The Keeshond is a happy, healthy dog; generally enjoying good health with an average lifespan of 13+ years. Three health conditions which can affect the Keeshond are Epilepsy, Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and Skin & Coat problems. 

Primary Hyperparathyroidism:

PHPT is caused by an inappropriate secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by autonomously functioning chief cells within the parathyroid glands. In PHPT, PTH secretion persists despite increased calcium concentrations resulting in many instances in severe, life threatening hypercalcemia. Most cases of canine PHPT (80-85%) result from a solitary parathyroid adenoma, which is a solitary benign tumor of the parathyroid gland. Parathyroid hyperplasia affecting multiple glands occurs in most of the remaining cases, while malignant parathyroid carcinoma is considered to be very rare in dogs (1). The Keeshond breed is congenitally affected by PHPT, and it has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance (1). Secondary hyperparathyroidism is caused by hypercalcemia of malignancy, chronic renal failure, hypervitaminosis D (vitamin D toxicity) or granulomatous disease (2).

This condition affects middle aged to older dogs with a mean age of approximately 10.5 years, according to the existing veterinary literature, without taking specific breeds into account. In the early phases of this disease, the affected dogs tend to be relatively free of symptoms except for increased drinking and urination, in addition to a gradual onset of weakness, lethargy, shaking and sometimes weight loss. Many have concurrent calcium-containing urolithiasis (bladder or kidney stones). As the hypercalcemia becomes more profound, organ damage occurs, including possible damage to bones as well as severe kidney damage. If the hypercalcemia is left untreated, this secondary kidney disease can eventually lead to severe renal failure and death.

PHPT can be tested or dog can be hereditary free from disease.

References

1. Goldstein RE, Atwater DZ, Cazolli DM, Goldstein O, Wade CM, Lindblad‐Toh K. Inheritance, mode of inheritance, and candidate genes for primary hyperparathyroidism in Keeshonden. Journal of veterinary internal medicine. 2007 Jan;21(1):199-203.
2. Refsal KR, Provencher-Bolliger AL, Graham PA, Cert VR, Nachreiner RF. Update on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of calcium regulation. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice. 2001 Sep 1;31(5):1043-62.

Below is a short video explaining how to groom and care for your keeshond's coat: