Since most people are familiar with the white Samoyed, it is easy to explain to the uninitiated that the Keeshond is similar in looks to the Samoyed except smaller and silver/black in colour. Like the Samoyed, the Keeshond has a double coat comprised of a thick soft undercoat and harsh outer guard hairs which is non-greasy, dirt and water resistant and does resist matting if groomed often enough.

The Keeshond seldom needs bathing if kept clean and well presented with a weekly grooming session. The healthy Keeshond has no doggy odour and kept clean and dry is acceptable as an indoor house pet even for the house-proud owner.

The coat provides insulation against excessive heat and cold and when caught in the rain a Keeshond coat will "seal" preventing water penetration so that all that is required is a brisk rub down with a towel to make your Keeshond presentable for your home or car or just for a cuddle.

Almost all dogs shed hair and one look at a Keeshond will tell you that hair shedding is going to be a major problem, right? Wrong! A short-haired dog leaves hairs deeply embedded in carpets and upholstery which are just about impossible to remove, while greasy residue leaves brown stains and strong odour.

The long dry coat of the Keeshond is easily picked up with a vacuum cleaner and leaves no grease marks. In the car a velour clothes brush works wonders. The Keeshond has a coat which is not only practical to itself in all climates but also to the owner who is concerned about ease of maintenance and moulting. However, this does NOT mean you do not have to groom your Keeshond at all !

The Keeshond will lose a small amount of hair at all times, but will also "moult" at regular intervals. Bitches usually blow significant amounts of coat with each six monthly season, however if your bitch is speyed coat loss will not happen as often. Generally speaking, males will lose their coats at much greater intervals, typically eighteen months or more.

The moult continues over a few weeks and whether showing or just for convenience it is best to remove loose hair as soon as possible by gentle stripping and brushing. The process can be accelerated by a warm bath followed by blow drying (cool or low heat) while you brush.

The Keeshond's purpose in life was that of companion and watch dog. To-day the Keeshond fills the role of family pet admirably - an alert watchdog who will sound the alarm at any intruder, yet not aggressive to other breeds. They are loyal family members who love human company, tolerant and trustworthy with children. Although not an attacking breed, the Keeshond is substantive enough in size and capable of looking formidable enough to provide security simply by his presence.

In addition the Keeshond is particularly intelligent - obedience enthusiasts can attest to their prowess in training and trialling - and, being gifted with the most adorable and expressive face, they have no trouble with conveying their moods and intentions. A friend, a companion for the modern household.

The typical Keeshond is happy, healthy and not prone to injury or disease but do note -
The following conditions listed occur infrequently in Keeshonden obtained from a reputable breeder, but occasionally are present in the breed - hip displasia, luxating patellas, congenital heart disease, allergies, and hypothyroidism. Both Diabetes and Epilepsy have both been demonstrated to have a genetic component in this breed.
However, as with all domesticated pure bred dogs, man totally controls the breeding of the Keeshond and it is therefore essential that prospective new puppy owners seek out responsible, ethical, dedicated breeders.

Do remember it may take some time to find the right breeder and the right puppy. Reputable, ethical breeders do not breed frequently. And, they only breed when they have found a pair who have been proven to possess the health and temperaments required to insure, to the extent possible, healthy, well tempered, offspring. Making this decision impulsively, can lead to frustration, disappointment, and eventually, may result in the surrender of the dog to a pound or having the dog euthanised.