gray Keeshond is recognized .Whatever name the breed is called, or what ever colour it is, the Keeshond is known and loved for it’s wonderful temperament. He ranks among the best, giving plenty of warning but rarely attacking. It is unrivalled as a child’s playmate, long suffering, even tempered and quite devoted to them.
The Keeshond made its first appearance in Australia in 1949. They were popular for some years both as a house dog and in the show ring. They then dropped in favour due to lack of new stock. Over the years an importation program has given the breed a much needed boost. They are again gaining popularity.
Coat:
Double coat with long, straight, abundant outer coat that stands off the body; thick downy undercoat. Thick feathering on fore and hind legs; ruff around neck.
Colour:
Undercoat, pale grey or cream; outer coat a mixture of grey and black, tipped in black; legs and feet, cream; tail, light grey when curled back, with a black tip. Markings are characteristic.
Faults:
Entirely black or white or any other solid colour; any pronounced deviation from the grey colour.
Character:
Loving, gentle and loyal, occasionally stubborn, but learns quickly, a fine companion for both children and adults.
Choosing a Puppy.
Congratulations! After careful research you have decided to get a Keeshond puppy. There are several things to consider. First, when you get a Keeshond you are gaining a new member of the family! We (the Keeshond Club) strongly suggest that an adult be responsible for the initial training. The first few weeks is crucial to the development of the dog. This initial training is an adult responsibility but children may help. The initial enthusiasm of the child wears off causing neglect to the dog. The lack of training and a decrease in attention may result in a puppy seeking other ways of amusing himself, most of which are unacceptable behaviour.
Keeshonds of all ages are loving and eager to learn. The amount of their knowledge and training should only be limited by that of the owner. Before choosing your puppy, study the official Keeshond Standard and contact a club. Obtain all the possible information about the breed and the breeders. Decide what age and sex you want and what your goals are for your new puppy.
Male or Female?
In Keeshonds there is little difference in temperament between either sex. Both sexes have a loving and loyal nature.
What to look for in a Keeshond. First a short back and good bone structure. A long backed puppy stays long, he may not look long when he gets his full coat, but he still is long in the back.
It is difficult to assess the colour of the eyes at eight weeks. If you hold the puppy with his eyes looking into the sun (if any). Then you can usually see if they are dark brown or if they have a tinge of yellow in them. Even so, many pups who start life with dark eyes finish with lighter ones. Sometimes the eyes may go darker with age but it is more usual for them to go lighter.
Well reared puppies should have good bones and straight fronts. If they have not had a good start, they seldom catch up in development despite how well you feed them. Puppies change tremendously between six and eight weeks so it is better to pick them at eight weeks. Puppies that are said to be good at eight weeks will go through what is known as "The Monkey Stage" (between eight weeks and six months), they will return to their early perfection. Also, a puppy should have a fairly wide head will ears well set on. They must not be set low and hanging down like a Spaniel. Nor should they be too close and straight up like a German Shepherd.
The coat should be very profuse even at eight weeks and should be double (that is a good thick undercoat and with long outer hairs coming through). The former should be lighter in colour and the later should be darker at the tips. Tails should curl tightly at quite an early age and should be set high on the back.
Some points to avoid are, bad mouths, big ears, light eyes and loose tails. Males are usually good in this breed, but always see they have a "scissor bite." Ears should be small, neat and of course erect. Although at eight weeks they are not always up, at least they should be lifting. Eyes should be dark and almond shaped. So try to avoid round or yellow eyes, as they are unlikely to alter.
Coats and colouring are very difficult to assess at an early age. Some puppies start dark and have smutty feet. These may clear up later. Sometimes they go on clearing until nine to ten months. However some never clear and this is a definite fault in the show ring. While others start off being lighter and go darker as they grow older.
How much grooming does a Keeshond need? The answer is very little when compared with many other long coated breeds. However statements like, the less a Keeshond is brushed, the better he looks are a nonsense.
Some Hints.
The baby puppy coat needs almost daily brushing, but once the adult coat is through, a true Keeshond coat is easy to look after. Brushing once or twice a week is sufficient to keep his coat in excellent condition. Under normal conditions a Keeshond has no doggie odour and the only bath advocated is after his summer moult.
When you buy a puppy, the breeder will show you how to groom, the best brushes to use and the type of lead most suitable.
The Keeshonds coat consists of harsh straight hairs with a soft dense undercoat, which is a deterrent to insects. Actually, most dirt brushes off and professional trimming, plucking or grooming are unnecessary. Other assets include the coats texture for the fur seldom mats unless a burr or similar item is involved. The breed has no doggie odour. This means bathing is infrequent and, as it often softens the coat, should only be done if necessary and at least a week before exhibiting. Regular brushing, about once or twice a week is sufficient in normal care and is enough to let the air circulate on the dogs skin.
When the Keeshond is shedding extra care is needed and possibly more frequent baths. This also applies during hot and humid weather, as they like laying in shady dirt dugouts. Before bathing it is best to brush their coat thoroughly from the skin out. Use a long bristled wire brush and a wide toothed metal dog comb to get out all the loose hair. Otherwise the dog will come out of the water with his coat looking like a lumpy quilt and the remaining undercoat is harder to remove. When bathing your dog only use a "DOG SHAMPOO", as detergents dry the skin of its natural oils, causing a dandruff like condition that can lead to Eczema. Shaving a Keeshond’s coat is not advised; in removing the coat, the dogs natural protection against heat and cold may cause great discomfort.
Wherever your Keeshond is seen, his grooming enhances his natural beauty so that he attracts admiring attention and is a source of pride for his owner.
