Just imagine, for a moment, that you’re sitting in your living room.
Suddenly, you hear a soft pattering of tiny paws coming down the hallway. Turning your head towards the sound, you see a stunner of a pup, trotting along with a coat more beautiful than a winter sunrise. As it gets closer, you can discern that the fur isn’t merely black and white – no; it’s a delicate blend of cream, gray, and black, giving this charming creature a sense of mystique. He gazes at you with sparkling eyes full of trust and devotion, wagging his plumy tail in an obvious display of happiness.
You’ve just met a Keeshond – a breed of dog that originated from the Netherlands hundreds of years ago. Although you might not have heard of them before, Keeshonds are known for their sparkling, joyful demeanors, ultimate loyalty, and unforgettable appearance.
So here lies the big question: Is a Keeshond the right family dog? To answer that, let’s first dive into a brief history lesson about these plush-coated beauties.
For centuries, Keeshonds (pronounced “kayz-hond”) have been adored as multitalented, all-purpose, and loving companions in their homeland, the Netherlands. They initially served as watchdogs on farms and boats, drawing the attention of their humans by barking whenever they noticed something out of the ordinary- thus earning them a nickname, the “Dutch Barge Dog”. But Keeshonds are far from being one-dimensional. Their cleverness, combined with their empathic nature, makes them fantastic family pets.
Yet why are Keeshonds so great for families, you ask? Here are six compelling reasons why this breed might be the perfect addition to your household:
1. Loving and Affectionate: Keeshonds are often referred to as “Velcro dogs” due to their strong desire to be near their people. Their love isn’t just for one person — they adore every member of the family, right from kids to seniors. This makes them great for families of all sizes.
2. Intelligent and Easy to Train: Keeshonds possess remarkable intelligence and are quick learners. They thrive on mental stimulation which makes them respond well to training that’s presented as a fun challenge. So, if you’re stressing over house-training your pup or teaching it good behavior, a Keeshond makes the process relatively painless.
3. Great With Other Pets: If your family already has pets at home, don’t worry. Keeshonds are known for their calm dispositions and are good at making friends, even with the pet cat!
4. Moderate Activity Level: Unlike other breeds that require hours of vigorous exercise, Keeshonds are happy with moderate activity. A daily walk, a game in the backyard, or a bit of playtime indoors, is usually enough to keep them content and healthy. This makes them suitable for both active families and those with a more laid-back lifestyle.
5. Adaptable to Various Living Situations: Keeshonds have no problem living in apartments as long as they get their daily exercise. They also adapt well to different climates, which is good news if you live in an area with four seasons.
6. Their Striking Appearance: A bonus point, of course, is their unforgettable, wolf-like appearance. A Keeshond in the house is bound to make you feel like you’re living with a cute, plush toy or starring in your own Arctic adventure!
However, as with any breed, Keeshonds are not without their challenges. They thrive on attention and do not enjoy being left alone for long periods. Also, their thick double coat sheds heavily, particularly twice a year, so be prepared for some extra grooming.
But in the end, despite these minor quirks, the Keeshond love, energy, and affection they bring into a home far outweigh the challenges. Ensuring that they get the love, care, and attention they need, is the key to winning their heart and making them a perfect family pet.
In a nutshell, if you dream of a loving, devoted, and rather exotic-looking furry friend who is just as happy playing fetch as he is snuggling on the couch, look no further. The Keeshond might very well be the furry family member you have been searching for! We don’t often hear about Keeshonds, but once you’ve shared your life with one, you become part of a special community of dog lovers who understand just how precious these gentle-spirited dogs are. The Keeshond’s potential to light up your life and home is genuine, and it’s impossible to overlook the sparkle they bring, which can warm even the coldest winter day.
So, go on; make that exciting journey to becoming a proud Keeshond parent. You’ll look back, years later, on one of the best decisions you’ve ever made for your family.
