Who We Are
Sprookje Kees: pronounced "Sprook yuh," means "Fairytale" in Dutch. Oh, the spitz breeds—the heart bandits of the canine companion world! Our journey began in 1988 with American Eskimo Dogs, universally known as "the dog beautiful," as cherished household members. After my soulmate "Roycee" passed to the rainbow bridge on Thanksgiving evening 2003, I believed there would never be another fur-coated companion quite like him. That was until "Sonoma," our first Kees and the grand dame of the household, graced our lives. The Keeshond, the largest variety of German Spitz, also known as "Wolfspitz," carries a colorful history akin to the fairytale "Cinderella." From a hardworking farm and barge dog to the patriot party mascot of common folk, back to obscurity, and finally celebrated as the National Dog of Holland, the Keeshond has always remained true to its highest aspiration: being "a friend of the people.
The Keeshond possesses an almost human understanding, is down-to-earth, unpretentious, and delights in the simple joys of life. With a remarkable sense of humor, the Kees brings laughter and warmth to every moment. We've all experienced the famous Keeshond grin—whether it's during a scolding or just a playful exchange—that seems to say, "Don't take life so seriously!" Enchanting and delightful, the Kees is truly among "The Finer Things" in life and, above all, "A Friend of Mine."
Meet the Breeder
With a passion for excellence and a deep love for Keeshonds, Melanie has spent years dedicated to breeding dogs that embody the true essence of the breed.
A member of the Keeshond Club of America and the Buckeye Keeshond Club, Melanie adheres to the highest standards of ethical breeding practices set by AKC and KCA.
Our Philosophy
At Sprookje Kees, we are a deliberately small kennel, where our Keeshonds are first and foremost beloved household members and second, competitors. We prioritize their mental and physical well-being by providing opportunities to maximize their full potential. The Keeshond excels in conformation, agility, and obedience—showcasing a unique combination of intelligence and unwavering devotion to "its people." Our philosophy in breeding mirrors the principles we apply in all endeavors we undertake: a commitment to an ideal pursued with diligence and purpose.
As designers, architectural, and building consultants by trade, we embrace the timeless principles of "form follows function," the enduring appeal of classics over fleeting trends, and the unwavering priority of quality over quantity. In our breeding program, we plan, implement, and evaluate with an artistic and critical eye, always striving to approximate the breed standard more closely with each pairing. We adhere strictly to the Keeshond Club of America (KCA) and American Kennel Club (AKC) codes of ethics and proudly hold memberships in both the KCA and the Buckeye Keeshond Club. Our ultimate goal is to capture the "true essence" of the Kees—a legacy we are dedicated to preserving and passing forward.
Want to learn more about our Keeshonds?
Meet Our Kees