Keeshonds: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

Compared to other breeds in the "spitz" family, the Keeshond is quieter, more sensible, and less dominant.

Bright, cheerful, and lively, the Keeshond needs moderate exercise, but more importantly, he needs companionship. He is very people-oriented, craves attention and petting, and needs to be fully involved in the family.

Attitude toward strangers varies from friendly to polite. There is timidity in some lines, so early socialization is important to build an outgoing, confident temperament.

With his acute hearing and emotional sensitivity, Keeshonds are more reactive to loud noises than some other breeds and don't do well in an environment with tension or shouting.

This is not a guard dog. Keeshonds will bark, but it's usually welcoming rather than protective. Most are peaceful with other pets.

The Keeshond has an independent streak and can be mischievous and "clever" (using his intelligence to get his own way). Focus on gentle, positive guidance and praise/food rewards.

The Kees is known as the "Smiling Dutchman" because of his tendency to curl his lip and bare his teeth in a hideous grimace. It's not a snarl, but only a happy and submissive grin.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Keeshonds have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Keeshond to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Keeshond

If I was considering a Keeshond, I would be most concerned about...

1. Barking. Keeshonds make keen watchdogs, but that means they are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. To make matters worse, some Keeshonds have high-pitched barks that can set your teeth on edge.
2. Grooming. Keeshonds need frequent brushing and combing so that they don't become a matted mess.
3. Heavy shedding. Like all spitz breeds, Keeshonds shed a LOT. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing and furnishings.
4. Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Keeshonds need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking.
5. Providing enough socialization. Keeshonds tend to be a bit standoffish with strangers. So they need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds, so that their natural caution doesn't become shyness or suspiciousness.
6. Mind of their own. Keeshonds are more willing to listen to you than some other spitzes. Yet they still have an independent mind of their own and can be stubborn and manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your Keeshond to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. Read more about Keeshond Training.