Life expectancy

13 years

Age adult

15 months

Height (Shoulder height)

49 cm

Weight

21 kg

Coat texture

long-haired / undercoat / short straight hair on the face / tail feathered / legs feathered / crest / trouser like / straight

Coat color

silver-grey&black

Common illnesses

dysplasia of the hip joint / alopecia X / primary hyperparathyreosis

Food expenses per month in €

about € 48

Suitable for children

Rather yes

Needs a garden

Rather not

Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment

Rather yes

First dog suitable

Rather not

Allergy friendly

Rather not

Athletic

Attention

Care and grooming

Eager to learn

Exercise

Nature

sensitive / alert / active / intelligent / confident / mistrustful of strangers

Bred for

watchdog

Common illnesses

dysplasia of the hip joint / alopecia X / primary hyperparathyreosis

Dog type according to FCI

spitz and primitive types

FCI description

Many dogs of this group were kept as guard, hat, hunt, or sled dogs. They are considered to be very strong-willed and often less affectionate than other breeds. Many have a pronounced territorial consciousness and get along with same-sex conspecifics less well. They are often not easy to educate and only participate in things they consider useful.

So if you want a cuddly family dog that does every trick, you wont be happy here. Generally many of these dogs, like Chow Chow, Aktita and Co. are rather one-man dogs, i.e. related to one person and do not bind themselves to the whole family. Spitze in particular tend very much to loud utterances.

Short description

The Keeshond is a very stubborn dog, but can be a good family-dog if trained softly and firmly. He tries hard to please his humans, he remains sceptical and conflict-prone towards other dogs and strangers, if socialization is insufficient. He loves nature and spending time outdoors. Do not underestimate his hunting instinct. He tnds to bark a lot. He loves to cuddle.