Keeshonden (plural of Keeshond) make excellent pets, living very well in a home with children or other animals. They are overall a very happy-go-lucky breed getting their happiness from the attention and love of their family.
The Keeshond carries a coat consisting of a thick, downy undercoat and straight harsh guard hairs. The coat needs little trimming and minimal grooming, however, it does need regular, consistent grooming. Their coat is odorless, sheds water and seldom mats. This type of coat contributes to the adaptability of the breed to various climates. The approved color for the Keeshond in the United States is a mixture of shadings from gray to black. The colors can range from the palest grey or cream (not white) in the undercoat and on the legs, trousers and plume (tail) with the guard hairs or top coat having black tips creating the shading or color you see.
According to the breed standard, the Keeshond male is to be 18" at the withers (shoulder) and the Keshond female is to be 17" at the withers (shoulder). The length of the back from the withers to the rump should equal their height as these dogs are required by standard to be a "handsome dog of well-balanced, short-coupled body, attracting attention by his alert carriage and intelligent expression, luxurious coat and richly plumed tail well curled over his back."
Because the Keeshond breed lacks many of the more commonly known hereditary maladies, they are often long-lived dogs. Most "Kees" (keys) will live to the age of 12, 13 or beyond.
The Keeshond will make an ideal family pet with an even temperament in any home where there are people around to fulfill the Keeshond's need of family interactions, attention and love. These dogs do not do well left alone for long periods of time or in a backyard consistently, they can become yappers. They do require moderate exercise, but most of all, regular attention. It is always recommended to train your pet in basic obedience at the very minumum. This will help your dog learn manners in the home and can aide to the safety of your pet and family members as well.
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