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Pet Insurance for Keeshonds

Find out all about Keeshonds and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 25th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500 –$5,000

Height

43cm - 48cm

Weight

16kg - 20kg

Personality

Friendly, affectionate, intelligent

Coat length

Long, thick, double

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 - 15 years

Keeshond

Overview

The Keeshond, often called the ‘Smiling Dutchman,’ but also called the Dutch Barge Dog, is an affectionate and intelligent breed originating from the Netherlands. They are closely related to Siberian Huskies, Samoyed, Pomeranians and various other Spitz-type breeds. They are an old dog breed that was once used by salesmen travelling on the canals in Holland during the 17th and 18th Centuries. They were introduced into England in 1905, and then found their way to America in the 1920s and 30s. However, they are now considered a relatively rare breed.  

Keeshonds have a thick, dense, plush coat in grey, black and cream colours with a distinctive silver sheen. They have dark markings around their eyes known as ‘spectacle’ markings. Their luxurious coat requires very regular grooming and they are heavy shedders.  

Keeshonds are known for their friendly and alert nature. They are highly adaptable and make great companions for families with older children. Keeshonds are intelligent and respond well to training, and enjoy snuggling up with their humans on the lounge. However, they do have a tendency towards obesity, so regular exercise is necessary to keep them active.  

Common diseases and conditions of Keeshonds

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. 
  • Hypothyroidism: A thyroid disorder that can impact metabolism and overall health. 
  • Addison’s Disease: A deficiency of hormones made by the adrenal glands. Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, it can cause poor appetite and lethargy, but it is a treatable condition if detected early.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A hereditary eye condition that can lead to vision impairment or blindness. 

Breed-specific issues:

They do not cope well with heat, and will need to be kept inside in the cool during hot weather, and potentially provided with a cooling mat. The Keeshond is far happier in cold weather and becomes lethargic in warmer weather. 

How much does pet insurance cost for a Keeshond?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Keeshonds

Are Keeshonds aggressive? 

No. Keeshonds are not typically known for being aggressive. They are friendly, social, and outgoing dogs, often described as affectionate and good-natured. However, like any breed, individual behaviour can vary, so early socialisation and proper training are essential to ensure a well-adjusted family companion.  

Do Keeshonds make good guard dogs?

No, possibly not. While they are alert and protective of their family, they have a friendly and social personality and are more likely to welcome strangers than warn them off. They adapt quickly to new situations and enjoy the company of humans. 

Do Keeshonds get on well with cats and other dogs?

Yes, as they were bred as companion dogs they are generally good with other dogs and cats, especially if they are introduced and socialised properly from a young age. They tend to be sociable and enjoy the company of other animals when raised in a multi-pet household. 

How much grooming does a Keeshond need?

A lot! Keeshonds have a very thick double coat that requires regular grooming, possibly daily. They shed moderately all year round, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. Brushing several times a week is necessary to help prevent matting and keep their coat in good condition, so this is not an appropriate dog for anyone who doesn't have the time for regular grooming and coat maintenance sessions. 

 

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Keeshond

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