| Height | 18 inches (male), 17 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 35-45 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Lively / Outgoing [1] |
| AKC group | Non-Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | The Netherlands [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 85 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Keeshonden will adapt to many environments. Historically they have had homes ranging from farms with lots of space to run to barges having little room to move around. They do need regular exercise and like being with their families. [1]
Grooming
Keeshonden do require regular grooming, but going through their coats once a week with a pin brush usually does the job. This will keep the undercoat brushed out, and keeps shedding to a minimum. The only trimming needed is tidying around the feet, pads, and hocks. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Keeshonden in general are a healthy, active breed that can live a happy life from 12 to 15 years of age. The Keeshond Club of America recommends certain health tests for every Keeshond before it is bred to help breeders identify any health concerns. These tests include X-rays to screen for hip and elbow dysplasia, an exam for patellar luxation, a CERF eye exam, and genetic screening for primary hyperparathyroidism. Because the breed has been screened for these diseases by reputable breeders, the conditions have been reduced in the breed, and most Kees are free of them. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Keeshond in 1930. [1]
- It ranked No. 85 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 84 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Kees, Dutch Barge Dog.” [1]
- The AKC lists The Netherlands as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 4/5
Common questions
How long do Keeshonds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
How big does a Keeshond get?
AKC breed information lists height 18 inches (male), 17 inches (female) and weight 35-45 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Keeshond?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Keeshond, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.