Joanne Reed: I live in Franklin, Tennessee. I’ve been in dogs since 1968; I’ve been a Keeshond breeder for over 50 years.
Joanne Reed: I’m Windrift Keeshond. I currently have 10 Keeshonds in my kennel.
Joanne Reed: I have bred over two hundred champions and have too many ROM and ROMX dogs to list.
These are a few that have outstanding records and produced outstanding BIS and Group-winning Keeshonds:
Joanne Reed: I have two different areas where I keep my dogs. I have a large basement that has crates, whelping areas, and two inside/outside kennel runs, ramps, and grooming area. This area has 24/7 cameras in it.
I will whelp and keep my puppies here so that they get constant attention. I also have a kennel building that has three inside/outside runs, bath tubs, and grooming tables. I usually keep my adolescent puppies and adults here. I have two huge exercise runs. This area is fenced and cross-fenced for their protection.
Joanne Reed: I watch my puppies from birth and constantly look for conformation, temperament, and intelligence. When pups are around five weeks I start stacking them on the table, all the time checking how they free-stack. Picking them up by the neck and chest and allowing the legs to drop freely on the table will tell me how their conformation is and how the legs are placed.
Attitude is also a great factor in choosing a show dog or Obedience dog. Handling pups right from the start gives them the confidence and the socialization they need.
Joanne Reed: I place my puppies at eight weeks of age. This is a good age for Keeshonds to be separated from their mothers and littermates.
Joanne Reed: Condition of coat and training are imperative to have a Keeshond ready for the ring. Our breed is a mandatory ramp breed, so they should be trained for the ramp. Keeshond puppies are silly and very intelligent. They need patience and a firm hand so that they know what you want them to do.
Joanne Reed: Before I started out in Keeshonds, I had other breeds. I was involved in Obedience and this is where I saw and found my first Keeshond. Because I have many Keeshonds, due to time restraints, I am not able to be involved in Performance. However, some dogs of my breeding hold top awards in Agility. I usually attend 50 to 60 Conformation shows each year. Keeshonds are excellent Performance dogs. They are very easily trained for the many different events.
Joanne Reed: In general, our breed is in good condition. An area that concerns me is that I see breeders breeding the same faults that they have had for years and never excelling. One of the main concerns I have is with the spectacles, which are the “hallmark” of our breed. Even though this is a cosmetic feature, it seems that judges and breeders don’t understand where the lines should be.
Joanne Reed: I believe that, in general, our breed is very healthy. We have concerns in several areas, but in general, we have a pretty healthy breed.
Joanne Reed: The Keeshond is an excellent family dog. They are a happy, good-natured breed. Keeshonds love their family and have to be involved with their family. They can just about do whatever a family wants them to be or do. They are good watch dogs, but are not biters. However, they will tell you if a leaf falls off a tree and lands on the ground. They do tend to be a little mouthy, and training at a young age is imperative.
Joanne Reed: As mentioned before, Keeshonds are exceptional Performance dogs. They excel in Agility, Rally, and Fast CAT.
Joanne Reed: I believe a misconception of the Keeshond is that they are difficult to groom. If a Keeshond is brushed thoroughly once a week, they will be kept in show condition. Because it is a straight-shafted coat, they don’t mat up like other breeds.
Joanne Reed: Keeshonds are the most intelligent and humorous breed in the world! All of us breeders should write a book on the antics of the Keeshond. This is why I’ve loved and bred them for so many years. As a handler, I have owned and bred other breeds, but this is the love of my life. I’ll never be without a Keeshond.
Joanne Reed: A Keeshond is a moderate dog in every aspect. They are moderately angulated, front and rear. They have a balanced, square structure, with neck carried proudly. The hallmark of our breed is their spectacles. Please put on your spectacles so that you can see theirs!
The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?
Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.
Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.
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Read and learn more about the friendly Keeshond dog breed with articles and information in our Keeshond Breed Magazine.
Keeshond Breed Magazine - Showsight
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