Find your new furry family member today!
Hocking Hills Keeshonds Bringing Happy Healthy Puppies Into Your Home
Find your new furry family member today!
Dams
Mamma's Lil' Raspberry Jam
Raspberry is about 40lbs and on the lighter side. She is very pushy when it comes to giving and receiving affection....as most Kees are. She enjoys playing in her baby pool, hiking, family activities and barking when excited 😊. She is an excellent mother to her pups and has never had any complications.
Dar'Tania
Dar is very eager to please. She loves training, going to day care, swimming and hiking. She has energy for days. She is very affectionate and will take any bit of attention she can get. She gets along great with children and other dogs. Her recall is excellent. She was also imported from Russia.
Sires
Mittens
Mittens is on the darker side and about 42 lbs. He is very silly, gentle and intuitive. He is always happy, wagging his tail and will do anything for a treat.
Beef Is What's For Dinner
Beef is my newest sire. He is very "belly driven", affectionate, does great being handled by children and interacting with new people and dogs. He attends a small local daycare with Dar once a week. He also enjoys hiking and being pushed in the stroller at the grocery store.
Ethical Dog Breeding Practices
Ethical Dog Breeding Practices
When choosing a breeder, especially Hocking Hills Keeshonds, it can be tempting to focus solely on a cute puppy. However, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research. A puppy is a lifetime commitment, and you need to ensure you are financially stable enough to support your new furbaby, have adequate time, space, and love to give. Here’s some information that might help you when looking for Keeshond breeders.
1. Prioritizing Health and Genetics
Ethical Keeshond breeders make breeding decisions based on rigorous health standards. They perform all recommended genetic, orthopedic, and wellness tests for their breed and only pair dogs when results indicate they are suitable for reproduction. This practice helps minimize the risk of hereditary diseases and enhances overall breed health. Responsible breeders also keep detailed health records, track lineage, and make informed choices to maintain or boost the genetic diversity of Keeshond puppies.
2. Placing Welfare Over Convenience or Profit
For ethical Hocking Hills Keeshonds breeders, the physical and emotional welfare of their dogs always comes first. They ensure clean, safe living conditions; provide adequate space, proper nutrition, and regular veterinary care for all dogs, not just the breeding ones. Breeding occurs selectively and infrequently, allowing the mother sufficient time to recover and preventing overbreeding. Keeshond puppies are raised in enriched environments that foster healthy development, including early socialization and exposure to household experiences.
3. Commitment to Breed Standards and Improvement
Ethical Keeshond breeders strive to preserve the integrity, temperament, and structure of their breed. They study the breed standard, understand its history, and work toward producing dogs that reflect ideal characteristics. Participation in breed clubs, dog sports, and conformation events keeps breeders connected to current knowledge, enabling them to evaluate their dogs objectively and continuously improve their breeding program.
4. Transparency and Honesty
Open communication is essential when dealing with Keeshond breeders. Ethical breeders willingly share comprehensive information about their dogs, including health test results, pedigrees, temperaments, strengths, and weaknesses. They are transparent about potential issues and answer questions thoroughly. Buyers are never misled about a puppy’s expected size, temperament, or health. Contracts are clear, fair, and designed to protect both the dog and the new owner.
5. Thoughtful Screening and Placement of Puppies
A responsible Keeshond breeder ensures each puppy is matched with a suitable home. They screen prospective owners, asking questions about lifestyle, experience, expectations, and environment. Providing guidance helps families determine if the breed is a good fit, and they do not hesitate to decline a placement if it’s not in the dog's best interest. Ethical breeders also remain a lifelong resource for new owners, offering advice, support, and education.
6. Lifetime Responsibility and Return Policies
Ethical Keeshond breeders take lifelong responsibility for every dog they produce. This means being willing to take back a dog at any point in its life, for any reason, to prevent it from entering a shelter or unsafe situation. They maintain contact with owners and provide assistance throughout the dog’s life.
7. Continuous Education and Improvement
The best Hocking Hills Keeshonds breeders are active learners. They stay informed about new research in genetics, veterinary care, training, nutrition, and breed-specific issues. Collaborating with other reputable breeders, attending seminars, and seeking mentorship when needed are essential. Self-reflection and a willingness to adapt are key qualities that set ethical breeders apart.
Litters
Ethical Dog Breeding Practices
Planned Litters
Raspberry × Mittens - Waiting list full
Spring of 2026
Dar × Beef - Waiting list open
Fall of 2026
Valushka × Mittens - Waiting list open
December 2025
NOTE: The last litter was an oops litter between my border collie/mudi mix and Mittens. Pups are $500 and will come with everything the Keeshonds do except AKC registration. Valushka isn't health tested, but her parents are.
The Puppy Process
The Puppy Process
All Hocking Hills Keeshonds puppies are handled daily from birth to stimulate early neurological development. At 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, the puppies are dewormed. Then, at 3-4 weeks, I begin the weaning process, and they are started on potty and house training. All Keeshond puppies, if kept on a schedule, rarely have accidents. At 7-8 weeks, they are vet checked, microchipped, and vaccinated. Before going to their new homes, each puppy is given Simparica Trio for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Additionally, all puppies receive a new puppy pack, which includes essential information, health records, limited AKC registration, a health guarantee, a puppy contract, a toy, treats, a bone, poo bags, and something that carries their mother's scent. Bringing a new Hocking Hills Keeshonds puppy home is extremely exciting but can also be stressful, so I am available for any questions. With that being said, all Keeshond puppies are priced at $2300, regardless of sex, with a $200 deposit that is deducted from the total.
