The Keeshond (pronounced KAYZ-hawnd) is a medium-sized dog with a beautiful gray, black, and cream coat with a large, plumed tail. For many years, he was known as the “Dutch Barge Dog” because of his position as a companion and guardian on barges and small boats on Holland's many canals and rivers.

While the Keeshond will bark sternly if someone approaches his property, he's such a sweetheart that he'll happily accept anyone his owner invites into the home. In reality, he isn't an excellent guard dog.

The Keeshond prefers cool temperatures. When the weather is nice, he likes to spend time outside. He isn't a backyard dog; he's far too people-oriented for that. He must reside with his family and participate in all of their activities.

The Keeshond adores children and enjoys playing with them (although adults should always supervise interactions between kids and any dog). If introduced to other dogs and pets at an early age, the Keeshond also gets along well with them.

To know more information about Keeshond Growth chart, read the entire article!

When Do Keeshond Stop Growing?

The Keeshond was bred as a companion rather than a watchdog. He's not a hunter, and he has no intrinsic enthusiasm for any particular career. First and foremost, he is a dedicated buddy.

He's also brilliant and easily taught. He's so clever that he can be a touch wicked. Expect the unexpected from these guys. Despite this, the breed is easy to train and performs well in the obedience ring.

Small breeds stop growing around the age of 6 to 8 months. Medium-sized dogs cease growing at 12 months, while large-breed dogs stop growing between 12 and 18 months. Large-breed puppies need longer to mature because their larger bones require more time to develop.

Keeshond Growth Pictures

What is the Standard Keeshond Size

A Keeshond is an energetic, observant dog with a lot of personalities. When he's excited or joyful, he prefers to spread his enthusiasm by spinning in circles. His lively demeanor, as well as his affection for both adults and children, endears him to all.

Like any other dog, the Keeshond requires early socialization – exposure to a wide range of people, sights, noises, and experiences. Socialization aids in the development of your Keeshond puppy into a well-rounded dog.

Males are 18 inches tall and weigh about 45 pounds. Females are 17 inches tall and weigh about 35 pounds.

Keeshond Weight Chart

Here is the weight chart of a Keeshond:

	Height	Weight
Male	18 inches	45 lbs
Female	17 inches	45 lbs

Keeshond Growth Chart – What To Expect

Keeshond  1-2 weeks

Puppies are fully reliant on their mothers for food and care, such as keeping themselves clean, from birth to two weeks. Touch and taste sensations are present at birth. Neonatal puppies have limited mobility and can only crawl at a moderate pace.

Puppies become aware of and interact with their littermates as well as their mother between the ages of two and four weeks. By five weeks, their eyes are open and their vision is fully developed. Their powers of hearing and smell are maturing, and their baby teeth are beginning to emerge. Puppies begin to walk, bark, and wag their tails. Puppies can excrete without their mothers' assistance at the conclusion of this phase.

During this stage, weaning from the mother also begins. Puppies should be introduced to solid food around the age of three weeks. In a shallow bowl, give the puppies little amounts of soft food. By the age of eight weeks, the puppies should be consuming solid food and no longer breastfeeding.

Keeshond 3-12 weeks

Puppies continue to be impacted by their mother and littermates between the ages of four and six weeks. They learn to play and obtain necessary social skills from their littermates, such as restricted biting (biting to play, not to hurt). The puppies also learn the ins and outs of group structure and group ranking. During this time, puppies become significantly louder, with the development of play barking and snarling.

If the mom is violent or scared of others at this point, the puppies may be affected by her demeanor. Have a variety of people interact with your puppies to socialize them with humans – young (with supervision) and old, male and female. It's also critical to expose your puppy to other regular activities throughout the socialization period, including car rides, crate training, vacuuming, ringing doorbells, and a range of items and sounds. Handling the feet and body parts is very beneficial for a puppy to learn at a young age.

