Keeshond
Lively, affectionate, and always eager to please, the Keeshond thrives as a loyal family companion. Famous for their plush double coat and expressive “spectacles.”
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
45–50 cm (male)
43–48 cm (female)
WEIGHT
15–20 kg (male)
14–18 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Keeshond: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Keeshond isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Keeshond's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Keeshond is known for its friendly, alert, and affectionate temperament, making it a dependable companion and family dog. This breed is generally sociable with both people and other animals.
Key Personality Traits
Outgoing and affectionate with family and strangers
Quick learner, responds well to training
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Enjoys games and interaction with people
Adjusts well to different living environments
Strengths
- Loyal family companion
- Alert and reliable watchdog
- Good with children and other pets
- Adapts well to various living spaces
- Minimal doggy odor and clean habits
Challenges
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Requires regular grooming and brushing
- May bark excessively if not trained
- Sensitive to heat and humidity
- Can be stubborn during obedience training
Protect your Keeshond
Keeshond can develop hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Keeshonds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
Keeshonds are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them responsive to training. They learn quickly and do well with positive reinforcement methods, but can be sensitive to harsh correction.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
45–60 minutes daily
recommended per day
The Keeshond has a moderate energy level and benefits from daily walks and play sessions. They appreciate mental stimulation and enjoy interactive games or moderate agility activities to stay engaged.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Keeshonds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Keeshond would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Eager to please and generally easy to train for new dog owners
Apartment Living
Adapts well to smaller living spaces with daily exercise and attention
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys activity but does not require intense exercise routines
Kids
Gentle and playful nature makes them good with young children
Multiple Pets
Usually sociable with other household pets when properly introduced
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Keeshonds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Keeshond
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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