Keeshond: features of the breed and the subtleties of the content

Keeshondy - one of the oldest breeds of domestic dogs with a unique wolf color. Today, Keeshondas (or Wolfspitz) are widespread in Holland, Germany, Spain and France, however, in the CIS countries, few people know about this breed. In this article, you will get acquainted with the features of the Keeshond breed, the history of its origin, the intricacies of keeping and feeding.

Wolfspitz has a unique history. The first records of this breed date back to the 17th century - it was at that time that the Keeshond breed began to spread widely throughout Northern Europe. Initially, individuals of this breed served exclusively as watchmen. - they were often taken on long sea voyages on boats and barges, where the wolves guarded things and food from rodents and birds.

During the patriotic uprising in Holland, at the end of the 18th century, led by the famous Cornelius de Gislyar, these dogs received their first unofficial name - "Keeshond". The fact is that de Gislyar's favorite was the Wolfspitz - it was with this dog that he went through many skirmishes and battles. Very soon, this dog became a kind of symbol of conspirators and revolutionaries. De Gislyar's supporters called this breed of dogs "Gees" or "Gees", which later transformed into the modern "Keeshond". Or, translated from Dutch - "barge dog".

Since the rebellion of de Guislar was suppressed and defeated, everyone began to purposefully destroy this breed of dog. Wolfspitz in the economy could mean only one thing - loyalty to the ideas of the rioters.At this time, the natural population of Keeshond declined significantly.

But despite the negative political events, some of the wolves remained at the disposal of farmers, sailors and fishermen, which helped the breed to survive to this day. It was by sea that the Keeshondas in the future came to the territory of Germany, where they received another name - Wolfspitz or, in other words, "wolf spitz".

Initially, dogs were known only in narrow circles: they were often started by hunters, members of the nobility, sailors. However, the Keeshond owes their true popularity to such a historical person as Baroness von Hardenbruck. The breed was so fond of the Baroness that she began to actively breed it at the beginning of the 20th century. Thanks to her efforts, Wolfspitz were able to enter the open market for domestic dogs and soon began to meet throughout modern Europe. The first individuals came to Russia only at the end of the 20th century.

The Wolfspitz is easily recognizable among other dogs - no other species has such a unique wolf color, strong constitution and long hair. Below you can familiarize yourself with the typical appearance of this dog, as well as the standards of the exterior.

• Medium height. Despite their considerable size (which is largely formed only because of the very long coat), wolfspitz do not differ in significant growth. Most often, individuals of this breed grow up to 45 centimeters high at the withers. Some record-breaking individuals can grow up to 55 centimeters. However, you should understand that the main thing here is not the size, but the harmony of the physique.

• The weight. Keeshondas have a relatively standard weight for purebred dogs - they are rarely heavier than 26-28 kilos. In this case, the owner must clearly monitor the ratio of height and weight. Weight gain often speaks specifically of the development of obesity, and not of the growing up of the dog.

• Average life expectancy. The average Keeshond specimen rarely lives more than 15 years, however, in ideal conditions of care, maintenance and feeding, this breed can live up to 20 years. Individuals of wolves are known that have lived for 27 years, however, this is more an exception to the rule than a regularity.

• Wool. Long, up to 25-30 centimeters, springy and rather stiff. There is a rather thick undercoat that allows it to survive even the most severe cold. The color of the coat is exclusively wolfish: dark, black, gray and white tones. The coat on the chest, back of the head, limbs, tail and belly is usually light in color, and wolves are also distinguished by their characteristic white "glasses" on the eyes. The coat is abundant on the belly (tucked up) and chest, and may even touch the ground.

• Eyes. Almond-shaped and not particularly large, usually brown, dark or black in color. Set relatively close - the bridge of the nose is as wide as the eye.

• Extremities. Strong, set wide apart, thick bones, the paws themselves are medium in size, well-knit, oval-shaped pads, black, gray or reddish in color. The front feet appear to be slightly longer than the hind feet.

• Ears. Quite long, but due to the abundant hair on the crown they seem small. Exceptionally triangular in shape.The color is black, set wide apart, in a calm position they stand upright, looking with their shells outward.

• Head. Wedge-shaped with a pronounced nape. The transition from the forehead to the bridge of the nose is smooth, but noticeable, the muzzle gradually decreases towards the nose. The nose is well developed, however, small in size, black or dark in color. The chin is well developed, but much thinner than the muzzle itself.