Keeshond 4-6months

Puppies grow quickly at this time, and you may observe everyday changes. Even though pups are highly energetic, don't over-exercise them because they can overdo it. Puppies begin to employ ranking in their group structure among themselves – that is, they begin to test where they fit in. Puppies may go through another panic period that lasts about a month and appears out of nowhere. Again, this is a totally normal phase of puppy development and is not cause for concern.

Keeshond  10-12 months

Puppies, like other adolescents, are rambunctious, so keep training and socializing your dog during this stage. Socialization and training are required if you want your puppy to feel at ease and behave appropriately in public locations such as dog parks, beaches, or anywhere she will meet new canines and humans.

Keeshond Adult 

Your dog has attained adulthood by this age, however, changes in social preferences and habits can occur up to two years of age. Ongoing training will guarantee that your dog has a polite and enjoyable interaction with all human family members, making having an animal in the family a daily delight.

How To Weigh Your Keeshond Puppy?

If you want to maintain track of your Keeshond's weight, you must first learn how to weigh him properly.

To begin, you should be able to weigh your Keeshond at home if he is a puppy or if you are just large enough to hold him. This can be accomplished with a standard bathroom scale.

To begin, weigh yourself and record the result. Then, while standing on the scale, pick up your dog and hold him. The difference in weights represents your dog's weight.

If your dog is too huge to carry, you can either invest in a dog scale, which can cost upwards of $100, or contact your veterinarian. The majority of veterinarian offices will enable you to use their scale.

Unless there is a health problem, you can weigh an adult Keeshond once every six months. Once a week is sufficient for a puppy to ensure he is growing normally.

What Is A Keeshond’s Neck Size?

To determine the neck size of your dog, use a soft and flexible tape measure to determine the neck size of your dog where her collar naturally falls. Then, put two fingers between your dog's neck and the tape measure to ensure that the dog collar fits snugly but comfortably. Keeshond's average neck circumference is between 15 and 18 inches.

How Big Do Keeshonds Get?

Because of their long, thick coat, Keeshonden appear larger than they are. A mature Keeshond (over 2 years old) stands 17″ tall for females and 18″ tall for males. The optimal weight is between 36 and 40 pounds. Except when shedding, the keeshond coat is rather easy to care for.

Factors That Affect Keeshond Puppy Growth 

Diet & Nutrition

To assist breeders in identifying any health concerns, the Keeshond Club of America advises specific health testing for every Keeshond before it is bred. Among these procedures are X-rays to look for hip and elbow dysplasia, a patellar luxation exam, a CERF eye exam, and genetic testing for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Because reputable breeders checked the breed for these diseases, the problems in the breed have been decreased, and most Kees are free of them. When acquiring a puppy, the buyer must request and discuss the dog's parents' test results with the breeder.

Keeshonden can adapt to a variety of settings. Historically, they have lived in a variety of settings, ranging from farms with plenty of areas to run to barges with limited room to maneuver. They require frequent exercise and like spending time with their families. A daily free run or stroll will help them both physically and psychologically, and they will be delighted to climb up on the sofa with you as you read or watch TV. One thing you should know about Kees is that they are joyful dogs who will smile every day if you spend time with them.

Physical Activity & Health

Keeshond should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared, under your veterinarian's supervision and consent. Like most Northern breeds, they thrive on a fish-based, low-carbohydrate diet. Any diet should be age-appropriate for the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). 

Some dogs are prone to becoming overweight, so keep an eye on your dog's calorie intake and weight level. Treats can be a valuable training aid, but feeding too much might lead to obesity. Discover which human foods are suitable for dogs and which are not. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, consult with your veterinarian. At all times, clean, fresh water should be available.

Common Questions about Keeshond

At What Age Is A Keeshond Fully Grown?

Although all pups are officially considered adult dogs once they reach the age of one year, puppies continue to grow in height and size while their bones develop, which can take anywhere from 6 to 24 months.

How Long Are Keeshonds Pregnant?

Since conception in dogs lasts roughly 63 days, this can vary by several days. Despite the fact that this may appear to be a simple answer, conception is often difficult to pin down. It's possible for sperm and eggs to remain fertile for up to 48 hours after fertilization, thus the act of mating isn't a precise assessment of pregnancy. This makes it difficult to estimate the length of the pregnancy without the help of a vet.

