Dog Breed Guide

Keeshond

Profile

Size

Medium

Country of origin

Netherlands (internationally the same breed as the German Wolfspitz)

Origin

18th century

Bred for

Barge watchdog, Companion

Height

male about 46cm (18in), female about 43cm (17in)

Weight

16 - 20kg (35 - 44lb)

Life span

12 - 15 years

It has a fluffy coat in wolf-like shades of gray, black and cream. A black line runs from around the eyes toward the ears, making it look as if it is wearing glasses; these are called "spectacles." A magnificent mane-like ruff surrounds the neck.

Bright and friendly, with an expression that always seems to be smiling, it is nicknamed "the smiling Dutchman." It loves its family, especially children, and always wants to be with them. It is also alert and barks to announce visitors.

The thick double coat needs brushing several times a week, and it sheds heavily during shedding season. It does not do well in heat.

Good to know

The breed is named after Cornelis de Gyselaer, nicknamed Kees, an 18th-century Dutch politician. Keeshond simply means "Kees's dog."

At the time the Netherlands was divided between supporters of the House of Orange and their opponents, the Patriots. Because Kees, a leader of the Patriots, kept one of these dogs, the Keeshond became the Patriots' symbol, and their supporters wore badges in its likeness. The symbol of the Orange supporters, meanwhile, was the Pug. When the Patriots were defeated, fewer people wanted to keep the losing side's dog.

Because it originally worked as a watchdog on the barges that plied the Rhine and other rivers, it is also called the Dutch Barge Dog.