Keeshonds in Finland

Features

Keeshond is a good guard, alarming the owner with bark - not attacking - when somebody is approaching his home area. He enjoys having an own yard which he wants to guard.

He prefers especially to stay on a higher place from which he has the possibility to follow what happens in the surrounding area.

He is also an excellent companion and likes to participate in all activities at home.
Keeshond is devoted to whole family, he is not a one-man dog.

As jogging companion he does not require long daily trips but it is enough strong to run several kilometres beside the owner. When left loose he keeps well close to owner. He does not have game instinct.

In Holland keeshond has always enjoyed popularity as barge dogs. Thus we can easily understand why he likes to stay on board of a smaller or bigger boat. He has agile movements and keeps well his balance on narrow surfaces. He enjoys travelling in cars and other means of transport.

In a dog show keeshond is presented in a natural way, i.e. standing free. The coat needs to be brushed thoroughly before going to the show. It is not clipped or trimmed. Only the hocks and feet are slightly tidied up with scissors.

Keeshond is very well adapted to work as obedience dog. He learns easily and is eager to perform and obey the owner. It also likes sweet and by giving prizes it is easy to have learn to do more difficult tasks. Picture: Sanifanin Unelma, Triple Finnish Champion in Obedience

Finnish keeshonds have had great success in obedience training. Sanifanin Unelma has achieved the title of Finnish Champion in Obedience three times (1996,1997 and 1999). Also her son Maruskan Jesper was at the third place 1999.

Keeshond is also a good agility dog. Although he has to participate in the bigger dogs' class, he can easily jump easily over the barriers and is a quick runner. Picture: Pirkko Aho training agility with Silvershell Kassius in the home garden

Due to the friendly and soft appearance keeshond is suitable for work as therapy dog, friend to people in hospitals and to help people in overcoming their dog fear.
At least one keeshond, Anifaran Jermias has been trained as rescue dog, searching people from ruins.