Keeshond mixes are quite a popular crossbreed, and it’s easy to see why. Keeshonds are a beautiful, friendly, and intelligent breed of dog. With their striking black-tipped gray and cream fur, they are sure to leave an impression on anyone who encounters them.
These dogs have always been faithful companions to their humans. They were previously known as the Dutch Barge Dog, as they were frequently seen on barges traveling the canals and rivers of the Netherlands. Their happy-go-lucky temperament has also gained them the nickname of the “smiling dutchman.” The Keeshond would be perfectly happy to spend all day playing with their human.
In recent years, dog lovers around the globe have begun to create mixes by crossing different purebred dogs. These mixed breeds take on many of the desirable traits of both parents. With the Keeshond being such a loving and playful breed, it only made sense to cross them with other well-loved breeds. As a result, many Keeshond mixes are available today.
We know choosing the right breed for you and your family can be overwhelming. With so much information out there, it can be hard to keep all of it straight. To help, we have compiled this list of popular Keeshond mixes.
If you’re considering bringing home a Keeshond mix, read on to find out which one is right for you!
Top 5 Keeshond Mixes
1. Pom-Kee (Keeshond & Pomeranian)
Pomeranians are consistently a popular breed of dog, and it is no wonder why. Pomeranians may be small, but they have larger-than-life personalities! Their feisty, vibrant personality pairs well with the energetic, excitable Keeshond. Together, these two breeds create a loving, fun family dog.
Since both the Pomeranian and the Keeshond are on the smaller side, the Pom-Kee is compact. This makes Pom-Kees a great option for apartment living or a house without a yard. Pom-Kees are very adaptable and also make great pets for first-time owners.
If you love the fluffy dog look, this breed is one you definitely should consider. Since both the Keeshond and the Pomeranian have fluffy coats, the Pom-Kee also is fluffy. Pomeranians come in a wide variety of colors and as a result, so does the Pom-Kee. Some colors the Pom-Kee can come in are black, blue, brindle, brown, cream, fawn, grey, red, sable, and white. There truly is a color for anyone’s tastes!
2. Great Keeshees (Keeshond & Great Pyrenees)
For those looking for a larger-sized dog, the Great Keeshees is certainly a good option. The Great Pyrenees is a large dog. When the extra large Great Pyrenees is paired with the smaller Keeshond, they produce puppies that are slightly smaller than the Great Pyrenees. However, you can still expect the Great Keeshees to be anywhere from 65 to 100 pounds.
Since they are livestock guardians, the Great Pyrenees can be quite independent and stubborn. Therefore, training the Great Keeshees may be slightly more challenging than it would be for other breeds. Despite this fact, they are quite loving and protective of their family, especially children.
Like other mixes, the Great Keeshees comes in a variety of colors such as white, silver, gray, cream, and black. They also have a dense, fluffy coat. However, don’t let this intimidate you. While their double coat does need regular brushing, their coats do not require much more maintenance than that. Both the Great Pyrenees and Keeshond were bred to have coats that are somewhat water and dirt-resistant. Therefore, the Great Keeshees should not be bathed too often, as this can deplete the body of oils needed to maintain the beautiful shine of both the skin and coat.
3. Neahond (Keeshond & Neapolitan Mastiff)
In another unconventional size combination, breeders began crossing the Keeshond and Neapolitan Mastiff to create the Neahond. Like the Great Keeshees, the Neahond is a very large dog and ranges in size from about 80 to 120 pounds.
Don’t let their size fool you though, the Neahond is a loving and protective family dog. In ancient times, the Neapolitan Mastiff was used to protect temples in Rome. While they may look ferocious, they were found to be exceptionally gentle and loving with their humans. Their protective yet kind nature has made them popular companion animals.
Because of the differences in the appearance of the Keeshond and the Neapolitan Mastiff, the Neahond has a variety of appearances.
Typically they will have a medium-length coat. Their exact grooming needs will depend on their coat length, so be prepared for a moderate amount of grooming. Their coats come in a variety of colors such as black, blue, brown, and brindle.
Their noses come in a variety of colors such as blue, black, brown, and isabella. No matter what color Neahound you have, these giant dogs are sure to be a show stopper!
4. Elk-Kee (Keeshond & Norwegian Elkhound)
If you like the size and appearance of the Keeshond but want a dog that’s more suited to guarding and sports, the Elk-Kee might be the right fit for you!
The Norwegian Elkhound was bred as a hunter and used for tracking animals such as moose, elk, bears, and mountain lions.
They also were used as guard dogs. Because of this, the Norwegian Elkhound is a highly intelligent breed. However, their independence can make them hard to train. This makes the Elk-Kee a better fit for those with some experience with dogs.
Norwegian Elkhounds and Keeshonds are about the same size, so you can expect the Elk-Kee to be about 30 to 45 pounds. Their coats also have similar colors, so the Elk-Kee will likely be aesthetically similar to both of its parents.
Do be aware that both breeds shed, so the Elk-Kee is likely to as well. They require brushing three to four times a week. However, the work is absolutely worth the reward for the beautiful Elk-Kee.
5. Sheltie-Kee (Keeshond & Shetland Sheepdog)
The Sheltie-Kee combines the outgoing, friendly personality of the Keeshond with the intelligent, hardworking, obedience of the Shetland Sheepdog.
The Sheltie-Kee is an extremely intelligent and friendly dog. They have lots of energy, so they are an excellent fit for an active family!
While they are energetic and need lots of exercise, the Sheltie-Kee is also small, with their weight ranging from 25 to 45 pounds. They are also quite adaptable, which makes them a good fit for a family living in a smaller space. So long as they have an outlet for their energy, the Sheltie-Kee can live well in an apartment.
While the Sheltie-Kee can come in a variety of colors, they all have bright brown eyes and pointy ears. Their friendly and inviting faces will get the stunning Sheltie-Kee attention whenever you take them out.
Final thoughts: Which Keeshond Mix is right for you?
While purebred dogs are a popular choice for many, sometimes it makes sense to get a hybrid dog. Since hybrid dogs can take on the traits of both parents, you can often find a mix that will fit the needs of your family very well.
Keeshonds are well-known for being sweet, playful, and loving dogs. Their striking black-tipped coats and big smiling faces have made them exceptionally popular amongst dog owners. Plus, their ability to adapt to living in different spaces makes them a great choice for first-time owners or those living in apartments.
By mixing these traits with those of another breed, you can bring out the best of both breeds! Each breed listed here has advantages and disadvantages, but by crossing the Keeshond, you are sure to find a dog that is the perfect fit for your family.
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