The Keeshond has an outgoing personality. They have an ability to curl their upper lip into something that resembles a human grin; and as a result they are known as the ‘Smiling Dutchman’. The dog often does this as a greeting for people they are extremely fond of. They are generally a very intelligent and affectionate breed. They thrive on human companionship, and love the time they have with their owners. They are neither too timed or too aggressive and can be quite lively dogs, so daily walks are essential. . A Keeshond who spins in circles has excess energy he needs to burn, both physical and mental. An owner must exhibit the qualities that the dog would see as a pack leader, as the if the dog doesn’t see this it will see itself as the pack leader, and become difficult to train. They are very alert, and can make great doorbells as they can bark. This barking must be controlled however, so as not to make it excessive. Teach them enough is enough, to stop barking after their first initial warning bark. Keeshonden were bred to guard river barges along the Rhine, and those instincts survive to this day.