http://www.jimmys-adventures.net/hiking-with-dogs-in-colorado/
The Keeshond breed, what are they like?
So am thinking about adopting a Keeshond from a rescue group, but apart from him, i’ve never met a Keeshond in person before!
I’m living in a house with a nice sized fenced yard, but am curious from owners of the breed as to what they are like?
How affectionate in your experience are they?
What level of exercise do they need? (i’d love to take him hiking, but want to make sure the breed has the energy level required for that )
Also, are the affectionate with strangers/other dogs? He is quite young, so if I socialized him, would he do ok at say a dog park?
I know some other spitz medium breeds like the american eskimo and schipperke (sp?) can be quite nervous around other dogs/people as a breed trait. Also, as I live in colorado, does anyone know their cold tolerance? We get lots of snow here.
I’ve done some internet research, but nothing is quite as honest as an actual owners opinion.
Thank you so much in advance if you can answer any of these questions!
I don’t own a Kee now, but my parents used to raise them; I lived with the breed for many years, and the ONLY thing I don’t like about them is the grooming requirements… that gorgeous coat needs LOTS of brushing, and they shed tons!
That said…
They are SUPER affectionate, intelligent, easy to train, and most of the Kees I have known smile… peel back their lips and show their teeth, all the while that plume of a tail is wagging.
They definitely make great hiking partners! They have a lot of energy and would love to go for a long hike!
Ours loved EVERYONE, human, canine, feline, equine… it didn’t matter. Most every Keshond I have ever known is very friendly! Dog parks should be no problem at all.
Cold tolerance?? HA! Kees LAUGH at cold! Ours loved to play in the snow, chasing and catching snowballs, burying their heads in it. It’s extreme heat you have to be careful about; they can overheat. But they also love to swim in the summer; ours all enjoyed wading pools!
Something else to think about… they can be a little vocal; they will most definitely bark to let you know if something’s not quite right. Keep in mind, a Kee’s idea of ‘not quite right’ might be a squirrel 3 yards down! But they will also ‘talk’ to you…adorable little yodels and woos, usually accompanied by the Keeshond grin.
I miss having a sweet, cuddly Kee around.
I say adopt this boy and love him to pieces! They are wonderful dogs!
Bridal Veil Falls hike with dogs – Telluride, Colorado