The Keeshond (pronounced KAYZ-hond; plural: Keeshonden) is a handsome and medium-sized nonsporting dog noted for being a good companion and watchdog. Raised in Holland for several hundred years before being introduced to England in the early 1900s, the Keeshond was a common sight on the barges of the Dutch canals and acquired the nicknames the "Dutch Barge Dog" and the "Laughing Dutchman." The Keeshond today is bred as a companion and show dog. It is a longhaired dog related to other Spitz varieties like the Chow Chow and Pomeranian.
History
The breed served for many years on small vessels found on the Rhine River. In the latter part of the 18th century, the Keeshond was regarded as the symbol of the Patriots; when the Prince of Orange established his party as the dominant one, people no longer wanted to own dogs that represented the opposition party. As the breed fell into public disfavor, many owners disposed of their Keeshonden. While the breed diminished from public attention, river boat captains and farmers continued to raise Keeshonden.