• Tail. Not particularly long, covered with the same long hair as the body. Usually bent into a ring, and rests on the body. By standards, the tip of the tail must be dark or black.

• Teeth. Not particularly long, set tightly - no gaps. The taste must be correct. The color of the teeth in healthy and young individuals should be only white.

• Characteristics of the trunk. Square, finished and unstretched shape. The neck is short and wide, firmly set, with a characteristic curve. The back is rather short, but well muscled.

• Leather. Dense, wrinkle-free, well-taut. In females, after bearing puppies, as well as in older individuals, folds may be noticeable.

Wolfspitz dogs differ significantly from other dogs in temperament and character traits. Below you can familiarize yourself with these features and differences.

• Extreme activity. From the very birth, wolves are very active and cheerful, which can bring a lot of worries to their owners. It is difficult to keep track of them, it can be difficult to walk because of the dog's irrepressible interest in everything that is happening around. In childhood, Keeshondas are a kind of hurricane that cannot be established. These dogs need a constant burst of energy through training, exercise and jogging. Over time and as they grow older, wolves become less and less mobile, which makes it easier to care for them, but can affect the dog's body.

• Absolute good nature to "friends"... In the family circle, the Wolfspitz are amazing kind-hearted. They are equally loyal and friendly to all family members, respond appropriately to harassment from children, neighbors and guests.

• Relationship to other pets... If the permissible boundaries of the personal area are not violated and the other pet is friendly, wolves are always inclined to make contact. They are the pioneers of games and entertainment, they love to fool around and bite other pets as a joke. In the heat of the game, they are able to injure other pets, and therefore they rarely get to know cats according to a positive scenario.

• Independence. Despite their seemingly good-natured nature, Keeshond are natural defenders. They are so confident in their abilities that they can throw themselves at animals several times their size. If they see that the owner needs help or protection, they will immediately rush to help him, even if it costs them their lives.

• Attitude towards strangers. It is not for nothing that the wolves are considered wonderful protectors - they are always suspicious of strangers on their territory and are ready to watch them until the stranger leaves it. If the dog sees that the owner behaves with this person in a relaxed and free manner, they are capable of showing friendliness and even let themselves be stroked, but most of the time they will remain on the sidelines, preferring to observe.

• Empathic abilities. Wolfs cannot be called insensitive dogs that are ready to pester their owner at any time. They wonderfully feel the inner state of the owner, which allows them to easily navigate by the intonation and pronunciation of commands, what the owner needs from them right now. If the dog sees that at the current moment the owner needs rest and wants to be alone, the keeshond will also retire in some place and will wait until the owner wants to communicate with him. There is a certain method according to which it is dogs that are brought to seriously ill or lonely people - the so-called canistherapy or animal therapy.

• A predisposition to training. Keeshond have an incredibly subtle mind and are able to remember more than 30 different tricks in their entire life. On the territory of Russia, these animals appeared exclusively due to their artistic abilities in the arena of circuses.

Keeshondas have long established themselves as a breed that feels great both within the walls of a closed apartment, and in a private house with constant walking. This is not to say that this breed is difficult to care for or educate, however, inexperienced breeders can experience significant difficulties while keeping young wolves.

Below you can find recommendations to help you create the right conditions for caring for your German Wolfspitz.

• Wool. As you may have noticed, Keeshondas have a very long and thick coat that needs constant care. In addition to the fact that the animal's fur has its own specific smell, it can simply interfere with the pet's full movement. In the mats of wool, dirt is very often formed, it becomes a haven for many microbes and insects (mites, lice). In addition, unshorn dogs in the summer season feel just awful due to direct sunlight on their thick coat.

• Bathing. Experts highly discourage frequent bathing of wolves with plain water or with shampoo. Due to their long coat and thick undercoat, these dogs dry out very slowly. In turn, this can lead to colds and inflammation. In addition, long wet coats that are not completely dry are more likely to turn sour. This can lead to allergic reactions and skin rashes.

• Nutrition. The average lifespan of a Keeshond can be significantly increased by formulating a balanced, nutritious and vitamin-rich diet. Experts recommend using ready-made feed in feeding Keeshond - these mixtures a priori contain all the necessary nutrients. Some owners prefer to serve natural food to the pet, in which case the dog owner will have to independently calculate the calories, protein, fat and carbohydrate content.

