Understanding Keeshond Health and Breed Predispositions

Quick answer

The Keeshond is a sturdy and intelligent companion, but like all purebred dogs, they have specific health tendencies that owners should monitor. While many Keeshonds live long and active lives, being aware of conditions ranging from heart defects and metabolic issues to joint and eye health allows for early intervention. The most important steps you can take are maintaining a lean body weight, providing consistent daily activity rather than sporadic exercise, and ensuring your veterinarian performs regular wellness screenings to catch subtle changes before they become emergencies.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia, or elevated calcium levels in the blood, is a recognised tendency in the Keeshond. This condition is often linked to primary hyperparathyroidism, which is genetically transmitted in this breed. Because the parathyroid glands regulate calcium balance, a malfunction leads to an excess of calcium circulating in the bloodstream, which can affect multiple organ systems.

As an owner, you might notice your dog drinking more water, urinating more frequently, or appearing lethargic. Because these signs are non-specific, your veterinarian will use blood chemistry panels to identify elevated calcium levels. If hypercalcemia is confirmed, further diagnostic imaging or specialized blood tests are used to evaluate the parathyroid glands. This is a well recognised tendency in the breed, and early detection via routine senior blood work is the best way to manage the impact on your dog's health.

Calcium Oxalate Urolithiasis

Keeshonds have a recognised tendency toward developing calcium oxalate uroliths, which are mineral stones that form in the urinary tract. This is particularly noted in males and is often linked to the breed's genetic predisposition for primary hyperparathyroidism, which can cause hypercalciuria, or excess calcium in the urine. When calcium levels in the urine are high, crystals can aggregate into stones that cause pain or obstruction.

You may notice your dog straining to urinate, producing only small amounts of urine, or showing blood in the urine. If you see your dog struggling to pass urine, this is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention to prevent bladder rupture or kidney damage. Your vet will typically use an ultrasound or X-ray to locate the stones and may perform a urinalysis to check for crystals and infection. Managing this condition often involves specialized diets, increased water intake, and addressing the underlying calcium imbalance.

Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex congenital heart defect that is a recognised tendency in the Keeshond. This condition involves a combination of structural heart abnormalities that interfere with normal blood flow and oxygenation. A hereditary origin and polygenic inheritance pattern have been documented in the breed.

Symptoms often appear in younger dogs and may include exercise intolerance, fainting, or a bluish tint to the gums. Your veterinarian will listen for a heart murmur during routine physical exams. If a murmur is detected, an echocardiogram is the gold-standard test to visualize the heart's structure and blood flow. Because this is a serious structural issue, early diagnosis is vital for managing the dog's activity levels and quality of life.

Ventricular Septal Defect

This condition is a hole in the wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart, allowing blood to leak between them. This is a recognised tendency in the Keeshond and is frequently listed in breed health tables. The severity of the condition depends on the size and location of the defect.

Owners might notice that a puppy or young adult tires easily during play or has a persistent cough. Your vet will detect this through auscultation, or listening to the heart with a stethoscope. An echocardiogram will confirm the size of the defect. While some small defects may not cause immediate distress, others require careful monitoring to prevent heart failure. This is a recognised tendency in the breed, and regular cardiac check-ups are recommended.

Idiopathic Epilepsy

Epilepsy refers to recurrent seizures that have no identifiable structural cause in the brain. This is a recognised tendency in the Keeshond, and a genetic basis is strongly suspected or proven. Seizures can be frightening for owners, but they are a manageable condition in many cases.

During a seizure, your dog may lose consciousness, paddle their legs, or lose control of their bladder. You should time the seizure and ensure the dog is in a safe area away from stairs or sharp objects. After the episode, the dog may appear confused or disoriented. Your veterinarian will perform blood tests to rule out metabolic causes of seizures before reaching a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy. If the seizures become frequent or severe, medication can often help control them. How this passes down is not settled, making it a complex issue to avoid in breeding programs.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect where a blood vessel that should close shortly after birth remains open, causing abnormal blood flow. This is a recognised tendency in the Keeshond, with a noted female predilection. It is a significant condition that puts extra strain on the heart.

You might notice your dog is smaller than its littermates, has a poor appetite, or shows signs of respiratory distress. A vet will typically hear a continuous, machinery-like murmur during a physical exam. An echocardiogram is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Because this condition can lead to heart failure, it is treated as a priority, often requiring surgical or interventional correction.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, leading to wear, tear, and eventually arthritis. This is a recognised tendency in the Keeshond. While it is a common orthopedic issue, its impact can be managed through weight control and environment modification.

You may notice your dog having difficulty rising from a lying position, a "bunny-hopping" gait, or reluctance to jump or climb stairs. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam to check for joint laxity and may use X-rays to assess the degree of hip fit. Maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to reduce the stress on these joints. Providing traction on slippery floors and avoiding high-impact activities on hard surfaces can also help keep your dog comfortable.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of genetic diseases that cause the retina to slowly degenerate, eventually leading to blindness. This is a recognised tendency in the Keeshond. Because the changes occur gradually, owners often do not notice the loss of vision until it is quite advanced.

Early signs include hesitation in low light, bumping into furniture at night, or dilated pupils. Your veterinarian can perform an ophthalmic exam to look for changes in the back of the eye. While there is no cure for this condition, most dogs adapt remarkably well to vision loss if their environment remains consistent. Keeping furniture in the same place and using consistent verbal cues can help your dog navigate their world safely.

General Heart Problems

Beyond the specific congenital defects mentioned, the Keeshond has a general recognised tendency for heart problems. This broad category encompasses various acquired or structural issues that may develop over time. Because heart health is so critical, any change in your dog's exercise tolerance or breathing pattern should be investigated promptly.

Your vet will monitor your dog's heart at every annual check-up, listening for murmurs or irregular rhythms. If any abnormalities are detected, they will recommend diagnostic imaging to determine the cause. Early intervention is the key to managing heart health and ensuring a long, comfortable life.