Final answer:
The Keeshond became the official dog of the House of Orange in 1572, having originally been a companion of Chinese emperors. This breed's role in alerting Prince William to assassins played a key part in its rise to prominence within European nobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The breed of dog that became the official dog of the House of Orange in 1572 is the Keeshond. This breed was originally one of the companions of the Chinese emperors before gaining prominence in the Netherlands. One of these dogs is famed for alerting Prince William of Orange to the presence of assassins, subsequently elevating the Keeshond to official status.
Historically, dogs have played various roles in human societies, from companions to working animals. The Keeshond, with its spitz-like appearance, thick coat, and alert demeanor, was well suited for life in imperial courts and later, European noble houses. Its recognition by the House of Orange underlines the long-held appreciation for canine loyalty and utility in protecting their owners.
Chinese imperial history is rich with instances of noble families and officials who had varying levels of influence and loyalty to the emperor. The inclusion of dogs as companions and protectors mirrors the human relationships in these courts, where loyalty and obedience were highly valued and sometimes the keys to survival in a politically volatile environment.