• Active life. The correct way of life is of great importance for the general condition and life expectancy of a pet.Keeshondas have a playful, active and cheerful character, and therefore require constant attention from the owner, constant walks and games. To prevent the dog from experiencing health problems in the future, you should regularly load the puppy with exercise and training.

• Constant contact... These dogs are not intended for normal enclosure or cage keeping. They must constantly be near the owner, contact him, play and train. In the event that the dog is away from the owners for a long time or is simply alone, the likelihood of mental disorders, depression and even aggression is high.

• Games. The active life of any dog ​​requires not only walks in the fresh air, but also a large number of toys. Before acquiring the dog itself, be sure to buy several toy bones and toys for the house, with which the animal could not only play, but also grind its fangs and claws.

• Hygiene. In addition to bathing, your wolfspitz should regularly go through certain procedures to care for the rest of the body. This applies, first of all, to: rinsing the eyes - 2-3 times a week (with cotton swabs soaked in boiled water), cleaning the ears from dirt and sulfur - once a week (cotton swabs or napkins), clipping nails - at the discretion, brushing teeth (at least 2 times a week).

• Walking. Keeshond's excellent appetite won't always play into your hands. Wolfspitz are not particularly picky about food, and while walking on the streets, they can take literally everything they can find in their mouths. Especially these dogs love to dig up old bones, are not indifferent to chewing gum, and sometimes they can even devour the excrement of other dogs. All these actions can lead to acute viral and intestinal diseases in the dog.

Below is a list of things, tools and accessories that you will definitely need when caring for your Keeshond. Most of these supplies can be purchased at any pet store.

• Hygiene and hair care items: clipper, set for ear care, special shampoo for long-haired dogs, hair dryer, slicker for undercoat, special comb with long and frequent teeth, drops for rinsing eyes.
• Toys... Balls, bones, mice, brushes, artificial chicken carcasses and others.
• Feeding items: 2 plastic or iron bowls - one for food, the other for clean water. The bowls should be heavy so that the dog does not accidentally overturn them.
• Items for a walk. A durable flea collar, a leash, always a muzzle, a blanket (it is especially important to put a blanket on a dog in the winter season after a haircut - there is a high risk of catching a cold).

Nutrition is the most important aspect of keeping any pet. For experienced breeders, feeding the Keeshond will not cause any difficulties. But for those who have encountered this breed for the first time, it can be really difficult to understand what's what. Below is a list of guidelines to follow when feeding your German Wolfspitz.

• No human food. Despite the fact that the wolves have an amazing appetite and often like to extort or steal the remains of human food from the table, try to immediately stop these actions. The body of these pets is not adapted to the digestion of salty, spicy, sour, fried or pickled food.

• Regularity. After birth, the body of the Wolves needs a more frequent and rich diet. It should be carried out at least 5-6 times a day in small portions. Over time, try to reduce the frequency of feeding so that by 9 months the pet's diet consists of 2, maximum 3 regular feeds. For adult dogs, the best option would be two meals a day - once early in the morning (at 6 o'clock) and the second time in the evening (5-6 o'clock).

• Consistency. Do not forget that your dog's nutrition should not only be balanced and regular, but also systematic. You should develop a specific feeding schedule for your pet and make sure that the food portions are always served at approximately the same time.

• Feeding method and dosage. There are two feeding methods: natural feed and ready-to-use feed. If everything is simple with regard to ready-made feeds (it must be at least premium feed), then with natural products everything is much more complicated. Here it is worth calculating the feed based on a certain formula, in which the average food requirement for a dog should be at least 2.5-3% of its real weight. Thus, if your dog weighs 17 kilos, then on average he will need at least 450 grams of natural food daily.

At the same time, you need to ensure that the feed is balanced, that is, it contains the required amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. With this calculation of feeding doses, it is worth monitoring the current condition of the dog, its lifestyle and activity.

• Meat... It is the main element of the Keeshond diet. These should always be finely chopped, cooked or raw. The amount of meat per day can also be calculated using the following formula: for each kilogram of animal weight, 15 to 20 grams of meat are allocated. Thus, if your dog weighs 17 kilos, then his diet should contain about 300 grams of meat products. If your pet is exposed to frequent physical activity and training, then the portions should also be increased.

