Keeshond Puppies For Sale

The Dutch barge dog

The Keeshond is a spitz breed from the Netherlands, where it spent generations aboard barges and canal boats as a watchdog and companion. The breed became a political symbol in the eighteenth century, associated with the Dutch Patriot movement and its leader Kees de Gyselaer, which is where the name comes from.

It is a medium-sized dog with the classic spitz outline: a wedge-shaped head, small pricked ears, a heavy standing coat, and a plumed tail carried curled over the back. The breed’s most recognizable feature is the pattern of shading around the eyes, known as spectacles, which gives the Keeshond a permanently attentive expression.

Sociable, not solitary

For a watchdog breed, the Keeshond is remarkably outgoing. This is a dog that was bred to live in a confined space with a family, and it shows: they are friendly, engaged, and want to be part of what is happening.

They are also alert and willing to say so. A Keeshond will announce a visitor, a delivery, and possibly a leaf. Training a settle after the first bark works far better than trying to suppress the instinct, and it is worth starting early if you have close neighbors.

Long stretches alone are the main thing this breed handles badly. They are companion dogs at heart and need company or, failing that, a deliberate program of building tolerance for absence from puppyhood.

That standing double coat

The Keeshond carries a dense double coat: a woolly undercoat under a long, harsh outer coat that stands away from the body, forming a pronounced ruff around the neck.

It needs regular work but less than it looks. Brush thoroughly once or twice a week, using a slicker and then working through with a comb or rake down to the undercoat. Mats form behind the ears, in the ruff, and on the trousers.

Twice a year the undercoat comes out properly, and during those weeks daily brushing keeps the situation under control. Bathing is occasional. Never shave a double coat, since it regulates temperature in both directions.

In Florida and Tennessee summers, exercise in the cool hours and give the dog shade, water, and air conditioning during the day.

Training and exercise

Keeshonden are bright and eager, and they were widely used as companion and watch dogs precisely because they train easily. They respond well to reward-based methods and poorly to harshness.

Exercise needs are moderate: a couple of good walks a day plus play and some mental work. This is a breed that enjoys learning, so training games and puzzle toys are well received.

Keeshond puppies at Blue Sky

The coat and the expression are things you appreciate properly in person. Our Keeshond puppies come from our licensed breeder network, and our team can talk through grooming before you decide.

Visit us in Orlando or Nashville. Store hours and directions are on the site, and ask about financing when you visit.