Keeshond Breed Profile
The Keeshond would certainly seem to be a member of the Spitz family, of the same stock as the German Spitz, and probably a direct descendent of the Wolfspitz. The FCI recognizes the breed as being of German origin, but the AKC cites its Dutch heritage, saying the breed was used on boats and barges on the rivers and waterways of Holland. Whatever the truth of the controversy might be, the FCI considers the Keeshond to be a German Spitz, and the AKC considers the Keeshond to be a separate breed. The name of the breed comes from the first name of the leader of the Dutch Patriot Party in the late 18th century, who owned a dog of this breed that was widely popular as a symbol of the party. The Keeshond is useful as a guard dog, setting up an alarm with his voice instead of menacing with his teeth.