1.     Does the Keeshond suffer from the heat?

 
This is perhaps the most frequently asked question of all, and generally speaking, the answer is No.  Like any dog, if the Keeshond is left without fresh water and shade during a hot summer’s day, then they will suffer from heat exhaustion.  But unlike smoother coated dogs, the Keeshond has its own built-in insulation (the double coat) and they will cope quite well in the heat of a Western Sydney day.  You will find that your Keeshond is intelligent enough to find the coolest place to rest – even if it means digging a “dugout” in the backyard.

 

If your Keeshond is suffering heat exhaustion, it is important that you do not wet it down with cold water – this could send them into shock.  It is preferable to dip their feet in tepid water to slowly bring their temperature down, and make sure that they have plenty to drink.  If the dog does not improve fairly quickly, take him to a vet immediately.

 

2.     Is the Keeshond a big hole digger?

 
The Keeshond will dig holes in the backyard – like most dogs.  What we have found is that generally speaking, if the Kees is allowed to have one hole (which they use to sleep and rest in), they will not randomly dig holes across the whole backyard.  The Keeshond digs for protection/security and to keep cool – not to be (overly) mischievous. 

 

3.     Do they bark a lot?

 
The Keeshond was bred as a watch dog, so consequently they bark to alert their owners of problems or things which are unusual.  Keeshonds can be trained to restrain their barking, however you should not be tricked into thinking that this means that they will not bark.  Be prepared to be patient when teaching the Kees to stop barking on your command – it is a natural tendency for them to alert until the “danger” goes away.

 

4.     How do you handle all that fur??

 
The fur is probably the most misunderstood part of the Keeshond.  If the Keeshond is groomed (brushed) once a week (and when you are experienced, this is no more than 1 hour per week), there is very little fur shed.  Shorter coated dogs often lose more ‘hair’ – and it tends to stick worse to clothing!  When the Keeshond is “blowing” its coat however, it is a different story.  The Keeshond tends to dump coat once every 12 months (males) and twice (females) – to varying degrees.  When the Keeshond is blowing, more fur is shed, and a thorough grooming twice a week can be necessary to prevent excess fur in the house or backyard.

 

The Keeshond is very happy to lie on the floor with you and be groomed – and it’s a great way to bond with your dog.  The benefit of having the longer coat is that the fur is easier to see and collect (vacuum) than that from shorted coated dogs.

 

5.     What is their temperament really like?

 
Loving, devoted, sweet, gentle, mischievous.  The Keeshond is truly a wonderful family dog – being extremely tolerant of small children and other animals, and intelligent enough to be trained to be part of the family – not an adjunct to the family.  It is always important, however, to ensure that small children are supervised around any dog – children also need to be trained to not hurt animals.

 

6.     Is a pure-bred dog better than a cross-breed?

 
I’ve included this question because, whilst not specifically Keeshond related, it is a question that we have frequently been asked.

 

I would not say that a pure-bred is necessarily any better than a cross-breed (and I’ve had both).  What you do get with a pure-bred is more certainty about its background (breeding), and you also have a constant reference source and a guarantee (if purchased from a reputable breeder) that they will assist if any problems should arise.  You do not have this with cross-breeds.

 

Perhaps the most important aspect of this argument however is the “purchased from pet-shop” aspect.  Experience has shown that pet-shop dogs are frequently sold at a higher price, and genetically speaking (so therefore health wise), you are purchasing an unknown.  There is no history of the breeding (and any which may be provided should be treated with the proverbial ‘grain of salt’). 

 

Reputable breeders will sell their dogs to you vaccinated, micro-chipped and with a general bill of good health (of course, some problems arise which the breeder may not be aware of – another reason why you should also maintain contact with your breeder – so they can help you, and also work to prevent any further problems in their lines).

