Originally bred to be working dogs, this spitz breed helps protect your home and family. Being a smaller working breed, they can adapt to apartment living as long as their exercise needs are fully met. While they make excellent companions, first-time Keeshond owners will need to know a few things before bringing home their little bundle of joy.
1. Keeshonds Require Regular Grooming
If you are not used to a dog with a thick double coat, you will be in for a surprise when you own a Keeshond. Their coat does require a lot of grooming to keep it tangle-free and hair from getting on everything in your home.
There is a cute saying among dog people, “its dog glitter on my clothes, not dog hair”. This is pretty much true with any double-coated dog. They need to be brushed often and shed a lot when the weather turns warmer. Your Keeshond will require brushing once a week and they should be bathed every four to six weeks.
Trim their nails as needed, usually every three to four weeks. Their ears should be cleaned every few weeks. If you notice them scratching at their ears or if there is a foul odor, check for an ear infection and set an appointment with your veterinarian if you feel something is brewing that will need medical attention.
2. Keeshonds Need Daily Exercise
Even though the Keeshond is a medium-sized dog, they are a breed with a lot of energy and do need something to do to keep them out of mischief. Daily walks are a good way to spend time with your Keeshond and make sure they are getting plenty of exercise.
Have a variety of toys available for them to play with when you are busy and cannot play. Puzzle toys are a fabulous way for your pooch to use his brain and keep him busy for a bit. A tether toy out in your yard is another great way to keep a Keeshond busy.
3. Training a Keeshond is Not Hard When Done Right
Keeshonds are easy to train but they do have a stubborn streak. Always keep their training sessions short and upbeat. Always be positive when working on new skills and be repetitive. Use one of their favorite treats as a reward when they do something right.
End each training session on a positive note. In other words, if your Keeshond is learning a new skill but they are still having trouble getting the concept, at the end of the training session give them a few simple commands they already know and praise them when they do it right.
4. Keeshonds Can Develop Separation Anxiety
If left alone for long periods, a Keeshond can become very anxious and exhibit bad behaviors such as excessive barking or tearing things up. A canine companion can help a Keeshond when they have to be home alone while you are working.
You can also provide a lot of chew toys for them to keep them occupied. Soft music or a television playing can help your Keeshond not feel so alone. Hire a neighbor or a dog sitter to stop by and spend some time with your pup in the middle of the day.
5. Keeshonds Can Be Destructive
If a Keeshond does not get enough exercise or have a job to keep them busy they will become destructive. Keeshonds are known for excavating your yard, pulling your fence down, and excessive barking. Their strong-willed independence coupled with rowdy behavior can have first-time owners at their wit’s end.
Remember, these are social dogs and need to have a lot of interaction with their families. Have plenty of toys and chews on hand to keep them occupied. Make sure they get enough exercise to keep them from destroying your yard and house. Long walks, spirited games of fetch, and even training for dog sports are great ways to keep your Keeshond tuckered out and happy.
6. Keeshonds Loves Playing Games
Being such social animals, Keeshonds thrive when they can play and spend time with their owners. This is why they excel in dog sports. You can play games with your pooch at home, such as hide and seek, fetch, or tether ball. You can also head to your local dog club and start learning about different dog sports.
Keeshonds do very well in agility, obedience, herding, and tracking. You can train your Keeshond for therapy work as well. By training for a dog sport or therapy work, your Keeshond will build confidence and be more comfortable being left home alone for longer periods. Check with the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club to learn more about available dog sports for your Keeshond.
7. Keeshonds are Generally Healthy
Overall, Keeshonds are healthy and have a lifespan of 10-12 years. But, the breed does have some health issues making it essential that they be health tested. When searching for your new Keeshond puppy, make sure your breeder has done the appropriate health testing on the parents.
Health issues affecting Keeshonds include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Luxating patella
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
Keeshonds are fabulous dogs and make excellent family companions. They do well with children and other pets and are smart, and loving. Keeshonds are a higher-maintenance breed. They do need daily exercise and excel at dog sports. First-time Keeshond owners will have a loyal friend when they properly train their new pup.
