1950's
With the economic recovery in the 1950s, interest in breeding and showing Keeshonden gained significant momentum, bringing new breeders into the spotlight.
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The Capital Keeshond Club Was organized October 13, 1957 with the help of Mrs. John Anderson, President of National Capital Kennel Club.
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Fred and Nan Greenwood, who had learned of the breed in the 1940s, began establishing their Wistonia kennel using Evenlode and Van Zaandam lines. During this period, they produced 30 champions. The Greenwoods were particularly successful in breeding the solid cream leg, as demonstrated by Ch Winzari and her son Ch Westryton of Wistonia in 1958. Prior to this, most dogs had dark shading on their knees. Among the champions of the 1950s were Wot a Gal of Wistonia and perhaps the most famous dog ever, Wrocky of Wistonia, considered by many to be the epitome of the perfect Keeshond.
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In the 1950s, Mollie Collins, who had been breeding under the Van Sandar affix in the United States since the 1930s, returned to the UK and began breeding under the successful Ven affix, though her major successes came in the early 1960s. Her first champion was Merry Christmas of Ven, born in 1959. She was joined by Barbara Glover of Welford, who had previously worked with Miss Hastings at Evenlode and contributed to the Vens while also breeding on a smaller scale with her own Welford affix.
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The Van Zaandams continued to thrive, with the stud dog Billo van Zaandam producing promising offspring and earning both English and Irish championships. Another notable champion from the 1950s was Beron van Zaandam, who won his title in 1955. He was a son of Ch Rayvalen Geron of Grovelyn, himself a son of Major of Broadcliffe, the first post-war champion.
Margo Emerson faced a difficult start with her Rhinevale kennel, as several potential foundation bitches succumbed to distemper. However, she achieved her first champion in 1952 with Rapunzel of Rhinevale, daughter of Raphael of Rhinevale and Vesta of Summerleaze.
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The 1950s also marked the peak of the Vorden kennel, led by Mrs. Rene Tucker. This era culminated in Volkrijk of Vorden winning Best in Show at Crufts in 1957. Volkrijk, born in 1954 and gaining her championship in 1955, was sired by Verschansing of Vorden, another son of Major of Broadcliffe, with her dam being Vorden Meg of Meadowrock. After this success, Mrs. Tucker disbanded her kennel.
The breed’s success at Crufts brought it broader public recognition, leading to occasional sightings on the street and encouraging new enthusiasts to join the breeding community, marking the beginning of another chapter in the Keeshond's rising popularity.
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Sources:
‘My Life with Keeshonden’ by Gwendolen Wingfield Digby
‘The Keeshond’ by Alice Gateacre
'Keeshonds of the World' by Margo Emerson
