Keeshond vs Newfoundland
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Keeshond
Non-Sporting Group
Newfoundland
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Keeshond Overview
Keeshonds are distinctive spitz-type dogs featuring a luxurious double coat in silver and black, with distinctive 'spectacles' around their expressive eyes. Their fox-like face, coupled with a proud, plumed tail and thick ruff around the neck, creates an instantly recognizable silhouette. Medium-sized and well-proportioned, they carry themselves with confidence and grace.
Newfoundland Overview
Majestic and powerful, Newfoundlands are gentle giants with thick black, brown, or white-and-black coats. Their massive heads, deep chest, and muscular build reflect their water rescue heritage. Standing up to 28 inches tall with males weighing up to 150 pounds, they possess webbed feet and a water-resistant double coat. Their calm, patient demeanor and soft expression embody their reputation as natural caregivers.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Keeshonds are less energetic than Newfoundlands, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Keeshonds require more grooming attention compared to Newfoundlands.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Keeshonds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Newfoundlands.
- Trainability: Newfoundlands may be slightly easier to train due to their Newfoundland's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Newfoundlands adapt better to apartment living, while Keeshonds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Keeshond and Newfoundland, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Keeshond | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 9-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Keeshond | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-18 inches 43-46 cm | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm |
| Weight | 35-45 lbs 16-20 kg | 100-150 lbs 45-68 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Keeshond | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Lively, Outgoing | Sweet, Patient, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Keeshond | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Keeshond Temperament
The Keeshond is known for being friendly, lively, outgoing, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Newfoundland Temperament
The Newfoundland is characterized by being sweet, patient, devoted, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Keeshond and Newfoundland, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Keeshond
Rating: 5/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Keeshond
Rating: 5/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Keeshond
Rating: 3/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Keeshond
Rating: 1/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Keeshond
Rating: 4/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Keeshond Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Keeshonds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Keeshonds require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Newfoundland Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Newfoundlands need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Newfoundlands require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Keeshond Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
Newfoundland Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
Keeshond
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Intelligent and trainable
- Alert watchdog
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Needs regular exercise
- May be stubborn
Newfoundland
Pros
- Excellent with children
- Gentle and patient
- Strong swimming abilities
- Loyal and protective
- Good therapy dogs
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Excessive drooling
- Expensive to maintain
- Need lots of space
- Short lifespan
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Keeshond and Newfoundland, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.