• Obesity... The tendency to obesity in wolves has been discovered for a very long time, most often it leads to a sedentary lifestyle and poorly balanced diet. When feeding dry food, always pay attention to the recommended food dosage for a specific dog size. For natural foods, use the instructions above.

• A sharp decrease in appetite. A frequent phenomenon in the diet of Keeshond, when it appears, you should immediately take the dog to the veterinarian. The reasons for this may be vitamin deficiency, gastrointestinal diseases, lack of variety in food, or mental pathologies.

• Containers and feeders. After eating, try to immediately remove the bowl of food - the animal loves to lick it and carry it throughout the apartment, trying to collect even the smallest pieces with its tongue. A bowl of water, on the other hand, should always be open to the dog and in an easily accessible area.

• "Food from the street"... Develop a command system by which you can regulate the actions of the animal in relation to what it finds on the street. You must train the dog so that, at your first command, he throws the found bone or a fragment of food and immediately goes to you.

• Feed supply. Try to add food to bowls when your dog is not in the room. Wolves are characterized by excessive activity, which is why, in the presence of the owner, they can knock over and scatter a whole bowl of food for joy.

The training of this breed of dog should be treated with extreme caution. Because of their restless and active disposition, these animals are very difficult to keep in one place, discipline and obedience, they prefer games and jogging. Despite such a foolish nature, Wolfspitz are extremely inquisitive, intelligent and capable of learning a bunch of useful and funny tricks in their entire life. Below you can find a list of recommendations for training Keeshond.

• Start of training. Start teaching your pet as early as possible. Experts advise starting the training itself as early as 2 weeks after birth. Already at this age, your pet should figure out where to go and where not. What you can explore and try and what you shouldn't.
• Nickname. The name of the dog is a kind of foundation for all further training. It is with the nickname that the basic commands for the dog should be associated: "near", "take", "sit", "wait" and others. The pet is unlikely to understand that this is his name, but he will definitely figure out that this particular set of signs refers specifically to him. It is better to choose short, clear and sonorous nicknames with such consonants as: g, p, k, t, s, z and h. Their dogs remember best.
• Training method. At the very beginning, it is worth turning to the benevolent teaching method. This means that you should not yell, beat, or humiliate your pet. Any dog, and especially thoroughbred wolves, perfectly feel the anger and aggression of the owner. Be patient and repeat the commands over and over until the animal understands what's what. Instead of a stick, choose a gingerbread - be sure to praise your pet every time he succeeds, give him sweetness or just scratch behind the ear. However, you should not overdo it with treats, otherwise the Wolfspitz may simply become lazy.
• Association with entertainment. Do not try to get your pet to have a great desire for training. It is still a healthy young dog that needs fresh air, play and jogging. This is why try to do most of your workouts outdoors. So the pet will perceive them not as some kind of work or burden, but as real entertainment. In general, try to add more elements of the game to the training, this will help to liberate the pet and give him confidence.
• One coach. If you want to get your pet to obey and execute some commands as soon as possible, do not let someone else train it (for example, other family members). It will be difficult for the dog to perceive identical commands, but said with different intonation and articulation.
• Simple first... In no case should you start learning with complex commands - start small. First, the dog must clearly remember his nickname, then start learning the most primitive commands: "bring", "to me", "paw", "voice" and others.
• Do not press... Sometimes it is clear from the pet that it is at this moment that it is not capable of performing some tasks. Wolfs can poke, bite, snarl, and even bark at you, not wanting to exercise. In this case, don't annoy the dog even more - just try to start exercising later.
• Complicating the task. Once you understand that the pet has learned the basic tricks and commands, try to complicate them. Add new words to commands that will denote some other action. To explain a new command or action to the dog, it is worth using food. Sometimes the own image of a team helps - if your pet is already trained and understands you, he will understand that the action needs to be copied. Also, increase your training time.At first, these should be small lessons no longer than half an hour a day, as the pet grows up, increase them to an hour. In addition, exercise should be done regularly and not from time to time.
• Back to basics... It often happens that wolves learn new material very quickly and, it would seem, are ready for new achievements. However, there is no need to rush. Try to return to the material you have already covered from time to time so that the pet does not forget the old tricks and commands.

About the features of the Keeshond breed, see the next video.