Is a Keeshond Right for You?
The Keeshond is a cheerful, highly social companion breed that thrives on being part of family life. Known for their expressive faces and outgoing personality, these dogs form strong bonds with their people and rarely enjoy being left alone for long periods. Keeshonds are intelligent, alert, and naturally vocal, often serving as enthusiastic watchdogs without being aggressive. While they can show a stubborn streak, they respond well to patient, positive training and consistent routines. If you want a friendly, attentive dog that prefers companionship over independence, the Keeshond can be a lively and affectionate partner.
Keeshond — At a Glance
Temperament: Friendly, alert, affectionate
Breed Type: Companion / spitz dog
Height: 17–18 inches
Weight: 35–45 pounds
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Shedding: Heavy (thick double coat)
Exercise Needs: Moderate
Good for Families: Yes
Best for Owners: Social, attentive households
Origin: Netherlands
Size: Medium
Origin and History
The Keeshond, affectionately known as the “Dutch Barge Dog” or “Smiling Dutchman,” is believed to have originated in the Netherlands, although their exact origins remain unclear. According to the FCI, the breed is cited as being part of the German Spitz family, originating in Germany along with the Pomeranian and other Spitz breeds. Unlike many breeds that were bred for hunting or killing, the Keeshond was developed to be a gentle and even-tempered companion. Historically, they served as watchdogs on Dutch barges, alerting their owners to potential dangers.
Where did they get their Name?
The Keeshond breed has a historical connection to the 18th-century Dutch Patriot, Cornelis (Kees) de Gyselaer. Named after this influential figure who led a rebellion against the House of Orange, the Keeshond became the symbol of the Patriot faction during a period of political turmoil in the Netherlands just before the French Revolution. Known as “Wolfspitzen” in Germany, “Chiens Loup” in France, “Lupini” in Italy, and “Keeshonden” in Holland, the Keeshond has many names. In the late 1800s, they were often referred to as “overweight Pomeranians!“
Keeshond Recognition and Classification
The first official breed club for these dogs was established in England in 1926, where they were recognized by the name Keeshond. Official recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) came in 1930. Interestingly, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) classifies the Keeshond/Wolfspitz under a single standard as German Spitz, alongside four other types: Large Spitz, Medium Spitz, Small Spitz, and Dwarf Spitz or Pomeranian.
The Keeshond Cloeset DNA Relatives
In landmark research on modern dog breed development, the Keeshond has been shown to share the most common DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Euraser
Swedish Vallhund
Pomeranian
Keeshond Weight and Coat Colors
The keeshond can reach up to 18 inches in height and 40 pounds in weight. Their long, harsh coat comes in a unique mixture of gray, black and cream in different shades, and requires regular grooming. They will lose their entire undercoat twice a year when shedding will be at its peak. The AKC breed standard considers a solid coat in black, white or any other color as a serious fault.
How Fast Can a Keeshond Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Keeshonden is about 21.4 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a dog named Allante’s Steal The Spotlight at 27.34 mph!
Keeshond Temperament and Personality
The CBARQ dog temperament research study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Keeshond ranks 39 out of 124 breeds in excitability. They tend to become excited by events such as getting ready for a walk, the doorbell ringing, visitors arriving etc. In addition, they may have a difficult time calming down after such an event.
Are Keeshonden Aggressive?
In this same research the Keeshond ranks very low in displaying aggression towards other dogs. They come in at number 120 out of 124 breeds. They also rank very low (118 our of 124) in prey drive. They will generally get along with cats and other small animals in the household. Keeshonden are friendly dogs!
Keeshond Humor!
How Intelligent is a Keeshond?
In the landmark book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Keeshond ranks 16th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 5 to 15 repetitions and obey first commands 85% of the time or better. This puts them in the “excellent working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the least intelligent breeds will learn the same commands in 80-100 repetitions!
Keeshond Health and Lifespan
Keeshonden have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. They are a hardy breed, but there are some health problems to be aware of :
Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)
Epilepsy
Tetralogy of Fallot
Check Your Keeshond Facts and take a fun Keeshond Quiz!
Facts About the Keeshond-Final Thoughts
The Keeshond is a breed known for its friendly and intelligent nature, making them excellent family companions. With their double coat designed for cold weather, regular weekly grooming is essential to keep these active dogs looking their best. Keeshonden thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation, showcasing their intelligent expression and eagerness to please their family members. Whether as therapy dogs or family pets, Keeshonden are a perfect fit for many pet owners. From their early days as playful Keeshond puppies to their loyal roles as loving family members, these friendly and intelligent dogs truly embody the essence of a devoted and active breed.
