I’ve had Newfoundlands for quite a while and was thinking of trying a smaller breed. Has anyone had a Keeshond? I would be interested in doing conformation and obedience events. If you have had one, what was your experience? Did you find barking to be a problem? What about separation anxiety? I don’t mind hair or grooming (I’m used to Newfs)!
Beth Blankenship of Trumpet Keeshond’s is HUGE in the Keeshond world. I met her at a show and she let me love on some puppies and answered all of my questions. I got to cheer her on in the group ring a number of times with her with her latest special, Louie, and she always appeared professional inside and outside of the ring. I would encourage reaching out to her. Depending on your location she can probably refer you to a reputable breeder in your area that you could meet up with at a show.
They are without a doubt the cutest puppies ever. Like “i want to shove you in my mouth” cute.
Though I have not personally owned one, I had a friend who had a couple of them. The male had an absolutely fabulous looking coat. Similar to the first picture on the left on this page. Wonderful personality. Loved him! He was a pet store puppy—they were very lucky.
http://www.completedogsguide.com/dog-pictures/Keeshond.html
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a very nice looking Keeshond puppy at PetSmart. I neglected to ask her where she got him.
Males have a more spectacular coat.
I know a couple and they are dumb as dirt haha.
The male was a show dog and his coat is awful (super dry and frizzy) and he is very touchy about being groomed and has very little heat tolerance (can’t hand dry him at all, he has to have a cool air fan to dry).
The female has a much nicer coat to groom, though less correct (lays too flat, I don’t think correct coats need to be dry, just have more volume). Is actually much better for grooming (her coat type helps) than the show dog male from same breeder. Can be hand dried and does much better with a bit of heat.
But you look into their eyes and there is nobody home. Friendly enough dogs, but about as smart as a stick.
Now both dogs were from the same breeder and we all know breeders are not all created equal.
I had a Keeshond/Siberian Husky oops puppy once. He was easily one of the best dogs I’ve ever owned. Scary intelligent, protective, but only in situations where protectiveness was actually warranted, and extremely well-behaved.
I spent this last weekend crated next to some Kees and their people at an agility trial. They were awesome and their people were great. Obviously they were very ‘trainable’. Very nice dogs.
They aren’t a particularly common breed, but I have met about 25 or so come in through the vet hospital.
All of them have had lovely temperments. To be honest, they were all well groomed too (must be dedicated owners to have one!). Only two had serious conditions (one had epilepsy, the other had IMHA) all the others were just routine simple emergencies like cut paws, upset GI tract etc.
Most of them did “speak up” but weren’t totally obnoxious either.
Love them! The one I had was super smart, though a bit independent at times! Lovely medium sized-dogs. The shedding when they blow out the undercoat is spectacular-do Newfies do that too? They have a great temperament, love everyone. They are medium energy IME. Mine loved to sit outside when it was cold and was miserable in the heat. I always sort of laugh when I see those photos of dogs sitting out covered in snow that are designed to make you mad at the owner…Callie LOVED to sit on top of a snowbank and would sit in falling snow for HOURS if we would have let her. The ones I have known are fun, exuberant, loving dogs. They do bark, but mine learned “quiet” quickly.
[QUOTE=HenryisBlaisin’;7375483]
Love them! The one I had was super smart, though a bit independent at times! Lovely medium sized-dogs. The shedding when they blow out the undercoat is spectacular-do Newfies do that too? They have a great temperament, love everyone. They are medium energy IME. Mine loved to sit outside when it was cold and was miserable in the heat. I always sort of laugh when I see those photos of dogs sitting out covered in snow that are designed to make you mad at the owner…Callie LOVED to sit on top of a snowbank and would sit in falling snow for HOURS if we would have let her. The ones I have known are fun, exuberant, loving dogs. They do bark, but mine learned “quiet” quickly.[/QUOTE]
Thanks everyone! Definitely used to the coat blowing thing - I could probably make about 10 Kees out of the coat my Newf blows in the spring and fall! Also similar as far as loving to sit out in the cold and snow. The colder, the better, it seems! And lying on top of the air conditioning vents in the summer.
I don’t think they’re dumb at all. My aunt had three and bred a pair, my mom bought a male. He was awesome. He was on the large side, bigger than his parents, and could pull like crazy! He did walk well on a leash though, and once scared a guy out of the yard that we think was trying to steal laundry. He had a great personality, and I don’t remember barking being a problem. He died young due to some freak thing, some organ failure issue or something. My mom was crushed.
She ended up finding a small young Keeshond being rehomed. She was another nice dog, although we think had been really picked on by little kids because of a few issues she had. But she was always good with my son even when he was a baby/toddler.
I’d get one, although it would have to be in the shelter since that’s where I get my dogs. As for separation anxiety, I don’t think breed necessarily matters. I think there are different sizes to Keeshonds. Our first one was bigger and the second much smaller.
I have two growing up and they were both great dogs. The one lived just shy of this 15th birthday and with the exception of cataracts was healthy right to the end. One had a bit more of a stubborn streak and took more patience with training but both did agility and were great at it. You already know what you are getting into with grooming so I say go for it! I found them loyal and intelligent dogs.
A good friend growing up had one. Super lovely coat, very sweet and smart. Good size while also still being a dog (not a pocket pet, lol).
I had two Keeshonden over the course of 25 years. Neither was barky at all, and both transitioned to and from various farm and city lifestyles with ease. The first, female, was the dog everybody wanted. Pretty looks, pretty manners, friendly but reserved, great obedience dog. The second, male, was prettier than the female and was mostly disengaged from the world. We called him “the dog who almost does something.” Great manners, but kind of boring… After he was PTS at age 12, I switched to pit bulls. I don’t think I’ll go back to Kees. I find I now prefer a low-maintenance coat and a temperment that is more eager to participate in life.
