The Keeshond (pronounced KAYZ-hond; plural: Keeshonden) is a handsome and medium-sized nonsporting dog noted for being a good companion and watchdog. Raised in Holland for several hundred years before being introduced to England in the early 1900s, the Keeshond was a common sight on the barges of the Dutch canals and acquired the nicknames the "Dutch Barge Dog" and the "Laughing Dutchman." The Keeshond today is bred as a companion and show dog. It is a longhaired dog related to other Spitz varieties like the Chow Chow and Pomeranian.
History
The breed served for many years on small vessels found on the Rhine River. In the latter part of the 18th century, the Keeshond was regarded as the symbol of the Patriots; when the Prince of Orange established his party as the dominant one, people no longer wanted to own dogs that represented the opposition party. As the breed fell into public disfavor, many owners disposed of their Keeshonden. While the breed diminished from public attention, river boat captains and farmers continued to raise Keeshonden.
The Keeshond was at very low ebb until 1920, when the Baroness van Hardenbroek took an interest in the old breed. She is credited for spreading word of the Keeshonden throughout Europe. Within a decade she brought the breed to such a solid position that the Dutch Keeshond Club was established. The breed arrived in England in 1925 and quickly gained popularity. The American Kennel Club registered its first Keeshond in 1930 in the Non-Sporting Group. Five years later, The Keeshond Club of America was formed.
The breed's popularity progressed slowly, but steadily, in the U.S. until after the end of World War II. Since then, it has grown in popularity as a family pet and show dog.
Organizations Devoted to the Keeshond
The Keeshond Club of America is an AKC member club designated by the American Kennel Club as the parent club for the Keeshond breed in the United States.
The Keeshond Sunshine Rescue Foundation (KSRF) is dedicated to providing financial assistance for the medical expenses of rescued Keeshonden in foster care. KSRF exists to be different from other sources of rescue funding, and to expedite funding for rescues where other organizations (such as local kennel/breed clubs, KCA, and TAKS) cannot.
Books about the Keeshond
The New Complete Keeshond by Carol Cash
Keeshond: A Comprehensive Owner's Guide by J. Piet Hessels
A New Owner's Guide to the Keeshonden by Peter Dowd and Ellen Dowd
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