J. Piet Hussel - Keeshond

Physical Characteristics of the Keeshond

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Head and Skull: Well-proportioned to the body and wedge-shaped when viewed from above-not only the muzzle, but the whole head should give this impression when the ears are drawn back by covering the nape of the neck and the ears with one hand. Head in profile should exhibit a definite stop.

Eyes: Dark brown in color, of medium size, almond shaped, set obliquely and neither too wide apart nor too close together. Eye rims are black.

Muzzle: Of medium length, neither coarse nor snipey, and well proportioned to the skull.

Mouth: Neither overshot nor undershot. Lips should be black and closely meetingnot thick, coarse or sagging, and with no wrinkle at the corner of the mouth.

Teeth: White, sound and strong meeting in a scissors bite.

Neck: Moderately long, well-shaped and well set on shoulders.

Forequarters: Forelegs should be straight seen from any angle. Pasterns are strong with a slight slope. Legs must be of good bone in proportion to the overall dog. Shoulder to upper arm angulation is between slight to moderate.

Coat: The body should be abundantly covered with long, straight, harsh hair standing well out from a thick, downy undercoat. Head, including muzzle, skull and ears, should be covered with smooth, soft, short hairvelvety in texture on the ears. The neck is covered with a manemore profuse in the malesweeping from under the jaw and covering the whole of the front part of the shoulders and chest, as well as the top part of the shoulders. The hair on the legs should be smooth and short, except for feathering on the front legs and trousers on the hind legs. Hind legs should be profusely feathered down to the hocksnot below. The hair on the tail should form a rich plume.

Ears: Ears should be small, triangular in shape, mounted high on head and carried erect. Size should be proportionate to the head-length approximating the distance from the outer corner of the eye to the nearest edge of the ear.

Size: Medium-sized, square-appearing, sturdy dog, neither coarse nor lightly made. The ideal height of fully matured dogs when measured from top of withers to the ground is 18 inches for males and 17 inches for bitches; a 1-inch variance either way is acceptable.

Tail: Moderately long and well feathered, set on high and tightly curled over the back. It should lie flat and close to the body. The tail must form a part of the silhouette of the dogs body, rather than give the appearance of an appendage.

Body: Compact with a short, straight back sloping slightly downward toward the hindquarters: well ribbed, barrel well rounded, short in loin, belly moderately tucked up, deep and strong of chest.

Hindquarters: Angulation in rear should be between slight to moderate to complement the forequarters, creating balance and typical gait. Hindquarters are well muscled with hocks perpendicular to the ground.

Feet: Compact, well rounded, cat-like. Toes are nicely arched, with black nails.

Contents

Trace the origins of the Dutch Barge Dog back to the gray wolf and the domestication of canines through the breeds rise to prominence in Europe. Meet the Keeshond s Nordic dog relatives, the breeders who promoted this unique spitz dog and Dutch Patriots who dedicated themselves to preserving the Keeshond breed.

Find out if you are suitable Keeshond material by learning about the breeds personality, abilities and requirements. This is an intelligent, close-bonding dog that needs a dedicated, responsive owner. Learn how to speak Keeshond to understand the breeds unique voice and how to keep the Keeshond happy in your home.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Keeshond by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Find out about how to locate a well-bred Keeshond puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.

Cover the specifics of taking care of your Keeshond every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are the essentials of dog identification.

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the Keeshond , including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Enter Puppy Kindergarten and introduce the pup to his collar and leash and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dogs healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Know when to consider your Keeshond a senior and what special needs he will have. Learn the signs of aging in terms of physical and behavioral traits and what your vet can do to optimize your dogs golden years. Consider some advice about saying good-bye to your beloved pet.

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Heres how to get started in AKC shows, how they are organized, and whats required for your dog to become a champion. Take a leap into the realms of obedience trials, agility, earthdog events and tracking tests.

K ENNEL C LUB B OOKS K EESHOND

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-327-3

eISBN 13: 978-1-59378-721-9

Copyright 2004 Kennel Club Books An Imprint of I-5 Press A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC