Longevity
Life expectancy
With attentive care, a suitable diet and good medical follow-up, the Keeshond can live from 12 to 15 years. Longevity depends on the quality of the breeding, the lifestyle and hereditary predispositions.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Excellent in the cold, less at ease in summer. This is not a dog for violent exertion. Well brushed and well fed, it often grows old as a good indoor companion.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitor skin, ear infections, weight gain, excessive thirst (hormonal leads) and any balance disorder. A matted coat can mask an irritation.
Hormonal disorders: Some lines may show thyroid imbalances to monitor through thirst, weight and coat.
Neurological conditions: Seizures or balance disorders have been described in the breed and call for cautious breeding.
Skin under undercoat: A poorly maintained coat mats, retains moisture and irritates the skin.
Overweight: Less athletic than it seems, it quickly gains weight in an apartment.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Made for cool weather. In summer: shade, water, early outings, never a close shave. In winter, he is in his element.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Keeshond must maintain a silhouette suited to its morphology, with palpable ribs without excess. The ration must match the actual activity, age and sterilization. Regular weighing prevents overly significant variations.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Brush thoroughly during shedding, down to the undercoat.
- Monitor the weight: the ruff easily hides extra pounds.
- Work on staying calm in the face of hallway noises.
- Protect from heat without shaving close.
Vaccination
Keeshond vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Keeshond need? Like all dogs, Keeshonds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Keeshond vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Keeshond booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Keeshond need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Keeshond
Depending on bloodlines: thyroid, neurological, eye examinations, weight control. Brushing and skin inspection at each shedding.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
