Ever heard of a dog breed that is referred to as the “Smiling Dutchman?” Well, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy corner, and get ready for a fantastic and detailed voyage into the world of Keeshonds – the little-known species of dogs from the Netherlands.
Imagine this: A frosty morning and the first sunbeam of the day penetrating through your window. Suddenly, you feel a furry body – a ball of fluff, as you are gently awakened by soft licks on your face, with those sparkling eyes staring at you and a face grinning at you. Hey, meet your ever-smiling Keeshond!
The Keeshond, pronounced as ‘Kayz-hawnd,’ is an incredibly charismatic breed, known for its affable nature, phenomenal fur, cheerful demeanor, and that special, identifiable ‘Keeshond smile’. With its history dating back to the 18th-century Netherlands, the Keeshond was once a companion and symbol of the Dutch Patriots Party. Named after a key political figure in Dutch history – Cornelis (Kees) de Gyselaer, the Keeshond is pretty much a celebrity in its own right.
Now that we know a bit about their interesting backstory, let’s talk about the real question here. Is a Keeshond a high maintenance dog? We’ll explore together if Keeshonds are easy to live with or if they demand a high level of attention and care. The answer to this inquiry is fairly nuanced, as discerning ‘high maintenance’ can vary based on different perspectives.
Keeshonds are medium-sized dogs known for their spectacular double-coat, standing at around 17 to 18 inches tall, and weighing approximately 35 to 45 pounds. One cannot ignore the striking resemblance to teddy bears, which makes them all the more lovable. The plush double-coat keeps them warm in colder temperatures, and the distinctive markings making them stand out in a crowd. However, this fantastic coat of fur is the first indication of their maintenance level.
Like other double-coated breeds, Keeshonds are prone to significant shedding. If you’re considering getting a Keeshond, get ready to find a sea of fur sweeping around your home. With their coat growing thicker during the winter months and shedding primarily during spring and fall, Keeshonds require daily grooming to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting. This feature might label them as a high maintenance breed for people who cannot dedicate time for daily grooming.
On the flip side, if we discuss the temperament of these ‘smiling Dutchmen,’ they are quite low-maintenance. Engaging, friendly, intelligent, and gentle, these dogs are effortless to train and socialize, thanks to their eagerness to please their owners. Plus, their adaptability to various environments, including small apartments, makes them a wonderful breed for both rural and urban dwellers alike. They moderate their activity levels depending on their owner’s lifestyle, and while they need daily exercise to keep fit, they are by no means overly active or hyper.
But here’s a note of caution: Keeshonds are incredibly sociable animals, which means they do not do well if left alone for extended periods. Their innate trait of being ‘people-oriented’ can lead to separation anxiety if not given enough attention. So, if you’re someone with a 9 to 5 job where your furry friend would be left alone at home, a Keeshond might not be the best choice.
In terms of health, Keeshonds are generally healthy dogs with fewer breed-specific issues. Regular veterinary checks, balanced diet, and appropriate exercise keep them energetic and active. However, like all canine breeds, they are susceptible to certain conditions, such as hip dysplasia and heart disease, which may need proactive monitoring and can add to the maintenance level.
Perhaps, the best way to understand the ‘maintenance level’ of Keeshonds is to read between the lines. It’s not in how much grooming they need or how often they seek your attention. In truth, it’s more about your own lifestyle and the kind of relationship you wish to have with your pet. If a little daily grooming, regular exercise, and lots of companionship sound doable, then a Keeshond can be a delightful addition to your home.
To summarize, are Keeshonds high-maintenance dogs? The answer relies heavily on your perspective of ‘high-maintenance.’ They require daily grooming and thrive on companionship. However, their trainability, flexibility to adapt, and generally good health make the maintenance scale balance out.
So, if you’re up for the challenge to maintain their luxurious coat, ready to give them plenty of your time, and provide them with a balanced diet and exercise routine, you’ll discover that a Keeshond could just be the ray of sunshine that was missing in your life. It is undoubtedly worth it when you see that ‘Keeshond Smile’ waiting for you at the end of a long day.
