Editing Keeshond (section)

=== Temperament ===
[[File:Keeshond puppy 7weeks.jpg|thumb|7-week-old Keeshond puppy]]

Keeshonden tend to be very playful, with quick reflexes and strong jumping ability. They are thoughtful, eager to please and very quick learners, which means they are also quick to learn things their humans did not intend to teach them. However, Keeshonden make excellent [[dog agility|agility]] and [[Obedience training|obedience]] dogs. In fact, so amenable to proper training is this bright, sturdy dog that they have been successfully trained to serve as [[service dog|guide dogs]] for the blind; only their lack of size has prevented them from being more widely used in this role.

They love children and are excellent family dogs, preferring to be close to their humans whenever possible. They generally get along with other dogs as well and will enjoy a good chase around the yard. Keeshonden are very intuitive and empathetic and are often used as [[Therapy dog|comfort dogs]]. Most notably, at least one Keeshond, Tikva, was at Ground Zero following the [[September 11 attacks]] to help comfort the rescue workers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/comfort-rubble-therapy-dogs-helped-9-11-workers-recognized-ceremony-article-1.952986|title=Therapy dog back at work grounds: WTC site|website=Nydailynews.com|date=10 September 2011 |access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> The breed has a tendency to become especially clingy towards their owners, more so than most other breeds. If their owner is out, or in another room behind a closed door, they may sit, waiting for their owner to reappear, even if there are other people nearby. Many have been referred to as their "owner's shadow", or "velcro dogs".<ref>{{cite web |title=Keeshond |url=https://www.orvis.com/keeshond |website=Orvis |publisher=The Orvis Company Inc. |access-date=4 December 2019 |quote=Kees want to be with their people at all times, and are among the 'velcro' breeds who will follow you from room to room of your house.}}</ref>

They are known by their loud, distinctive bark. Throughout the centuries, the Keeshond has been very popular as a watch dog on barges on canals in the [[Netherlands]] and middle [[Europe]]. This trait is evident to this day, and they are alert dogs that warn their owners of any new visitors. Although loud and alert, Keeshonden are not aggressive towards visitors. They generally welcome visitors affectionately once their family has accepted them. Unfortunately, barking may become a problem if not properly handled. Keeshonden that are kept in a yard, and not allowed to be with their humans, are unhappy and often become nuisance barkers.  

The Keeshond is very bright in work and obedience. The Keeshond ranks 18th in [[Stanley Coren]]'s ''[[The Intelligence of Dogs]]'', being of excellent working/obedience intelligence. This intelligence makes a Keeshond a good choice for the dog owner who is willing to help a dog learn the right lessons, but also entails added responsibility.