a. Keesh-hound (rhymes with pound, sound and round 
b. Kayz-hond (rhymes with fond, bond and pond) 
c. Keez-hound  
d. Keez-hond  

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a. 2, week 
b. 2, month 
c. 2, year 

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a. 55-60, 18 
b. 60-63, 20 
c. 42-45, 18 
d. 29-32, 16 

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a. The Dutch Barge Dog 
b. The Overweight Pomeranian 
c. The Smiling Dutchman 
d. Fuzzbutt or Dishrag 
e. All of the above 

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a. Where a Keeshond sleeps 
b. More fun 

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a. Show Keeshonden are hyperactive and difficult to live with. 
b. Reputable breeders that show their dogs only sell show puppies. 
c. Puppies from reputable breeders are more expensive. 
d. Keeshonds are not a good choice for children. 
e. Keeshonds don't do well in hot climates. 
f. Keeshonds make lousy guard dogs. 
g. None of the above. 

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a. Little bumps located midway between the pastern and the knee on the front legs. 
b. The light colored circles that form a ring around each eye. 
c. The delicately penciled darker lines that extend from the outer corner of each eye to the lower edge of each ear. 
d. There is no such thing as spectacles on a Keeshond...unless he's wearing Raybans! 

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To learn more about the breed's history, original purpose and how the breed got its name, visit the Keeshond General Information page. 
 

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The other thing to keep in mind is there are differences from dog to dog and line to line. The word "typical" refers to what the size should be. Keep in mind too that puppy mills and some backyard breeders are not concerned with whether or not the dogs they are producing adhere to any standard. Thus, not only may you find dogs with incorrect coats from these breeders, but you may also find dogs which vary greatly from the standard in size and other very important Keeshond characteristics such as temperament. If you really want to be sure you are getting a typical Keeshond, be sure to consult with a reputable, experienced breeder.  

One way to be sure you are dealing with a reputable breeder would be to test them to see just how much they know about the breed standard. See how they pronounce the word "Keeshond", see if they can promise you a 60lb dog or one with flop ears, or a brown one. If they hang up on you they are probably a reputable breeder but do not appear to have a sense of humor and may be difficult to work with. If, on the other hand, they call them Quiche-Hounds and say they can provide you with a flop-eared, brown, 65 pounder, hang up on them as they are not very funny. Find a breeder that is willing to take the time to teach you about the breed and the breed standard. This is the kind of breeder you will be able to consult for the life of your dog and this class of breeder can become a very good friend. 
 
 
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Intelligent dogs are often easily bored and can be stubborn. The Keeshond can be very inventive when bored. They generally do not adapt well to repetitive routine obedience exercises, preferring to be challenged with new exercises and games once one command is learned. They are not always the best choice for strict precision obedience as they tend to have a sense of humor and to be clowns. This can be exasperating for the structured obedience person. Fortunately, Keeshonds are very people and food oriented and are quite willing to please, especially if a snack might be forthcoming.  

If you like a dog with some personality and one that can make you laugh at the end of a busy day, a Keeshond will be perfect for you. If you prefer a rigid, obedient performer that pays very strict attention to details and will follow your every command with absolute precision, you might want to look elsewhere. If you are one of those people who can be very jealous if your dog is willing to perform for anyone with a treat in their hand you might want to look elsewhere too...Kees are not very picky about who they do their tricks for if it will get them a cookie. 
 
 
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Buying from a reputable breeder is cheaper than buying from a pet shop. Additionally, a well-bred puppy from a reputable breeder will cost less over the life of the dog than an ill-bred, less than quality animal from a backyard breeder. A poor breeder may sell you a puppy for $200-$300 less than a top quality puppy from a respected breeder, but if that puppy turns out to have a health problem you will quickly spend that saved money at the vet office. Worse yet, if that ill-bred puppy turns out to have a temperament problem it could cost you more in hospital and court costs...why take chances, especially where children are involved? 

When it comes to children, the Keeshond excels. The breed was originally developed as companion dogs for the children on the Dutch barges. They are very patient with the normal pokings, pullings and proddings that are typical of how children can treat the family pet. However, I cannot stress enough the importance of buying any pet for a small child from a reputable source, a dog with a temperament problem is simply not suitable for a young child or their neighborhood friends. Additionally, for the dog's safety, it is important to teach children the proper way to approach and handle any pet and to respect all animals. 

The Keeshond's unique fur coat acts as an insulator in both the Summer heat and the Winter cold. The breed typically pants more than other breeds as this is their normal heat exchange, but Kees live happily in all climates. No dog should ever be left in direct sunlight for any length of time. A dog that spends any time out-of-doors should be provided with shade and protection from the elements as well as a constant fresh source of water. But since your Keeshond will probably spend most of his time indoors, with you, be sure to keep a bare spot on the kitchen floor or in front of the A/C available. 

The Keeshond is a great guard dog...they do however make lousy attack dogs. Typically Kees are known as warning barkers and will let their owners know when company or strangers are approaching. They are an ideal dog for families with children, as a well-bred, normal Keeshond can be trusted to warning bark but not attack. Attack dogs can be a serious legal liability in today's sue-happy society. Additionally, the Keeshond's size is small enough to fit well in any condo or townhouse, but big enough to deter an evil-intentioned intruder. The silver and black markings, big coat and bark will be enough to make most thieves look elsewhere. Because the Keeshond is not an extremely well-known breed, the uninitiated intruder would not know that most Keeshond would be thrilled to have visitors stop in to pet them. 
 
 
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At this site you will find information on locating a reputable breeder, how to tell if the breeder you are speaking to is reputable, what questions to ask, how to select the puppy, or older dog that is right for you, and what you can expect from your breeder once you purchase your puppy.  

If after reading through the information here on how to locate a reputable breeder you still are having problems, please don't hesitate to drop us a line or call to speak to Dennis or Rene personally. We will be more than happy to help you find a Keeshond puppy you will be happy with.  

I hope you enjoyed our little Keeshond test.