Keeshdoodle

by Mary Simpson

Published: January 8th, 2018

About Keeshdoodle

Weight

45-65 lb

Height

14-18 inches

Lifespan

12-15 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

families with kids and pets, those looking for a companion dog, owners wanting a low- or non-shedding dog

Temperament

loyal, playful, loving, intelligent

Comparable Breeds

Poodle, Keeshond

Keeshdoodle Basics

The super-affectionate Keeshdoodle brings together the smart, playful personality of the Poodle and the loyal, people-pleasing nature of the Keeshond for a wonderful family dog who loves kids, other pets and being involved in all activities that involve his human pack.

The loving Keeshdoodle is a mix of the playful Poodle and the people-pleasing Keeshond.

Origin

The Keeshdoodle is considered a Designer Dog. This relatively new concept originated back in the 1980’s and is the term used to describe the mixing and matching of pure-bred dogs to produce puppies that carry the desired traits of both parent breeds – typically a healthier, smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler form of a popular breed.

Pedigree

Because the Keeshdoodle comes from mating two different pure-bred dogs he isn’t eligible to join the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, both parent breeds are long-time members; the Poodle joined AKCs “non-sporting” group in 1887 while the Keeshond has been a member of the same group since 1930.

Food/Diet

The Keeshdoodle is a medium- to large-sized dog that is fairly energetic so ensure his food is a top-quality kibble designed specifically for dogs of his size, age and activity level. Because Poodles can suffer from digestive issues, choose a low-fat food and plan to schedule meals 2 to 3 times per day versus allowing him to free-feed. Poodles are also prone to bloat so ensure exercise is not taken within an hour of him eating.

The family-oriented Keeshdoodle craves human interaction.

Training

Your Keeshdoodle is the product of two super intelligent breeds and his keen-to-please personality means he is quick to pick up and obey commands. As with all dog breeds, a rewards-based approach with lots of verbal praise and treats of your choosing will get the results you’re looking for.

Weight

Your Keeshdoodle’s weight will be influenced by which parent breed is more prominent. As a result, he could weigh as little as 45 pounds if he takes after the Keeshond or up to 65 pounds if he leans more towards the Standard Poodle.

Temperament/Behavior

The family-oriented Keeshdoodle craves human interaction and does best when engaged with his people. He loves kids, other pets and animals and his loyal personality makes him an ideal watchdog who won’t hesitate to bark if he senses a stranger. This need for human companionship means he doesn’t do well when left for long periods and can become a nuisance barker so not ideal for apartment living.

Common Health Problems

Typically, Designer Dogs have been bred with an eye to eliminating the health issues that can plague their parent breeds. However, its always important to know what your new pup could inherit and with the Keeshdoodle that can include the Poodle’s joint and digestive issues as well as congenital heart disease from the Keeshond.

Life Expectancy

The Keeshdoodle is a healthy dog that will typically live between 12 and 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Keeshdoodle is not a high-energy dog but will still require some form of regular activity to keep him physically fit and mentally stimulated. Because this dog craves human companionship, tossing a ball or Frisbee in the yard will be a perfect addition to a daily walking regimen. Equally so, a visit to the dog park will allow him to socialize with other pooches and enjoy some interactive playtime with his owner.

The Keeshdoodle craves human companionship and doesn’t do well when left on his own for long periods of time.

Recognized Clubs

The Keeshdoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he is a member of the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

Your Keeshdoodle could inherit the dense, curly coat of the low-shedding Poodle or the longer, full coat of the higher-shedding Keeshond. In either instance he will require brushing 2 to 3 times per week to prevent mats and tangles and a visit to the professional groomers every few months to keep his coat shape. The Keeshond is a seasonal shedder so you should expect to increase the frequency of brushing during this time and because he is a floppy-eared dog, plan to inspect and clean his ears weekly to avoid a build up of dirt and potential infection.

Puppies

Keeshdoodle puppies will grow to become excellent family dogs if socialized early and trained in obedience while young. This dog is all about family and it’s important he become used to new faces, situations and being left on his own for periods of time. Because he may be prone to joint issues later in life, take it easy when leash training and exercising to prevent over-exerting tiny limbs.

Photo credit: MirasWonderland/Shutterstock; Eric Isselee/Shutterstock

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Study Shows These Dog Breeds Most Likely To Have an Extra Row of Teeth

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Scientists Finally Identify Mystery Dog Illness Sweeping America

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Should My Dog Wear a Winter Coat?

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, many pet parents face a common question: Should my dog wear a winter coat? It’s a valid question! After all, we bundle up before heading out into the ice and snow. Why shouldn’t our dogs? This article will explore the considerations, benefits, and potential downsides of winter coats for dogs. Plus, we’ll share the coats we use to keep our pups warm and cozy. Let’s get started… Do All Dogs Need a Coat in Winter? The short answer is no. Not all dogs need a winter coat to stay comfortable in the colder temperatures. In fact, some dogs will be more comfortable without a winter coat. That leaves us with one more question – how do you know if your dog will need a coat this season? Here are a few factors to consider: Breed & Coat LengthWhat breed or breed mix is your dog? Some dogs, like the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and Keeshond, were specifically bred to handle the colder temperatures. These dogs have thick double coats, including a water-resistant guard coat and a plush, warm undercoat. If you own one of these dogs, you may see them relaxing outside, happily napping in a snowbank. They thrive in cooler weather but struggle when the temperatures climb. On the other end of the spectrum, some dogs were bred to live in warmer climates. These dogs have short coats, offering little protection from the winter cold. Age Your dog’s age could make them more sensitive to changes in temperature, both heat and cold. If you have a young puppy or a senior dog, they may need a little extra care and attention. Not only do they feel cold faster, but the low temperatures could worsen the discomfort of a senior dog’s arthritis or other joint problems. Even if your dog once thrived in cold temperatures, they may struggle in their older years.Disease or Illness If your dog is currently living with a disease or illness, it can compromise their ability to regulate their body temperature effectively. Your dog’s condition can impact many aspects of their well-being. It may weaken their immune system, causing dehydration or interfering with proper circulation. Contact your veterinarian if you’re unsure whether your dog’s illness could impact their ability to handle the cold. Activity LevelAre you heading outside to hang out in your yard, or are you planning to engage in something more active like a hike or skijoring? As your dog’s muscles are engaged and working, they are producing heat that raises the body temperature. If your dog occasionally needs a light jacket, they may not need one during heavy activity. On the other hand, if your dog is usually okay when you’re going for a walk, they may need a light jacket or sweater if they are going to be standing around.

Do Dogs Cry Tears?

Perhaps you spotted tears streaming from your pet’s eyes and wondered: do dogs cry tears as an emotional response? Or is there a different explanation for this phenomenon? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward – dogs don’t produce tears because of their emotions like we humans do. They produce tears primarily to lubricate their eyes, and remove dust and other irritants. But, this does not mean that they don’t express emotions in other ways – here’s what you need to know about your teary-eyed furball.Do Dogs Cry Real Tears?If you spot tears running from your dog’s eyes, you are not deceived – they are real. However, they are not tears of sadness or emotion, as dogs simply don’t express feelings the same way as we do. The role of those tears is more of a bodily function. They are there to lubricate the eye, making sure it functions as it should. After all, dogs can just rub their eyes or place a few drops inside when needed. So, their body does the job for them, and hence the tears. Of course, an excessive amount of tears is not natural. And neither are dry and tearless eyes. So, in either one of these cases, you should schedule a visit with your vet. Dry eyes in dogs are also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or "dry eye syndrome," and can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential complications if left untreated. In many cases of dry eyes, veterinarians prescribe artificial tears or  lubricating eye drops to help moisturize the eyes and relieve discomfort. These drops can help supplement the natural tear production and provide relief from dryness. 

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?

Cold weather affects our pets even more than it does us – dogs are much more sensitive to harsh weather elements and can be especially affected by the freezing winter cold. Depending on their size and the thickness of their coat, dogs can be more or less endangered when the scales go way down below zero, and for some dogs, going out in subzero temperatures can be quite risky. So much so, that they can even get frostbite. While frostbite in dogs can range from mild to severe, it’s a condition you can’t ignore – you need to know how to quickly spot signs of frostbite in dogs and make sure to provide first aid ASAP to prevent any permanent damage. How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?Exposing your dog to extremely cold temperatures is always risky. While there are certain breeds, like  huskies, who are adapted to extreme weather conditions, dogs are generally not ideally suited for freezing temperatures and as such are at risk of getting frostbite. Frostbite is a result of skin and tissues freezing, and it usually affects the most exposed parts of the dog’s body, like the paws, ears, nose, and tail. However, it can’t always be easy to spot frostbite in the earliest stages – usually, pet owners realize they’re dealing with frostbite when the damage is already done. Try and keep an eye out for the following symptoms if your pet has been out in the cold:Swelling:When frostbite sets in, the affected area will often swell. This happens when the top layers of the skin and tissue become gradually frozen. Likewise, the swollen area could feel firm or hard to the touch.Coldness:The areas that are frostbitten will feel much colder to the touch than the rest of the body. This can be the first and the most obvious sign of frostbite.Skin Ulcers and Blisters:These nasty growths can appear when frostbite has really taken hold of an affected part. As the frostbitten flesh begins to thaw, it also blisters. Limping:When your dog limps in cold weather, it can be the first indication that something is wrong. This is usually due to the soft tissue on the paws being exposed to freezing ground. Discolored Skin:Another tell-tale sign of frostbite is the discoloration of the skin on the affected area. The main cause of this is the reduced blood flow to the area. The skin in this case will appear gray, pale, or bluish.  It goes without saying that frostbite is very dangerous. If you suspect it in your dog, please seek the help of a veterinarian at once. It is paramount that you leave professionals to take care of your pet, rather than to attempt to fix the situation on your own. Things like hot water, direct heat, and other attempts to reheat the flesh quickly will only lead to more damage. Also, keep in mind that the signs of frostbite can take several days to appear. This is mostly true for small areas of flesh being affected, such as the tip of the tail, or the ears. 

