Credit a young Englishwoman on vacation for bringing attention to the Dutch Barge Dog in England (later renamed the “Keeshond“). Gwendolen Hamilton-Fletcher became smitten with the dogs she saw running, barking, and cavorting about the length of barges while on holiday in Holland, and persuaded her parents to bring home two puppies (can’t you just hear that conversation?)  These youngsters became the foundation stock for the breed’s introduction outside of Holland.

Most Keeshonden in the US developed from British breeding, but it was Carl Hinderer who should be given “props’ for gaining AKC recognition in 1930. It was he who bred the first American litter of Keeshonds in 1929.

Some maintain that the Keeshond (the national dog of Holland) is the most easy going of the spitz breeds, but while we lack the personal experience to endorse this thinking, we can share that every Keeshond we’ve encountered has been a friendly, curious, and bright dog. Got a Keeshond at home? Share their picture and your thoughts about them as family companions!

Keeshond by Kimberly Santini
www.paintingadogaday.com
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