Keeshond
The smiling Dutch barge dog.
- Weight
- 35–45 lbs
- Height
- 17–18 in
- Lifespan
- 12–15 yrs
In short
The Keeshond is a Dutch spitz-type companion, bred as a watchdog on canal barges. Adults weigh 35–45 lbs and live 12–15 years. They are friendly and people-focused, but their thick double coat needs regular brushing and they bark readily.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a friendly, people-focused family dog
- enjoy regular brushing
- want an alert watchdog that isn't aggressive
Think twice if you…
- need a quiet dog
- live in a hot climate
- are away long hours
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Training
- 2–3 × 5–10 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 90–110 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityQuick study8.5/10
EnergyActive6.5/10
Calm at homeCalm indoors10.0/10
SheddingHeavy shedder8.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Spectacles
Dark lines around the eyes create the breed's signature 'spectacles' and expressive face.
-
02
Plush double coat
A dense undercoat sheds heavily in blowouts; brush down to the skin to prevent mats.
-
03
Curled plume tail
A tightly curled tail carried over the back, typical of spitz breeds.
Size & coat
| Specification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 40–45 lbs | 35–40 lbs |
| Height | about 18 in | about 17 in |
| Lifespan | 12–15 yrs | |
| Coat | Thick, harsh double coat with a plush undercoat and mane | |
Personality
Keeshonden were bred as companions, not workers, and it shows: they want to be in the middle of family life. They announce every visitor and delivery. Left out or bored, they get loud.
With kids
Usually great with kids; sturdy and patient in play.
With other pets
Generally easygoing with other dogs and cats, with little prey drive.
With strangers
Barks at arrivals, then usually warms up fast; a watchdog, not a guard dog.
Alone time
Dislikes isolation; bored Keeshonden bark. Build up alone time gradually.
Training
Keeshonden learn quickly and are sensitive, so upbeat, reward-based sessions work and harsh corrections backfire. They get bored with drills, so keep it varied.
-
How often
2–3 sessions of 5–10 minutes a day, ending each one on a win.
-
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Use 8–16 weeks for grooming handling (brushing, dryer, nail trims) and for calm visitors at the door, so barking stays an alert rather than a habit.
-
Self-control
Teach a quiet cue: let them bark once or twice, then reward silence. Pair it with a go-to-mat routine when the doorbell rings.
-
What it works for
Food and praise work best. Use small, high-value pieces and keep treats within 10% of daily calories, since Keeshonden gain weight easily.
Exercise
Keeshonden need daily walks and play more than hard running. Cool-weather outings and mental games keep them content.
Exercise a day
60–90 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Brisk walks
- Agility or rally
- Backyard play and chase games
Brain work
- Trick training
- Puzzle toys
- Nose work
Best home
Apartment OK with daily exercise; dislikes heat.
Watch for The thick coat makes them prone to overheating, so exercise during cool hours.
Feeding
Adult maintenance for a typical Keeshond (35–45 lbs) lands around 900–1,075 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.
Puppy (to 12 mo)
- Daily calories
- 1,125–1,350 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 16–20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 115–135 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 6–7 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 900–1,075 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 14–18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 90–110 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- about 5 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 1,225–1,475 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 18–22%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 125–150 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 6–7 pieces a day
Senior
- Daily calories
- 775–950 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 12–16%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 80–95 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 4–5 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (to 12 mo) | 1,125–1,350 kcal | 26–30% | 16–20% | 115–135 kcal | 6–7 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 900–1,075 kcal | 24–28% | 14–18% | 90–110 kcal | about 5 pieces |
| Active / Working | 1,225–1,475 kcal | 26–30% | 18–22% | 125–150 kcal | 6–7 pieces |
| Senior | 775–950 kcal | 24–28% | 12–16% | 80–95 kcal | 4–5 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
Keeshonden are generally healthy; watch hips, kneecaps, eyes and primary hyperparathyroidism. Choose a breeder who DNA-tests and screens.
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder for results) |
| Luxating patella | OFA patella evaluation | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder for results) |
| Inherited eye disease | Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist (CAER) | Yearly in breeding dogs |
| Primary hyperparathyroidism | PHPT DNA test | Once, in breeding dogs |
| Elbow dysplasia | OFA elbow evaluation | Once. OFA final results from 24 months |
Official health tests for breeding dogs
The OFA's CHIC program asks Keeshond breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.
- Hip evaluation
- Elbow evaluation
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Kneecap (patella) check
Grooming Moderate, with heavy blowouts once or twice a year
Brush to the skin 2–3 times a week, daily during blowouts. Bathe every 1–2 months. Trim nails every 2–3 weeks, check ears weekly and brush teeth several times a week. Never shave the coat.
History
1700s
Barge dog
Keeshonden rode Dutch canal barges as watchdogs and companions.
1780s
Patriot symbol
The breed became a symbol of the Dutch Patriot movement led by Cornelis 'Kees' de Gyselaer.
1920s–1930
Revival and recognition
Baroness van Hardenbroek revived the breed in the 1920s, and the AKC recognized it in 1930.
Questions owners ask
Are Keeshonden easy to train?
Yes. They learn quickly and enjoy pleasing people, though barking needs early training.
Are Keeshonden good with kids and other pets?
Usually yes. They are friendly, patient and good with other dogs and cats.
How much exercise does a Keeshond need?
About 60–90 minutes a day of walks, play and mental games.
Do Keeshonden shed?
Yes, moderately year-round with heavy blowouts once or twice a year. Brush 2–3 times a week.
What health problems do Keeshonden have, and how long do they live?
Most live 12–15 years. Watch for hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, eye disease and primary hyperparathyroidism.
Is a Keeshond good for apartments or first-time owners?
Often yes. They are friendly and easy to train, but barking and grooming need commitment.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Keeshond needs only about 5 pieces a day, well inside the 90–110 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Keeshond ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Keeshond
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
