Keeshond – character, disposition, price

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Keeshond, is a breed of dog that resembles a wolf in appearance, while having the characteristics of a domestic dog. In this article we will take a closer look at this unique and extremely interesting breed. You will learn all about their character, health, grooming, as well as find out about their history and origin.

Keeshond  – description and appearance of the breed

Keeshond  is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy, but graceful build. In appearance it resembles a wolf – it has a sharp, intelligent look, erect ears and a thick, fluffy tail, which often curls upward. Keeshond’s coat is long and dense, usually gray in color, although there are also individuals with black, brown or cream coloring. The dog of this breed reaches a height at the withers of 45 to 60 cm, and weighs between 15 and 30 kg.

Character of the Keeshond dog breed

Skills – what should you know?

The Keeshond is an extremely intelligent and balanced dog. They are quick learners, value stability and good structure, which makes them ideal for training. They are also very sensitive to their owner’s mood and are able to adapt their behavior to their owner’s emotions.

What kind of personality does it have?

Despite its wild appearance, Keeshond is a dog with a gentle and friendly personality. It is a determined but non-aggressive dog. Keeshond are faithful and devoted companions, but also independent and independently thinking dogs that are not afraid to make their own decisions.

Keeshond – how to train and raise?

Training a Keeshond can be a challenge due to its intelligence and independence. The best results come from positive reinforcement, rewarding the dog for good behavior. It is also important to make the training process varied and interesting for the dog, as Keeshond quickly get bored with monotonous exercises.

For whom is the Keeshond suitable?

Keeshond is a dog for active people who appreciate close contact with nature. Due to its energy and need for movement, Keeshond is best suited to a house with a garden, although it can also live in an apartment, provided it is given a good dose of exercise. This breed is a good choice for families with children, but also for single people looking for a faithful and independent companion.

Keeshond – price

The price of a Keeshond puppy depends on many factors, including the reputation of the breeding, the quality of the pedigree or the color of the coat. On average, you can pay from $1,000–$2,000 for a puppy of this breed.

Advantages and disadvantages

Disadvantages

Among the disadvantages of the Keeshond is its tendency to be independent, which can make training difficult. In addition, these dogs have a high need for exercise, so they are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyles. Keeshond also have a long, dense coat that requires regular grooming.

Advantages

The advantages of the Keeshond are its intelligence, independence and loyalty to its owner. In addition, it is a very active and physically fit dog that is perfect as a companion for various outdoor activities. Finally, Keeshond is a dog with an amazing beauty that attracts the eye.

Keeshond – Health, diseases and grooming

Nutrition

Keeshond is a dog with fairly high energy needs, so its diet should be rich in protein and fats. It is best to feed him food prepared specifically for active medium-sized dogs.

Grooming

Grooming the Keeshond is first and foremost about regularly brushing its dense coat, which will help prevent it from matting and forming tangles. It is also worth remembering to regularly check the condition of the dog’s ears and claws.

Diseases

Keeshond is a generally healthy breed, but like any dog it can suffer from various diseases. Among the most common are joint problems, allergies and eye diseases. So it’s worth keeping an eye out for possible symptoms and visiting the vet regularly.

Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?

When preparing to welcome a Keeshond into your home, it is worth stocking up on a few essentials. First of all, you will need a large dog pen, a feeder and drinker, a variety of toys and a comfortable bed. A coat brush and special shampoos are other necessary accessories.

History of the Keeshond dog breed

Origins

The history of Keeshond is both long and fascinating. It begins hundreds of years ago, when dogs similar to today’s Keeshond were used by European residents for a variety of tasks. They were valued for their independent nature, excellent sense of smell and extraordinary courage. These dogs accompanied people on hunts, guarded homes and helped guard flocks.

Development of the breed

The real development of Keeshond breed began in Germany in the late 19th century. The goal of breeders was to create a dog with the appearance of a wolf, but with the character of a domestic dog. In 1888, a German breeder, Max von Stephanitz, saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein at one of the dog shows that perfectly met these criteria. He purchased him and renamed him Horand von Grafrath – this dog became the first registered Keeshond and the founding father of the breed.

Stephanitz founded the Keeshond Club and dedicated the rest of his life to developing and promoting the breed. The breeding principles he introduced focused on the dogs’ utility and health, not just their appearance. As a result, the Keeshond z today is a dog with a strong build, extraordinary intelligence and excellent health.

Currently

Keeshond, although rather rare outside Germany, has gained popularity in many countries around the world, including Poland. Its beauty, intelligence and independent character attract many dog lovers. Today, Keeshonds are readily used as family dogs, companions for outdoor activities, but also as working dogs, for example, as rescue dogs.

The history of the Keeshond z is proof that breeding assumptions that prioritize the health and utility of the dog bring the best results. This remarkable breed, although it has come a long way since its beginnings, has retained to this day its most important qualities – courage, independence and extraordinary loyalty to its human.

Dog pattern of the Keeshond breed

The Keeshond dog pattern, approved by the International Kennel Federation (FCI), describes exactly how the ideal representative of this breed should look and behave.

Keeshond is a dog with a harmonious, proportional body structure, which, combined with thick, fluffy fur, resembles a wolf. The silhouette of Keeshond is slightly elongated, with a clearly marked transition from the neck to the back.

The head is proportional to the rest of the body, with a clearly marked stop, that is, the place where the forehead joins the muzzle. The ears are large, standing and slightly forward, giving the dog an expression of alertness and interest in its surroundings.

Keeshond has a straight, strong back and a well-muscled chest, which shows its stamina and ability to take intense exercise. The tail, carried loosely on the back, is well sprinkled with long, dense hair.

Keeshond has a coarse, dense and long coat, which is one of its most distinctive features. The most common color is silvery gray, although there are also individuals with a darker or lighter coat. The hair on the neck and chest forms a striking “mane.”

Keeshond’s eyes are large, almond-shaped, usually light brown in color. They express alertness and intelligence, and are full of life and curiosity.

The standard also stipulates that Keeshond should be characterized by a confident, calm and balanced character. It should not show aggression or excessive timidity.

Keeshond – interesting facts about the breed

Keeshond is a breed that attracts the attention of many dog lovers with its unusual beauty and character. Let’s learn some interesting facts that can further interest us in this breed.

  1. Similarity to the wolf: The Keeshond is one of the most “wolf-like” domestic dogs, both in appearance and behavior. Its wild beauty and independent nature often cause it to be mistaken for a real wolf. In fact, despite some similarities, the Keeshond is a full-fledged domestic dog that is comfortable around people.
  2. Movie career: Keeshond often appear on movie and TV screens, replacing real wolves in many productions. Because of its resemblance to a wolf and its gentle nature, Keeshond is an excellent choice for such roles. Keeshond have even been known to play the roles of wolves in such films as “Game of Thrones” and “Twilight.”
  3. Endurance and health: Keeshond, thanks to its ancestors who were bred for work, is an extremely hardy and healthy breed. These dogs are known for having few health problems and longevity.
  4. Intelligence: Keeshond are highly intelligent. They are able to learn new commands and tricks quickly. They are known for their ability to solve problems on their own, making them excellent dogs for various forms of training and work.
  5. First Keeshond: The first officially registered Keeshond was Horand von Grafrath. This dog became the founding father of the breed and went down in history as the first Keeshond listed in the register of the Club founded by Max von Stephanitz.

Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.

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