Keeshond puppies

What to expect at eight weeks

At eight weeks a Keeshond puppy is sleeping around 18 to 20 hours a day, is not house trained, and cannot hold on for more than an hour or two at a stretch. A medium breed puppy at eight weeks is a manageable armful that will not stay that way. Most of the growth happens between now and six months, so buy for the adult dog where you can. Expect moderate energy, in short bursts separated by long naps. Grooming needs are high. Start daily brushing and short, positive handling sessions at eight weeks, well before the adult coat arrives, or the first professional groom will be traumatic. The socialisation window is open and closing: everything it meets calmly now, from vacuum cleaners to men in hats, is easier for the rest of its life.

Health worth knowing about

Conditions this breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable, it means ask about it.

• Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), detectable by DNA test
• Hip dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme
• Elbow dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme
• Inherited eye disease, screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
• Obesity, detected by regular hands on body condition scoring, since the thick coat hides weight gain

From Keeshond breed information at https://www.royalkennelclub.com/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/utility/keeshond/. Discuss any of these with your own vet.

Your Keeshond puppy's first six months

• Vaccination schedule, dated for your country.
• Worming and parasite schedule.
• Feeding calculator. Set expected adult size to Medium for a Keeshond.
• Adult size predictor, to check growth against the 15.9 to 20.4 kg adult range.
• Puppy names and the first week checklist.

Other medium breeds

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