Overview
The Keeshond spent its early years living on barges along the Dutch canals, acting as watchdog and company for the families on board. It still looks the part: a thick silver-and-black coat, a plumed tail over the back, and dark markings round the eyes that give it the famous spectacled look.
Of all the spitz breeds it is one of the easiest to walk. It is sociable, quick to learn, keen to be near you and not particularly driven to hunt or roam. The things to manage are the bark, which is frequent, and the coat, which is enormous and sheds in clouds twice a year.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour a day in two walks is plenty for most Keeshonds. They enjoy a brisk pace and a bit of play, but they are not endurance dogs and will be just as pleased with a varied route as a long one.
Heat is the main limit. That coat was designed for a Dutch winter on the water, and a warm afternoon in July will flatten the dog quickly. Shift summer walks to early morning and keep them shorter.
On the walk
- Recall: Generally good. Keeshonds like being with people and tend to loop back on their own. Reward it anyway so the habit holds.
- Barking: They announce everything: a bike, a bin lorry, a dog across the road. It is alerting rather than aggression, so acknowledge it and move on.
- Other dogs: Friendly and playful with most. The bouncy greeting can be a bit much for shy dogs, so manage the first few seconds.
- Mud: The coat stands off the body, so a lot of mud falls out once dry. Resist bathing; a brush at the door is enough.
Tips for professional walkers
- Carry water and offer it often in anything above a mild day.
- Keep a slicker brush in the van and check behind the ears and under the tail where mats start.
- Give the dog a small job on the walk, like a sit at kerbs or a find-it, to keep its mind busy.
- Tell the owner about any heavy panting or lagging on warm days; it is the earliest sign of overheating.
What to ask the owner
- At what temperature does the owner want walks shortened or moved earlier?
- Is the barking something they are working on, and what cue do they use?
- How does the dog cope with being left after a walk? Many Keeshonds are very people-dependent.