Known as the Dutch Barge Dog, the Keeshond takes its name from the Dutch Patriot, Cornelius de Gysalaer, who was nicknamed ‘Kees’. His dog became the symbol of the Dutch Patriot party members who followed him, but his party fell and people turned their back on the breed, which went into decline. Nearly 150 years later, in 1920, through the interest of Baroness von Hardenbroek, good specimens were found, and once more the Keeshond prospered. It was seen not only in the Netherlands but also in England and America in the 1930s.

The Keeshond is a typical prick-eared, curly-tailed Spitz, full of activity and occasionally of noise. Quite capable of letting visitors know that their arrival has been detected, he is then only too ready to greet them as long-lost friends. A hardy dog, easily able to withstand the most Arctic temperatures, he will take all the exercise you want to give him. He is also easy to feed, and much easier to groom than his thick, long double coat would suggest. A great companion dog for all ages, from children to the elderly.