The gestational period can be pinpointed much more precisely using hormone assays. Many breeders utilize vaginal smear exams and blood tests to keep track of reproductive hormone levels. They can use this information to figure out when is the best time to breed their buck, how long she will be pregnant, and when she might give birth.

How Many Puppies Do Keeshonds Have?

A litter of Keeshond puppies can have anywhere from three to eight puppies.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of Keeshonds?

Keeshonden in general are a robust, energetic breed that can have a happy life between the ages of 12 and 15 years. To assist breeders in identifying any health concerns, the Keeshond Club of America advises specific health testing for every Keeshond before it is bred.

How Much Does It Cost To Own A Keeshond?

A Keeshond puppy will most likely cost between $800 and $1,800, with $1,500 being the typical price. The first year's expenses are approximately $3,265 and will be approximately $1,405/year (or $117/month) after that. The average cost of owning a Keeshond is $21,530 throughout the course of the dog's life.

These statistics are based on a thorough list of necessities, which includes supplies, training, medical bills, food, treats, grooming, licensing, and microchipping. Furthermore, if you spay/neuter your dog, purchase pet insurance, board your dog for one week each year, and require a dog walker every working day, your total cost of ownership might range between $69,970 and $138,565 throughout the course of the Keeshond's lifetime, which we anticipate to be 14 years.

How To Help Your Keeshond Lose Weight If He Is Overweight 

As with humans, exercise is critical for your overweight dog's health. Increased movement helps your dog burn off excess energy (and calories consumed). Avoid panic! Exercising your pet does not have to include marathons or lengthy hikes. Regular walks and the opportunity to run and play safely off-leash. 

Even creating a stimulating indoor environment that encourages your dog to exercise on a regular basis can help. Bear in mind that different breeds require varying amounts of exercise, so visit your veterinarian, breeder, or your dog's breed standard for recommendations on recommended activity levels.

Distinguish Begging from Hunger

Begging is not necessarily motivated by a desire for more food; it is also used to gain attention. (And, by rewarding the behavior, you reinforce and encourage it to continue.) If your dog begs, do not automatically assume he is hungry. Trust your instincts and keep track of the date and time of your last meal. 

If your dog is prone to begging and you are prone to succumb to those puppy dog eyes, choose a high-protein meal with a fiber blend to help control your dog's hunger and voluntary food consumption. In this manner, you may feed your dog with the assurance that he will feel fuller and content for a longer period of time.

Restriction on treats and table scraps

Even when our dogs are not begging, many of us provide excessive treats and table scraps. Dogs are not required to share our food! Consider treats and scraps for your pet in the same way that you would candy for children to help you keep them in check. If you're going to utilize snacks for training, choose low-calorie, low-fat ones and keep the portions small. 

As an alternative, keep in mind that clickers are excellent for reinforcement and have no calories! After all, a few extra pounds can make a significant impact in the lives of dogs, which are significantly smaller than humans. (Even the colossal breeds!) Therefore, focus on a balanced diet and resist the temptation to “reward” them with extra.

Customize Your Dog's Diet

Not all weight-loss foods are created equal, which is why it's critical to match your dog's nutrition plan to their unique needs. Choose a brand that caters to your dog's unique needs, whether they be weight control, dietary sensitivities, or illnesses.

Conclusion on Keeshond Growth Chart

The Keeshond is a pleasant and outgoing dog. He's vivacious, yet his workout requirements are reasonable. A daily walk will suffice for him. He is devoted to his family and inclined to greet outsiders, which his owner approves of. His keen senses make him an ideal watchdog. Kees is intelligent and quick to learn. He excels in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and rally.

Kees, on the other hand, is a barker. It's pretty uncommon for people to have these dogs debarked in order to reduce the noise. However, such surgery is frequently regarded as inhumane. A better way is to be prepared to teach the dog when and how to stop barking from an early age. Begin working with a trainer in puppy kindergarten to teach your Kees that silence is golden.

Frequently Asked Questions: