Keeshond vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Keeshond vs Greenland Dog - Breed ComparisonKeeshond is originated from Netherlands but Greenland Dog is originated from Greenland. Keeshond may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Greenland Dog. Keeshond may weigh 17 kg / 37 pounds lesser than Greenland Dog. Both Keeshond and Greenland Dog has almost same life span. Both Keeshond and Greenland Dog has almost same litter size. Both Keeshond and Greenland Dog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

keeshond - historyKeeshond is the term used for German Spitzes and although many American references have it that the Keeshond originated in the Netherlands, some say the dog originated in Germany and is a member of the German Spitz family.

The Club for German Spitzes was founded in 1899. The Nederlandse Keeshond Club was formed in 1924. The Keeshond is also referred to as ‘The Smiling Dutchman’.

It was in the 17th and 18th centuries that the Keeshond was used greatly as a watchdog, appearing in England in the late 1800s, but after the turn of the 20th century, Mrs. Wingfield Digby of Dorset, England and Mrs. Alice Gatacre, a Dutch breed authority, living in England, stirred interest in the breed with their kennels.

An English breed Club was formed in 1926, and the first Keeshond was registered with The American Kennel Club in 1930.

greenland dog - historyThe Greenland dog is an ancient breed of dog hailing from Greenland. The dog was brought to North American from Siberia hundreds of years ago. In fact the very first dogs arrived in the Americas some 12,000 years ago.

The Greenland Dog isn’t recognized by the AKC but it is recognized by a number of other groups. While the Greenland Dog is valued in Greenland, it isn't particularly well known in other parts of the world.

Description

keeshond puppy - descriptionThe Keeshond is a medium-sized dog and a member of the Spitz group of dogs. He stands at 43 – 48cm in height and weighs 14 – 18kg.

He has a 2-layered, dense coat which is fairly long, straight and coarse and colors are grey, silver, black and cream. His undercoat is a very light cream color. He has erect ears, a fairly shop muzzle and a feathery, plumed tail which curves over his back.

The hair on his legs is fairly short accompanied with some feathering. A typical marking-feature of the Keeshond is the dark line which runs from the outer corner of each eye to the lower corner of each ear. It's what gives the dog his well known keeshond expression. The eyes of the dog are dark brown.

Temperament:

The Keeshond, just like other Spitz dogs, are playful, affectionate, friendly and eager to please. He is intelligent too and will respond well to training and socialization.

He makes a wonderful family pet as he is friendly and playful with children, loving all their games. He gets on well with other pets too. He is a social dog, thriving on being with his human family, wanting to participate in all family activities.

They are sensitive, loving pets and become very attached to their owners. They have even been used as comfort dogs in rescue situations, as they bond so well with people.

He makes a good watchdog too with his loud bark which he uses to deter intruders. He may well be a good watch- and guard dog but he isn't an aggressive dog.

greenland dog puppy - descriptionThe Greenland Dog is a heavily built dog, and between the males and females, this medium to large sized dog can be 51 – 68cm in height and weigh 30 – 35kg.

He has the typical slanted eyes of the husky-type dogs with a keen, alert expression in them. He has small triangular erect ears. The long, bushy tail of the dog is curled over the back of the dog.

The coat is short to medium length and has 2 layers with the outer layer being fairly coarse. The double coat is thick and shortish but also stand-offish, meaning the hair doesn’t lie flat against the dog’s body. Color of the fur is a mix of cream, beige, white, tan, black, grey or silver.

Temperament:

As a working dog, the Greenland Dog is known for its strength, its boisterous nature and speed. Because its a dog that has worked as a pack, it wants a firm, patient, fair, confident owner to bring out the best in him. Being intelligent, independent and work-orientated, it is perhaps not a great choice for the first-time dog owner who may be out of their realm with the demands of these high-energy dogs.

The dog is independent, but he is quite capable of forming a strong, loving bond with his owner. This is certainly a dog that is never going to thrive if he has to lie around the house all day – he is an active dog who wants a task to do and he is going to need plenty of daily exercise.

They’ve always had active lives pulling sleds or hunting for seals and he craves this busy, active lifestyle. He is the kind of dog that shouldn’t live in the city with a tiny garden unless he has an owner who takes time to walk him and exercise him vigorously. He is a dog that will require training and socialization.

Characteristics

keeshond dog - characteristicsThe Keeshond, with his thick double coat, loves to be outdoors in cool weather. He won't be there too long however, because he will be missing his human family. He is such a social dog, craving human company and therefore isn't a dog to be put out in the backyard and left day after day.

He loves games and being totally involved with his human family. Look after your Keeshond well – he is a companion dog - and you will find him to be a most exceptional friend of yours.

greenland dog dog - characteristicsBred as a working dog, the Greenland Dog, native to Greenland is a high energy dog who is boisterous, lively and social. With training and socialization, he becomes an obedient, loyal and devoted pet.

While he is quite capable of being an awesome domesticated pet, he is essentially a working dog, loving having to be part of a very active lifestyle. He may not be the best pet for a first time owner or a home with small children. This is because he isn't your cuddly, lying-around-the-house, playmate kind of pet. He wants a home and owner similar to himself – strong, active, energetic, bold, independent, strong-willed and firm, and when he gets this, he becomes the splendid pet he is so well known for.

Health Problems

keeshond puppies - health problemsWith good food, fresh water, exercise and lots of interaction with your Keeshond, he can reach 12 to 14 years of age.

No matter how healthy your dog is, he can still get ill, but the chances are less likely when he is feed nutritionally. Nonetheless look out for hip dysplasia, bloat, ear infections, skin rashes and eye diseases.

Cataract:

This is a problem in the lens of the eye. Your dog has a cloudy look to the eye. A cataract can occur when the cells are damaged. A disease such as diabetes can also cause a cataract and high blood sugar levels can change the metabolism of the cells in the lens.

The lens should be crystal clear, but with a cataract, the vision of the dog is obscured. It can cause blindness. Thankfully, cataracts aren't painful and most times dogs with cataracts can still see. There is the option of surgery to remove them too.

Eye Disease:

greenland dog puppies - health problemsYour Greenland dog can battle with eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, hereditary or juvenile cataracts and corneal dystrophy. Eye diseases like this can cause a host of problems for your pet and should receive immediate veterinary attention.

Cataracts in dogs are a common problem affecting the eyes of dogs, with there being different forms and causes.The age at which your pet develops cataracts is important for identifying the type of cataract it is because it will give the vet an idea if the cataracts are an hereditary trait in certain dog breeds.

Hip Dysplasia:

Nearly every dog can battle with hip dysplasia and it can be a serious concern for active canines such as the Greenland dog.

This joint and bone ailment can start manifesting itself as early as 4 months of age with your pet. This dysplasia occurs when the head of the femur doesn't fit into the pelvic joint the way it should. It can lead to pain, arthritis and lameness with your dog.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

keeshond dogs - caringWith his double coat, your Keeshond will need regular brushing to get rid of all those loose hairs. He is a dog which doesn't have that typical dog odor about him so bathing him is discouraged. Too much bathing irritates a dog's skin and dries it out.

Check the inside of his mouth and make sure that his teeth are in a healthy state. If you are unsure, speak to your vet about dental hygiene as bad teeth won't only cause pain and discomfort for your pet, the teeth can affect his immune system and other body parts.

Check his claws too and have them cut when they become too long. When they are long they can hook on things and injure the sensitive area of the paws.

Exercise:

The Keeshond is a sturdy dog, loving all the activities and games that his family are involved in. He will love to be your walking companion and looks forward to his walk every day.

He is such a playful, adventurous dog and is always willing to join you in new games. Never put him in your back garden and forget about him, as this will make him ill and depressed. He must be part of the family to be healthy and happy and relies on you to include him in all your activities. He can live in the city or the countryside but will require being exercised wherever he is.

Diet:

Top quality dry kibble will work for your Keeshond. If you want to keep him bright eyed and bushy tailed, mix in some quality home-made food too such as cooked chicken, rice and vegetables. You can also try to sometimes include a little bit of raw meat as well.

He is an active dog and will need a diet high in protein. Also, his thick coat needs to be maintained, and apart from regular brushing, look for quality dog foods that have Omega-3 fatty acids in them so as to maintain the skin and coat of the dog. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water.

Diet:

greenland dog dogs - caringAs a medium- to large-sized dog breed, the Greenland Dog will require a high-quality commercial dog food if that is what you will be feeding him. The top quality brands have the right mix of vitamins and minerals in them for health.

However, it is wise to ensure that such an active dog breed gets his quota of raw meat in too. He has been used to eating fish and seal meat and will require this raw diet too. Sometimes if you cook rice, chicken and vegetables, you can add this into his kibble too.

He must never be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

Greenland Dogs need to be groomed at least twice a week to keep the thick coat in tip top condition. He sheds throughout the year.

He will also require you brushing his teeth to get rid of plaque which can cause a host of health issues. You get special toothpaste and toothbrush for dogs. His teeth should be brushed 2 or 3 times a week.

Exercise:

Make sure you give your high-energy Greenland Dog the right dose of exercise. He is intelligent too so he needs walks, games and other activities that contribute towards his physical and mental wellbeing.

He will do well on large properties or farms but won't do well where the space is tiny and where the owners are inactive couch potatoes.

Be careful too that the Greenland Dog isn't exercised immediately after eating as this puts him in danger of developing bloat.

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
Netherlands
Greenland
Height Male:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
51 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
51 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
German Spitz , Dutch Barge Dog, Smiling Dutchman
Greenland
Colors Available:
silver, Grey, black and cream
grey or silver, tan, beige, white, Mix of cream, black
Coat:
Long, straight, coarse
Short to medium length, coarse, stand-offish
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Labrador Husky vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Mackenzie River Husky vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Pyredoodle vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Lurcher vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Maremma Sheepdog vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Sarplaninac vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Himalayan Mastiff vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Mountain View Cur vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Native American Indian Dog vs Greenland Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Greenland Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  13. Greenland Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  14. Greenland Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  15. Greenland Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  16. Greenland Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  17. Greenland Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  18. Greenland Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  19. Greenland Dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  20. Greenland Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  21. Greenland Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  22. Greenland Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  23. Greenland Dog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  24. Greenland Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  25. Greenland Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Keeshond vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Keeshond vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  28. Keeshond vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  29. Keeshond vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  30. Keeshond vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  31. Keeshond vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Mexican Hairless vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  33. Tibetan Terrier vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  34. Standard Poodle vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Lundehund vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  36. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  37. Pomsky vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  38. Sakhalin Husky vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  39. Other vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  40. Olde English Bulldogge vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  41. Old English Bulldog vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  42. Schnauzer vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  43. Puggle vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  44. King Charles Spaniel vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  45. Schnoodle vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  46. Pharaoh Hound vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  47. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  48. Hungarian Vizsla vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  49. Redbone Coonhound vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison
  50. Norwegian Elkhound vs Keeshond - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds