Keeshond

 

The national dog of Holland, the Keeshond (pronounced kayz-hawnd) is a handsome intelligent fellow, with a friendly, outgoing temperament and a lively interest in the world around him.

Ch. Kühls Return of the King

The Keeshond doesn't need much exercise - they expend most of their energy bouncing about in one place! They are ideal pets and companions who are playful and affectionate and show a true love of life. According to the Keeshond Standard, temperament is of primary importance - the Keeshond is neither timid nor aggressive but, instead, is outgoing and friendly with both people and other dogs.

bar

The coat of a Keeshond is abundant. It is long and straight, harsh hair standing well out from a thick, downy undercoat. Markings are dramatic, a mixture in cream, grey and black, from light to dark. The hair of the outer coat is black tipped, the length of the black tips producing the characteristic shading of color. The head (including muzzle, skull and ears) should be covered with smooth, soft, short hair--velvety in texture on the ears.

BIS, BISS Australian Ch. Windrift's American Prodigy
Grand Ch. Windrift's American Prodigy, Photographer Debra Green

The Keeshond attracts attention not only by his dramatic coloration, alert carriage, and intelligent expression, but also by his stand-off coat, his richly plumed tail well curled over his back, his foxlike expression, and his small pointed ears.

The Keeshond is a medium sized dog; ideal height of a fully mature dog (measured from the withers to the ground) is 18 inches for males and 17 inches for bitches.

bar

Ch. Dreamwoods Cool Runnings

The Keeshond's expression depends largely on the dark shadings - a distinctive characteristic called "spectacles" - in the eye area, which must include a delicate, dark line slanting from the outer corner of each eye toward the lower corner of each ear coupled with expressive eyebrows.

Concerning the Keeshond gait, quoted from the Standard - The distinctive gait of the Keeshond is unique to the breed. Dogs should move boldly and keep tails curled over the back. They should move cleanly and briskly; the movement should be straight and sharp with reach and drive between slight to moderate.

 

For more information on this treasured family companion, please contact the
Keeshond Club of America.

bar

//  Home  |  Scribes Canvas  |  Animals  |  Spiritual  |  Clubhouse  \\
//   Original Fiction  |  Fantasy Playhouse  |  Webrings  \\
Site Design and Content Copyright © 1994- StoryTeller,
AKA Shari Lyne. All rights reserved.


Most artwork originally created by Shari Lyne/StoryTeller;
if you own the copyright to any original image used for the creation
of the graphics on this site please e-mail with proof of copyright.
Upon receipt of said copyright, credit or removal of your image will be done.