About The Breed
The Keeshond is a medium-sized, spitz-type dog known for its distinctive appearance, intelligent nature, and strong devotion to people. Historically bred as companion and watchdogs on Dutch canal barges, the breed has long been associated with the Netherlands and even became a symbol of the Dutch Patriot political party in the 18th century. Today, Keeshonds remain admired for their cheerful personalities, plush coats, and remarkable adaptability to family life.
Physically, the Keeshond is immediately recognizable by its abundant double coat, expressive “spectacles,” and fox-like face. The outer coat is long, straight, and harsh, while the undercoat is dense and downy, giving the breed a full, impressive silhouette. Their most iconic feature—the spectacles—refers to the fine markings and shading around the eyes that create the look of glasses and emphasize their keen, intelligent expression. Coat colors typically range from silver to black, with characteristic shading that enhances the breed’s distinctive appearance. Despite the thickness of their fur, Keeshonds are not overly large; most adults weigh between 35 and 45 pounds, making them sturdy yet manageable for many households.
Temperament is one of the breed’s greatest strengths. Keeshonds are known for being exceptionally friendly, alert, and affectionate. They thrive on human companionship and often develop deep bonds with their families. Their social nature makes them excellent with children and typically welcoming toward strangers, which means they serve more as alert companions than aggressive guard dogs. Their intelligence and enthusiasm also make them responsive to training, particularly when methods emphasize positive reinforcement and mental engagement. Because they are sensitive and eager to please, harsh approaches generally undermine their confidence.
Keeshonds have moderate exercise needs, which makes them well suited to both active families and more relaxed households. Regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation—such as puzzle toys or obedience training—are usually sufficient to keep them satisfied. Their spitz heritage contributes to a lively, alert demeanor, and many enjoy participating in dog sports such as agility or rally. While they can adapt to apartment living, their vocal nature and tendency to bark when excited or alert should be considered.
Grooming is an important aspect of caring for this breed. The thick double coat requires consistent brushing to prevent mats and manage shedding, particularly during seasonal coat blows when the undercoat is shed heavily. Despite the volume of fur, the coat repels dirt well and typically does not require frequent bathing. Regular attention to nails, ears, and dental hygiene contributes to maintaining the dog’s overall health and comfort.
Healthwise, Keeshonds are generally robust, with a lifespan averaging 12 to 15 years. Responsible breeding practices have helped minimize the prevalence of hereditary issues, though potential concerns can include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, and certain eye conditions. Routine veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle go a long way in ensuring longevity and well-being.
In summary, the Keeshond is a charming and affectionate breed that excels as a family companion. Its combination of intelligence, friendliness, and striking appearance makes it a beloved choice for those willing to provide regular grooming and consistent engagement. With their loyal disposition and lively spirit, Keeshonds continue to capture the hearts of dog enthusiasts around the world.The Keeshond is a medium-sized, spitz-type dog known for its distinctive appearance, intelligent nature, and strong devotion to people. Historically bred as companion and watchdogs on Dutch canal barges, the breed has long been associated with the Netherlands and even became a symbol of the Dutch Patriot political party in the 18th century. Today, Keeshonds remain admired for their cheerful personalities, plush coats, and remarkable adaptability to family life.
Physically, the Keeshond is immediately recognizable by its abundant double coat, expressive “spectacles,” and fox-like face. The outer coat is long, straight, and harsh, while the undercoat is dense and downy, giving the breed a full, impressive silhouette. Their most iconic feature—the spectacles—refers to the fine markings and shading around the eyes that create the look of glasses and emphasize their keen, intelligent expression. Coat colors typically range from silver to black, with characteristic shading that enhances the breed’s distinctive appearance. Despite the thickness of their fur, Keeshonds are not overly large; most adults weigh between 35 and 45 pounds, making them sturdy yet manageable for many households.
Temperament is one of the breed’s greatest strengths. Keeshonds are known for being exceptionally friendly, alert, and affectionate. They thrive on human companionship and often develop deep bonds with their families. Their social nature makes them excellent with children and typically welcoming toward strangers, which means they serve more as alert companions than aggressive guard dogs. Their intelligence and enthusiasm also make them responsive to training, particularly when methods emphasize positive reinforcement and mental engagement. Because they are sensitive and eager to please, harsh approaches generally undermine their confidence.
Keeshonds have moderate exercise needs, which makes them well suited to both active families and more relaxed households. Regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation—such as puzzle toys or obedience training—are usually sufficient to keep them satisfied. Their spitz heritage contributes to a lively, alert demeanor, and many enjoy participating in dog sports such as agility or rally. While they can adapt to apartment living, their vocal nature and tendency to bark when excited or alert should be considered.
Grooming is an important aspect of caring for this breed. The thick double coat requires consistent brushing to prevent mats and manage shedding, particularly during seasonal coat blows when the undercoat is shed heavily. Despite the volume of fur, the coat repels dirt well and typically does not require frequent bathing. Regular attention to nails, ears, and dental hygiene contributes to maintaining the dog’s overall health and comfort.
Healthwise, Keeshonds are generally robust, with a lifespan averaging 12 to 15 years. Responsible breeding practices have helped minimize the prevalence of hereditary issues, though potential concerns can include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, and certain eye conditions. Routine veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle go a long way in ensuring longevity and well-being.
In summary, the Keeshond is a charming and affectionate breed that excels as a family companion. Its combination of intelligence, friendliness, and striking appearance makes it a beloved choice for those willing to provide regular grooming and consistent engagement. With their loyal disposition and lively spirit, Keeshonds continue to capture the hearts of dog enthusiasts around the world.
