Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Reasons Why The Keeshond May Be Just The Pet You're Looking For

By Donna Lee


If you're a dog lover, you probably have a favorite breed or two. The popularity of breeds changes over time, but today many favor Labs and teacup miniatures. These are not by any means the only breeds out there though. Anyone looking for a pet that will have people taking notice and asking questions, should consider the Keeshond. Not only are they show stoppers, they are lovable, intelligent, and family friendly.

This breed has been around for hundreds of years. They originated in Holland where they were raised to keep barge and boat rowers company, and to serve as guard dogs. This is the reason they are still known as Dutch Barge Dogs. The dogs are cousins to Pomeranians, Chows, and several other breeds. They are still Holland's favorite dog. Barge Dogs were not bred in America until the late 1920s and were registered with the American Kennel Club in 1930.

They make look like they require a lot of space, but they are actually quite manageable for apartment dwellers even though they have massive tails and luxurious coats. Adult Barges stand approximately eighteen inches high and weight about forty-five pounds. The females are slightly shorter and weigh about five pounds less than the males.

Barges love people. They especially devoted to their families and love to be included in family activities. These dogs are extremely smart and so willing to please that most owners don't have much trouble training them to respond to basic commands. Most Barges do not lack for personality and will show off at the drop of a hat. Spinning in a circle at the sight of their owners is a common occurrence with these lovable pups.

Barges are considered a pretty healthy breed, but like all dogs they're prone to certain diseases and conditions. You need to familiarize yourself with all the possible health issues before you commit to any pet. Barges may develop Addison's Disease which is very serious. The dogs can suffer from hip dysplasia, diabetes, and Von Willebrand's Disease, which involves clotting of the blood.

These dogs thrive under most living conditions, including boats, when they have the company they crave. If left alone, Barges tend to bark. This is stressful for the animal and your neighbors. If you are looking for a companion to accompany you on long runs, the Dutch Barge is not for you. They require minimal exercise and will get overheated if forced to do too much. With their heavy coats, a cold climate is ideal for them. In warmer regions, Barges must be protected from excessive heat.

You'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that this breed is fairly easy to maintain. Even though they have double coats and an undercoat, matting really isn't a problem as long as they are brushed a couple times a week. They shed intensely twice a year.

The professionals say you should not have them shaved in the summer, even though they can't tolerate much heat. Their coats are insulators which actually help protect them from the summer sun. The coats also help prevent sunburn.




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