Did you know that the fluffy, fox-faced Keeshond (pronounced ‘kayz-hawnd’) dog breed is named after an 18th-century Dutch patriot named Cornelis de Gyzelaar? And that Gyzelaar had a dog named, you guessed it, Kees? Now, Kees wasn’t just any dog. He was a Keeshond, a breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and friendliness. And his owner, a major political figure at the time, used Kees as an emblem for the Dutch Patriot Party which Gyzelaar belonged to and headed.
Now, what makes this story even more interesting? Keeshonds today are often referred to as the “Smiling Dutchman” because of their happy and expressive nature. It’s perhaps this trait, matched with their high intelligence, that made them such a suitable icon back in Gyzelaar’s time and continues to make them a loved breed today.
Although Keeshonds aren’t frequently showcased in popular media like Border Collies or Golden Retrievers, their intelligence shouldn’t be underestimated. In fact, several studies and reliable sources highlight Keeshonds as one of the top 20 smartest dog breeds. In Stanley Coren’s “The Intelligence of Dogs,” Kees ranked as 16th intelligent out of 138 breeds. They scored highly on the level of their instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and ability to follow commands.
With this rich history and illuminating fact in mind, let’s explore the world of Keeshonds more deeply. We will discover more about their intelligence, how to effectively harness it, and how Keeshonds might just be the perfect addition to your family.
Part of what makes Keeshonds so smart is their history. Keeshonds were originally bred to be watchdogs and companions on the riverboats, barges, and farms in the Netherlands. Such roles require alertness and adaptation. Keeshonds needed to quickly distinguish between friend and foe and alert their owners to any potential threats. This required impeccable listening skills, a good memory, and a certain knack for understanding human behavior. They soon earned a reputation as excellent guardians and faithful companions.
The breed’s remarkable intelligence is seen in their training abilities. Keeshonds are not just fast learners but eager learners. They enjoy mental stimulation and challenging tasks. They exhibit a keen ability to solve complex problems, often surprising their owners with their ingenuity. However, the breed’s intelligence can also make them a bit stubborn. They have a mind of their own, presenting an extra but manageable challenge for their trainers.
Training a Keeshond effectively requires positive reinforcement coupled with consistent, patient training methods. Providing regular mental and physical stimulation also plays a crucial role. Puzzle toys, interactive games, agility training, and long walks are just a few ways to challenge and engage a Keeshond.
Be warned though – Keeshonds are smart enough to manipulate. They might playfully try to outsmart their owners to get their way. Keep in mind; it’s important not to let your Keeshond’s cleverness become an excuse for bad behavior. Consistency and kindness, when dealing with these intelligent dogs, are key.
Now that we’ve established how smart a Keeshond is, let’s move on to how well they fit into a family setting.
Keeshonds have a loving, affectionate nature and despite their smartness, they aren’t a breed that likes to position themselves as the ‘alpha’ of the house. They see themselves more as a part of a team, or better put, part of a family. This makes them a great choice for families with kids. Furthermore, their ability to recognize and respond to human emotions makes them excellent companions.
Interestingly, despite their watchdog nature, Keeshonds are not known for being overly aggressive or overly nervous. Instead, they display a balanced and pleasant temperament, which makes them useful as therapy dogs as well.
The Keeshond is a truly versatile breed. Their intelligence and congenial nature contribute to their adaptability in many roles – from loyal companions, vigilant watchdogs, playful family members, to kind therapy dogs. Their zest for learning makes them a pleasure to train, although their own assertiveness can sometimes be a challenge. Yet with their dutiful spirit, loving nature and the special Keeshond smile, this breed can bring boundless joy to their human families.
In conclusion, while the topic of the ‘smartest’ dog breeds can be subjective and arguably debatable, placing the Keeshond in the upper echelons of the list seems like a well-deserved acknowledgement. Their ability to learn quickly, adapt efficiently, and react to human emotions make them an intelligent breed indeed.
If you’re considering adding a Keeshond to your family, prepare for a journey filled with lively games, surprising smarts, and warm cuddles from a perpetually smiling friend. After all, with a Keeshond, every day is filled with intelligent interactions, love, and lots of wagging tails!
