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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 since the seventeenth century. The dogs are original to Holland where rowers kept them as companions and guards on their boats and barges. Many people still refer to them as Dutch Barge Dogs. Dutch Barges are closely related to the Pomeranian, Samoyed, Finnish Spitz, Chow and Norwegian Elkhound. Barges continue to be the favorite dog of Hollanders. The dogs were first bred in the United States in 1929. Only a year or so later they were recognized by the American Kennel Club.

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 are people dogs. They love their owners and make wonderful companions. These animals are also highly intelligent and so eager to please that training them is usually a matter of repetition, consistency, and a few treats thrown in. Barges have plenty of personality and love to show off. It's not unusual to see one spinning in circles because he's so happy to see his owner.

Unlike some pure breeds, Barges enjoy pretty good health. They do have a predisposition to certain conditions. Before you consider any breed, you should familiarize yourself with the potential health risks they face. Addison's Disease, which can be serious, is a condition Barges sometimes develop. They may also suffer from Von Willebrand's Disease, diabetes, and hip dysplasia.

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.

You should avoid the temptation to shave them to keep them cool in the summer. Their heavy coats actually insulate them from the sun. They are easily sunburned if they are shaved.




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