Keeshond
The Keeshond is the national dog of the Netherlands — a medium-sized, thick-coated spitz breed developed as a companion and watchdog on Dutch barges and canal boats.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Netherlands
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
14–18 kg (31–40 lbs)
Height
43–48 cm (17–19 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — quality medium-breed kibble
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Keeshond is the national dog of the Netherlands — a medium-sized, thick-coated spitz breed developed as a companion and watchdog on Dutch barges and canal boats. The breed's distinctive spectacle markings — precise lines and shadings around the eyes creating the appearance of wearing spectacles — are a required breed characteristic. They were the mascot of the Dutch Patriot political party in the 18th century and their name derives from Cornelis (Kees) de Gyselaer, the party's leader.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Keeshond has a spectacular thick, stand-off double coat of grey and black with a profuse mane and frill. The characteristic spectacle markings — grey shading around the eyes with distinct lines from the outer corners to the back of the ears — are a defining breed feature. The tail is carried tightly curled over the back.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Very High
Brushing
3-4x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Keeshonds are outgoing, friendly, and deeply people-oriented. They were companion dogs on boats where their job was to be with their people, and they retain this orientation. They are alert and vocal making them excellent watchdogs but sometimes challenging in apartments.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
-10°C to 22°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive barking, spinning, clinginess, pacing, attention-seeking
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Moderate exercise of 45–60 minutes daily. The magnificent coat sheds heavily — particularly twice yearly — and requires brushing 2–3 times weekly. They are sensitive to heat due to their thick coat.
Nutrition Notes
Obesity-prone — strict portion control despite moderate exercise needs. Hypothyroidism common. Epilepsy in some lines. Generally healthy with few dietary restrictions.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Primary hyperparathyroidism — breed-predisposed. Epilepsy. Hip dysplasia. Mitral valve disease. Addison's disease. The "Smiling Dutchman" — spectacle markings around eyes give perpetually alert expression. Dutch national dog. 12-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1000 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
700 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia and epilepsy occur at elevated rates. Primary hyperparathyroidism (a hormonal condition unique to Keeshonds) is seen. Hypothyroidism is common. Renal cortical hypoplasia affects some lines.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Only comes in wolf-grey with distinctive spectacles. Not suited to Indian heat. India: rare.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Keeshond served as the mascot of the Dutch Patriot party during the political upheavals of the 1780s — its name deriving from the party's leader "Kees" de Gyselaer.
The Keeshond's spectacle markings are such a distinctive and required breed feature that judges at dog shows use a magnifying glass to assess their accuracy.
Dutch sailors believed a Keeshond on board brought good luck.