Poll Reveals Biggest Pet Peeves of Dog Owners in the U.S.

We love our dogs endlessly, but that doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally get under our skin. Even the most beloved pets come with a little “extra baggage,” introducing unique challenges and hurdles in our lives.If you have ever had to cancel plans because you couldn’t find a pet sitter or call into work to take your pet to the emergency vet because they ate something they shouldn’t, you understand.Of course, they are worth the effort!But what is the biggest annoyance faced by pet parents? This is the question that Forbes Advisor set out to answer with a recent nationwide poll. They surveyed 10,000 dog parents to uncover their biggest pet peeves, both nationally and state-by-state.Dog parents across the country revealed their biggest frustration was finding a dog sitter when traveling, as shared by 37.3% of those surveyed. This was also the top in 43 states and ranked among the top three responses in all 50.This was followed by:Finding dog-friendly hotels (23.6%)Having to walk/exercise their dog (23.3%)The cost of owning a dog (22.9%)Excessive barking (19.8%)Excessive shedding (17.5%)The answer highlights the importance of finding and creating a list of trusted pet sitters before you need one. This ensures that you’re covered not only when making travel plans but also in the event of an emergency.There are many ways to find a trusted pet sitter. Consider asking your veterinarian, groomer, or friends/family for recommendations. You can also check websites like Fetch and Rover for pet sitters in your area or browse marketplace-style listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Kijiji.Just make sure you are doing your due diligence. Don’t leave your beloved pet with a complete stranger. Instead, take time to ask questions, check reviews, and verify credentials.At the bottom of the list, the least reported annoyance was “when my dog jumps up on/lays on furniture or beds,” reported by only 5.32% of dog owners. Delaware and Missouri were the states where this was most often listed as one of their top annoyances, while those in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Rhode Island reported it the least.Additionally, the following answers were at the bottom of the list:Having to take their dog to the groomer (7.55%)Excessive drooling/slobber (7.56%)Checking their dog for ticks (7.58%)Their dog taking over the bed (7.72%)Are you interested in a state-by-state breakdown? Forbes Advisor also shared a chart highlighting the top three pet peeves for each state, giving you a more detailed look at the opinions of other dog parents in your area.Overall, the survey provides a fascinating insight into the struggles faced by dog parents. For many, it may serve as a reminder that pet ownership isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Adding a dog to your family is a commitment, one that requires a willingness to make changes or sacrifices to meet their needs.If you occasionally struggle with frustration related to these changes, you’re not alone. Thousands of pet parents across the country also feel this way!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Here Are the 10 Rarest Dog Breeds in America

Dogs are the most popular pets in America – deservingly, they are the most loved and affectionate furry friends, and their popularity as family companions never wanes. We all know what are the most popular dog breeds – and which evergreen breeds have been stealing hearts for decades back, but how about those lesser-known breeds? Which in particular are the rarest among them? Even if touting great qualities, some of these super rare breeds are simply hard to come by, and they are seldom seen. Thanks to a survey conducted by the American Kennel Club ( AKC), we can now find out which dog breeds are as obscure as can be. Out of a list of 199 registered and accepted breeds, the AKC revealed the 10 rarest dog breeds in America. 10.  Pyrenean Shepherd9.  Cesky Terrier8.  Sussex Spaniel7.  Harrier6.  Azawakh5.  Belgian Laekenois4.  American Foxhound3.  Sloughi2.  Norwegian Lundehund1.  English FoxhoundDon’t be surprised if you have never heard of some of these unique breeds. They are rare for a reason! On the other side of the spectrum, looking at the most recent trends, the French Bulldog holds the number one spot as the most popular pet dog breed in America, with the Labrador and Golden Retrievers following close by. That’s a bit of a change, as the Golden Retriever long held the number one spot. Generally speaking, most people tend to go for more known and traditional dog breeds when looking for a purebred dog, but the world of canines is much more diverse, with plenty of unusual and amazing breeds to choose from.Ultimately, the popularity of a certain breed should not be connected with their suitability as pets. After all, many factors contribute to that – a great deal of pet parents, myself included, are proud to share their lives with a mixed breed pooch and the fact that they’re not a certain breed doesn’t make them any less perfect. Your four-legged bestie might be a more popular dog breed, a rare purebred, a hybrid designer dog breed, or a cute mutt – they’ll steal your heart either way!

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