Collection: Personalised Keeshond Gifts

The Keeshond is a medium-sized spitz dog with a lot of personality! Related to the Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, Samoyed, the Finish Spitz, and the Pomeranian, the Keeshond was bred to be companions and watchdogs; they are energetic and intelligent. They enjoy spending time with their owners and are highly trainable dogs.

Keeshonds were initially bred in the 17th and 18th century as companions and watchdogs on European Rijnaken boats. Later they came to be much-loved dogs in Holland during a turbulent political time. The Prinsgeziden (followers of the Prince of Orange) and the Patriotten (also called the patriots) had split Holland and were fighting for control. Cornelius de Gyselaer, a prominent Patriot, had a Keeshond as his companion. The followers of De Gyselaer became known as the Keezen by followers of the prince, and so the Keeshond became a symbol of the patriots, and the breed became popular amongst the ordinary people. When the prince of Orange overthrew the patriots, the breed declined in popularity.

Miss Hamilton-Fletcher later rediscovered the breed in 1905, who brought two Keeshond puppies back to England and started the breeding stock. By 1926 the English breed club for the Keeshond was created.

Unlike most breeds, the Keeshond is not bred for work or for a specific task. They are first and foremost companion animals that thrive on human attention. Because of this, they are affectionate and loyal. They can play well with children (if supervised) and make fantastic family pets. On top of this, they are highly trainable and can learn a variety of commands and tricks. However, if they are left alone for extended periods of time, they can become bored and begin to bark excessively.