Keeshonden

The Keeshond (proper pronunciation is Case Hond and the plural form is Keeshonden) is a dog of the Netherlands who once was the symbol of a political party, the Patriots, and always was a dog of the people and particular favorite of bargemen.

The Keeshond, an ash-grey dog ideally 18 inches high with a dense, harsh, off-standing coat, small, pointed ears, a well-feathered curling tail carried over the back and a fox-like head, is an old breed but relatively new to the English-speaking countries. Although reaching its chief eminence in Holland, the breed appears to be of Arctic origin and derives from the strains that also produced the Chow Chow, the Samoyed, the Norwegian Elkhound, the Finnish Spitz and the Pomeranian. Some authorities think the Pomeranian was produced from selective breeding of the Keeshond.

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When the breed entered England in 1900 it was called the “Dutch Barge Dog" and that was the name that was registered by the English Kennel Club. The dogs were widely kept by the bargemen, whose travels also helped spread the breed throughout Holland, where it was a pet and watchdog.

Dutch political strife in the latter part of the Eighteenth Century not only projected the breed into prominence when adopted by the Patriots but almost led to the Keeshond's ruin, for some members of the opposition destroyed their dogs. The breed fell into a decline from which it was not rescued until 1920, when the Baroness van Hardencroek took an interest, found remnants in the original form among various workmen and began rebuilding. The breed prospered and today is on a sound footing.

Keeshond Characteristic:

One-man dog; excellent watchdog; long-lived; good temperament; responds to careful training; quiet and unobtrusive

Color : A mixture of gray and black

Height : Dog 18 in; bitch 17 in

Coat type : Abundant long; straight; harsh hair outstanding; needs daily grooming with stiff brush.

Exercise : Requires moderate exercise

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