Pages

.

Could The Keeshond Be The Right Pet For You And Your Family

By Donna Lee


If you love dogs, there are probably a couple of breeds you favor. Today a lot of pet owners are in love with teacups and Labs. There are a lot of other great breeds to consider however. For someone on the lookout for a puppy that people will be stopping to stare at, and want to know more about, the Keeshond should be high on their list. In addition to looks, they have intelligence, personality, and are devoted to their owners.

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 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 might be surprised to learn the Barges are not hard to maintain. Although they carry an undercoat and two top coats, their fur really doesn't mat much when it is brushed on a consistent basis. They will shed intensely two times 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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment