Keeshond
Today’s Keeshond is a Breed of the Week gently used post. 😉
Have you ever seen a Keeshond in the fur? Face to face? What handsome creatures they are! I had the privilege of meeting Jingle, a sweet two year old Keeshond, face to face last Friday morning.
Her mama let me give her treats and take her photo. I’m always amazed when people let me photograph their dogs, especially since I’m just using my phone camera, not pretending to be a real photographer or anything.
Jingle is a pretty hyper dog, but she’s not spayed yet (soon), and she’s not quite two years old, and both of those make a big difference in a dog’s energy. She reminds me of a cross between my Aussies and a Sheltie, what with the personality and the Sheltie-like coat, more Sheltie in size. Let’s find out more about this lovely dog, a diminutive thing at 35 pounds.
Breed Description
Here’s how the AKC describes the breed:
A medium-sized, sturdy dog, the Keeshond possesses the characteristics of other Northern breeds – a fox-like expression, stand-off coat and richly plumed tail carried over the back. His coloring is a mixture of gray, black and cream, with variations from light to dark and distinctive “spectacles” – markings and shadings in the eye area, including a delicate, dark line slanting from eye to ear and expressive eyebrows.
Is the Keeshond Right for You?
But what does that say, really, about the Keeshond? I mean, why would you want this dog? What’s its personality? Would it be the right dog for your family? The breed itself is only a couple hundred years old and originates in Holland, an offshoot of the Samoyed. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of having a Keeshond. Petfinder has been very helpful today.
Pros:
- Great house dog – loves his family and play time
- Minor health issues, compared to other dogs
- Decent life span (12-14 years)
- Great with kids – especially his own family
- Alert watchdog – if you’re not family, he’s watching you!
- Brilliant, with a lot of personality
I love Dog Breed Info, too, and they’re a little more comprehensive with information.
Cons:
- This breed can really pack on the pounds, so be careful not to over feed, and make sure he gets plenty of exercise
- Tons of energy – a brilliant, energetic dog can be a neurotic, destructive dog if they’re not a) socialized, and b) exercised – please be constantly aware of this and make sure your Keeshond gets plenty of both
- Thick coat – meaning they blow the fur a couple of times a year, require regular grooming, and can’t tolerate heat
So what am I saying? I’m saying that the Keeshond is a great family dog for someone who loves dogs and is devoted to training and socialization, as well as regular exercise. I’m also saying that this dog needs to live in a cooler climate. And that under no circumstances should this breed ever be gotten for the purpose of teaching a child responsibility. Ever. For that matter, no dog should. Like giving birth to a baby, a dog is a grown up responsibility.
What treats did I bring to Miss Jingle? Why, I brought her Steer Sticks, which she loves, and a Crown Knuckle, which she ignored. Her mom has since contacted me to say that Jingle wants to go out (in our Oklahoma heat) all day long so she can gnaw on the knuckle. That tiny mouth and narrow jaw can’t resist the meaty, bone goodness of the Crown Knuckle. I also left some Big Paw Jerky with Jingle’s mom, since she is still young and they’re still working on different commands. Big Paw Jerky snaps easily and makes a great training treat.
Giveaway
The giveaway ends this weekend, so act now to enter! Click this sentence, scroll down in the new window, click on the Rafflecopter and follow directions! Your dog will thank you. And smile.
Spreading the good chews …
Flea
