Getting a new Keeshond Puppy- Have Questions??

[Chewbaca]

I am getting a new Keeshond puppy in 3 weeks. I have researched the breed pretty extensively. I was just wondering if there was anyone out there that has one and may be able to provide me with a little bit of advice regarding the specific breed (things you didn't know before you got one).

Thanks!

[sheplovr]

Keeshond dogs or "Keeshonden" are handsome dogs with alert and intelligent fox-like expression. They are remarkable for the long, straight, harsh coat with richly plumed tail and lion like tresses around the neck, shoulders and chest. Females don't have such manes. The legs are heavily coated, forming the breed characteristic, "trousers." The rest of the body is abundantly covered with short thick hair. Trimming is permissible only on feet and hocks. Silky, wavy, and curly coat are faults.



As for coloring, Keeshonden can be gray, black, and cream, varying from light to dark. The ruff, "trousers," and tail should be lighter than the body. Any solid color, pronounced white markings, white foot or feet are serious faults.

Keeshonden are medium-sized, square appearing, with rather short body. The tail is moderately long, set on high and tightly curved over the back close to the body. The legs should be well muscled, with compact, rounded, cat-like feet and the black, arched nails.

The head of Keeshonden should be wedge-shaped when viewed from above. The alert expression of the Keeshond dog depends on the "spectacles"- a combination of shadings in the orbital area. Delicate dark lines slant from the corner of the eyes towards the ears. Absence of these lines is a serious fault. Eyes should be almond shaped and dark brown with black eye rims. Round, protruding, or eyes light in color are faults. The ears of a purebred Keeshond should be triangular in shape, mounted high on head and carried erect. The lips of Keeshond dogs should be black and closely meeting while the Keeshonden' teeth should be strong and sound with a scissors bite.
If your going to show the strong good scissor bite is so important and of course they require alot of grooming, brushing, trimming, etc. Nice dogs but alot of work for me. Good luck with your choice of breed.

[Chewbaca]

Thanks so much for the information. I have read most of that and even visited the breeder a couple of times. I was just wondering if there was anything about them that may not be noted but an individual would know by having one. I guess I'm just trying to find out the surprises before they pop up :-) Eventhough that never seems to happen.

[rottiegirl]

My good friend Sally does Kee rescue. Not an outgoing breed, however devoted to the family, be prepared for LOTS of brushing and frequent trips to the groomer.

[Chewbaca]

Thanks for the tip! My miniature poodle has a standing appointment at the groomer every 4 weeks. I also brush him every other day (because I keep his hair a little longer than most). I was planning on brushing the Keeshond on the off days that I don't brush my other one. I'm not sure about bathing though, I've read so much about the Keeshonds coat and everything I've seen says as long as they are brushed frequently they should be bathed 2 to 3 times per year - is this accurate? I didn't know if maybe excessive bathing (like every other month) would hurt the coat or not?

[rottiegirl]

Kees get a yucky doggie smell really fast, so I would do every other month bath, and just ask your breeder who in your area she would recomend, becouse you are right, a harsh deoderizing shampoo will dry out their coat very quickly. Sally and I (at my grooming shop) use a shampoo called SMART, and it works great on their thick wooly coats. I normally reccomend a good brush out once a month(unless you are a truely devoted brusher!) and a bath every other month, however we have a Kee who comes in once a week for a bath.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Along with talking with us, and if you haven't already done so, I would do some serious research on Keeshond's on the internet or get a breed specific book. You need to make informed decisions.