What's a keeshond?

Where are keeshonden from?

Keeshonden descended from artic strains. They are of dutch ancestory. Keeshonden have long been known as dutch barge dogs. They are thought to have originated from the Holland area.

Where does the name "keeshond" come from?

There are two ways you can pronounce keeshond-- either case-hond or kayzhond. Click here to hear the word keeshond.

The hond part of the name is from the word hound. The kees is from the name of a popular dutch leader- Cornelis de Gyzelaar. His keeshond was his greatest companion.

The early keeshonden

The first keeshonden were bred for show by Mrs. Wingfield Digby. They first entered the show ring in 1923 in England at the Birmingham National Show. They were at the time known as "dutch barge dogs". In 1925 Mrs. Digby produced the first specialty club, and in 1926 the name was changed to keeshond.

Keeshond in America

As Mrs. Digby continued to spark an interest in the English, she also helped the keeshond be known across the Atlantic in America. The first keeshond was registered in 1930, and the first specialty club in America was formed in 1935. Many American keeshonden can still trace their origins back to Great Britain.

Keeshond standards

The keeshond is a very handsome dog with a short coupled body. It has an alert carriage and intelligent expression. It has a thick black to silver to white coat. It's coat is very thick especially around the neck that forms a lion like mane. Keeshond have fox like faces and short pointed ears. It dark eyes with "spectacle" markings. It has a curled tail typical with all spitz breeds. The ideal height for males is 18" at the shoulders, with females being slightly less at 17".

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