by Timothy Dolan
Introduction
It is said that Keeshonds have had all canine instincts bred out of them. The one remaining, if it could be called that, is for these canal barge dogs to bark at the approach of other barges. They thus function as a kind of automatic claxon on the waterways of the Low Countries. Their only other quality of note is a thick luxuriant fur that is resistant to shedding. This places them in the rather dubious niche of being ranched for their pelts that grace many if not most fur collared coats. Keeshonds will also absorb and model whatever behavior pleases their masters. In this they may well be the most humanlike of dogs; no real instincts save the social.(continue…)