Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is described by the AKC as alert, friendly, quick, a member of the Sporting Group, originally from The Netherlands.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | Dogs 16", Females 15" [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 20 - 30 lbs [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Alert / Friendly / Quick [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | The Netherlands [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 158 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
A clever, lively, cheerful, devoted, sweet companion in the home and an athletic, driven, eager, busy explorer outdoors. [1]
Grooming
Beyond regular weekly grooming, the occasional bath will keep the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje clean and looking his best. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your dog. The strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Kooikerhondje is a relatively healthy breed living a long life. Originating from a very limited founding population, the Kooikerhondje is susceptible to various hereditary conditions. Utilization of proper breeding practices to reduce the coefficients of inbreeding is recommended to promote genetic diversity within the limited gene pool. Knowledge of genetic lines of disease within the breed combined with good breeding practices reduces serious illnesses within the Kooikerhondje. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Eye examination - certified through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), Patella Evaluation - certified through OFA, Hip: certififed through OFA, Von Willebrand Disease III (Kooikerhondje) (VWDIII) - DNA Test, Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy (ENM) - DNA Test. [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 Nederlandse Kooikerhondje in 2018. [1]
- It ranked No. 158 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Kooiker.” [1]
- The AKC lists The Netherlands as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 5 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Eye examination - certified through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), Patella Evaluation - certified through OFA. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
How big does a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje get?
AKC breed information lists height Dogs 16", Females 15" and weight 20 - 30 lbs.
How much are vet bills for a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, 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.