 

7.  What health problems does the Keeshond breed have?

 

There are hereditary health problems in ALL breeds of dogs.  The following are some of the health problems known to be in Keeshonds, to greater and lesser extents:

*  Hip and Elbow Dysplacia (although very rarely seen these days)

*  Primary Hyperthyroidism (PHPT) (PHPT is a late onset disease which causes a dogs blood calcium to abnormally increase.  The condition is considered to be rare indogs and in most cases sporadic.  Undetected, PHPT will cause calcium to be drawn from the bones and excess calcium laid down in the kidneys.  The unaffected parathyroid glands become suppressed in an attempt to normalise the calcium levels.  If undetected irreversible damage is done to the kidnes and other major organs, leading to death.  The main problem with the disease is that the symptoms shown can be easily explained by old age and include polydipsia, polyuria, stiffness of gait, lethargy, lack of appetite, exercise intolerance, vomiting, weakness, and eventually the dog dies of what seems like old age, except it isn't necessarily that old.  The disease generally has a late onset (7+ years) and dogs can die as yound as 8 or 9 years of age, usually of kidney failure.  The gene for PHPT was recently discovered and Keeshonds from around the world are now having their dogs tested to determine if they carry this gene). For more information, please refer to
 http://www.healthmatters.keeshondclub.org.uk/html/phpt.html 

 

* Idiopathic Epilepsy  (a seizure disorder with no known cause)- instances of idiopathic epiilepsy have been reported in nearly all breeds of dogs, including cross breeds.  However there is an increased risk and evidence for an inherited basis in the following breeds:  Belgian Tervueren, Beagle, Bernese Mountain Dog, Drittany Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Collie, German Shephard, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Keeshond, Labrado Retriever, Poodle (all sizes), Miniature Schnauzer, Saint Bernard and Wirehaired Fox Terrier. 

Ethical breeders will not knowingly use an epileptic dog in their breeding program.  Unfortunately the exact mechanism whereby the genetic determiners impart their influence, thus triggering epilepsy are yet to be discovered (although research is continuing).  Therefore NO breeder could provide you with an ironclad guarantee that epilepsy is 'not' in their  'lines'.   Even when there have been no previous occurrences of epilepsy in a breeding program, the insidious nature of this disease (and the nature of biology) is that it could strike at any time. 

Epilepsy cannot be prevented or cured, however it can be controlled with medication.  Most cases of epilepsy in pets can be managed successfully.  Epileptic animals may have a slightly shorter life expectancy than other pets, but with treatment, your pet can enjoy a normal, happy, healthy life.

*  Skin Disease - Keeshonds can have skin problems (like most breeds) and identifying the source of the problem is difficult (for eg:  the use of particular cleaning and bathing products can be sensitive to some Keeshonds and result in a rash on the belly).  Again – speak with your breeder who can, with the help of a qualified vet, work to determine any possible source of skin irritations.

 

7.     How much exercise does the Keeshond require?

Honestly?  As much as you'd like to give them - but a lot less than many other breeds.  The Keeshond is used to living in small areas (bargles, afterall, are not that big).  So don't worry if you don't live on the traditional quarter acre block - a walk a couple of times a week, or other forms of exercise (like obedience and agility classes) are more than ample for the Keeshond.

Keeshonds have completed Endurance Trials, and they have also lived successfully in apartments and units.  Just remember though – like any animal (or human), the amount of food they eat must be proportionate to the amount of exercise they get – Kees love their food, and if they are getting no exercise, can tend to put on weight.  To keep your Kees healthy for a long life – ensure that they maintain a good healthy weight.

8.     Show Quality vs Pet Quality?

A show quality puppy is one which, in the breeders opinion, should be able to become a Champion.  A pet quality puppy is one which the breeder considers is less likely to become a champion.  However, when picking a puppy at 8 weeks of age, trying to guess what that puppy will eventually look like as an adult is just that...........a guess.

A pet quality puppy is one that has a minor fault which would disqualify it from being shown, for eg:  only one testicle, a light coloured eye, too big or too small, or an incorrect bite.  However, all the features that would disqualify that puppy from the show ring will in no way affect its ability to be a wonderful companion and pet.

It is for this reason that all NawtiKees puppies are sold for the same price, regardless of whether they are destined for the show ring or the couch!  Pet puppies are sold with an Australian National Kennel Council limited registration, and on spay/neuter contracts.

9.   Desexing

Desexing your dog (male or female) is a requirement of NawtiKees (unless to show homes).  Desexing increases the chances of your dog leading a longer, healthier and happier life.  It is also our way of ensuring that the puppy will not be bred with and pass along the disqualifying features to a future generation.