How to Groom a Keeshond

Keeshonds are the descendants of several different breeds including Samoyeds, Chow Chows, Elkhounds and Pomeranians. They are bouncy and lively, with lots of personality. They make very good pets for families with small children, as they are active and playful, yet gentle. Keeshonds demand a significant amount of grooming. They require daily grooming and a full grooming every 4 to 6 weeks.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slicker brush
• Pin brush
• #10 blade
• Protein coat conditioner
• Detangling spray
• Scissors

1. Brush the coat thoroughly several times per week. They need a general brushing at least twice a week. Make sure to give them a deep brushing; don't just smooth down the topcoat. Keeshonds have a very dense undercoat, and the topcoat can often mask its condition. Neglect can lead to excessive knotting and/or matting of the coat. These knots can be very painful to remove.

2. Use a #10 blade to trim hairs around the anus which may collect fecal matter and dirt.

3. Bathe or dry shampoo the dog when necessary. Don't bathe them too often or you can dry out the coat. Prior to the bath, apply protein coat conditioner and detangling spray to the dog's coat. Apply a second time after bathing and drying the dog.

4. Comb out your Keeshond's coat starting with a slicker brush, then moving to a coarse or medium comb.

5. Trim stray hairs around the feet and between the pads with scissors.

Tips & Warnings

• Keeshonds have a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years of age.
• When brushing the coat, go first with the grain of the hair to get rid of small knots or mats. After you've done this, go against the grain to lift up the hair so you can see the undercoat more clearly.
• Keeshonds have very sensitive skin, so using a good conditioner is a must. La Pooch conditioner is a good choice.
• Keeshonds shed a great deal of hair in the Spring and Fall.
• Keeshonds are susceptible to hip displaysia, skin problems and heart disease.