Here you will find some interesting and weird facts about the Keeshond, a very unique and interesting start to a popular dog breed.

The Start of the Breed

The American Kennel Club recognized the Keeshond in 1949. It was, however, introduced to the American Kennel Club in 1930 as a non-sporting dog. The Keeshond Club was established in 1935. There are a total of eighteen dog breeds including the Keeshond in the Non-sporting group according to the American Kennel Club.

In 1929, Carl Hinderer in Maryland bred the first Keeshond in the United States. This was the start of the Keeshond breed in the United States, which continued to flourish over the years and made the Keeshond a popular pet for families because of its affectionate and loving disposition.

In 1923, the first Keeshond was shown in a dog ring but it was then called a Dutch Barge Dog owned by Wingfield-Digby. The dogs were named Saanie and Breda.

In 1932, the Keeshond made its first appearance at the Irish Kennel Club. The breeder was known as Savell-Hicks.

The Keeshond arrived in New Zealand in 1950, South Africa in 1951, Norway in 1966, Sweden in 1950, also in Australia in 1949, and Canada in 1929.

Keeshond Name Origins

The plural form of Keeshond is Keeshonden, which originated with the Dutch language. In the late 1800's the Keeshond was known as an "overweight Pomeranian" as well as a "Dutch Barge Dog" and a "fox dog". The official name of Keeshond was formed around the early 1920's.

Other Interesting Facts

A keeshond will dig a hole to lie in the ground where it is cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. This of course is behavior that can be corrected with proper training.

Keeshonds make excellent therapy dogs and nursing home visitors because of their lovable and affectionate nature. People love to see them and they have fun seeing all the people.

A Keeshond is a great watchdog but is not great at being a guard dog. The keeshond is better suited to colder weather than to heat. They are rated a ten out of ten in being affectionate.

The nickname given to the Keeshond is the "Smiling Dutchman". This is because of the way their lips are when they open their mouths.

The Keeshond is prone to separation anxiety and will be completely unruly at times. This is due to their need for human companionship. If they are alone for just a few hours they are fine, but any longer, they become very upset. A Keeshond may not be the best pet for someone with a full time job or has an active lifestyle.

Some people who are allergic to dog hair live quite comfortably with a Keeshond because they have fur not hair. This should always be tested by spending time with a Keeshond before you buy one. It might not be the hair or fur, but rather the dander or allergens that are carried in the dog's fur or hair.