Keeshond
A complete guide to the Keeshond, covering their history as Dutch barge dogs, grooming needs, health risks, and why they are known as "velcro dogs."
17 to 18 inches tall and 30 to 40 pounds, with a life expectancy of roughly 12.3 years. This medium-sized spitz is a distinct breed in the US and UK, though internationally recognized as the largest variety of the German Spitz.
Appearance and coat mechanics
The Keeshond is a sturdily built dog with a wedge-shaped head, small pointed ears, and a tail that curls tightly over the back, making it indistinguishable from the compact body in profile. Their most defining feature is a dense double coat: a thick, downy undercoat topped with long, straight, harsh guard hairs that stand well out from the body. Males typically sport a thicker, more pronounced ruff around the neck than females, while the legs feature smooth, short hair except for feathering on the front and "trousers" on the hind. The tail itself is profuse, forming a rich plume that is light grey when curled on the back with a black tip.
Coat care requires line brushing on a fairly regular basis, but the real challenge comes during the annual "blow" of the undercoat. Males typically shed their undercoat once a year, while females do so twice a year. During this period, which lasts about two weeks, the loss of coat is excessive and the guard hairs lie flat against the back as the new undercoat begins to grow. Shaving is strictly contraindicated because the undercoat provides a natural barrier against both heat and cold; removing it destroys the dog's ability to regulate body temperature efficiently.
Color and markings
The standard coloration is a mixture of grey and black with some white, where the outer coat hair is black-tipped to produce a characteristic shading. The undercoat must be very pale grey or cream, never tawny. Specific markings are mandatory for the breed's expressive look: "spectacles" are a delicate dark line running from the outer corner of each eye toward the lower corner of the ear, coupled with short eyebrows. The ears should be very dark, almost black, and the legs and feet cream; feet that are totally black or white are considered severe faults. Any pronounced deviation from the grey color or the absence of spectacles is a serious fault.
Temperament and intelligence
Keeshonden are exceptionally bright, ranking 18th in Stanley Coren's list of working and obedience intelligence. They are quick learners, eager to please, and possess strong jumping ability and quick reflexes, making them excellent candidates for agility and obedience work. This high intelligence means they learn quickly, but it also means they are quick to learn behaviors their humans did not intend to teach. They have even been successfully trained as guide dogs for the blind, though their size limits their widespread use in that role.
These dogs are deeply empathetic and intuitive, often serving as comfort dogs. A notable example is Tikva, a Keeshond who was at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks to help comfort rescue workers. Their affectionate nature leads to a tendency to become clingy, earning them the nickname "velcro dogs" or "owner's shadow." They prefer to be close to their humans at all times and may wait by a closed door for their owner to reappear. While they are alert watchdogs with a loud, distinctive bark that has made them popular on barges for centuries, they are not aggressive toward visitors and generally welcome them affectionately once the family has accepted them.
Health and longevity
Keeshonden are generally a very healthy breed, though they are not immune to congenital issues. Conditions that can occur include hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, epilepsy, Cushing's disease, diabetes, primary hyperparathyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Von Willebrand's disease is known but very rare. An accurate genetic test for primary hyperparathyroidism has been developed at Cornell University. Prospective owners should ensure both parents have been tested and certified free from inherited problems, with results available from breeders or the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals.
History and origin
The breed was named after Cornelis (Kees) de Gyselaer, an 18th-century Dutch Patriot leader, and served as the symbol of the Patriot faction during political unrest preceding the French Revolution. When the House of Orange returned to power, the breed almost disappeared. Historically known as the Dutch Barge Dog, they were frequently seen on barges traveling the canals and rivers of the Netherlands. The breed was developed in England in the late 19th century from imports obtained in the Netherlands and Germany. While the FCI views the Keeshond as the Wolfspitz variety of the German Spitz, the American Kennel Club recognized the Keeshond as a separate breed in 1930 after Carl Hinderer successfully lobbied for its registration.