Keeshond vs Pointer
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
Pointer
Sporting 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.
Pointer Overview
Pointers exhibit a noble and athletic build with a distinctive stance when tracking prey. Their muscular bodies feature a deep chest, clean-cut head, and alert expression. The short coat comes in liver, lemon, black, or orange, often with white markings. Known for their graceful movement and intense focus while working, these dogs demonstrate remarkable agility and endurance in the field.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Keeshonds are less energetic than Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Keeshonds require more grooming attention compared to Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Keeshonds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Pointers.
- Trainability: Pointers may be slightly easier to train due to their Pointer's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pointers 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 Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Keeshond | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-17 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Keeshond | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-18 inches 43-46 cm | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm |
| Weight | 35-45 lbs 16-20 kg | 45-75 lbs 20-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Keeshond | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Lively, Outgoing | Loyal, Hardworking, Even-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Keeshond | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Pointer Temperament
The Pointer is characterized by being loyal, hardworking, even-tempered, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Keeshond and Pointer, 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
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Keeshond
Rating: 5/5
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Keeshond
Rating: 3/5
Pointer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Keeshond
Rating: 1/5
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Keeshond
Rating: 4/5
Pointer
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.
Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pointers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Pointers 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
Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
- Heart Issues
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
Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Athletic and agile
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Not suited for apartment living
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Keeshond and Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.