Keeshond at a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 43–46 cm
- Weight
- 16–20 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Keeshond right for you?
Like every breed, the Keeshond is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
- You have a cat and can introduce them carefully.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to daily grooming.
How would the Keeshond fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Keeshond
The Keeshond is a medium-sized spitz with a foxy face, pricked ears, a plumed tail curled over the back and a thick, stand-off grey coat that forms a spectacular ruff around the neck and chest. Under the coat it is a lean, sturdy dog. Keeshonds are affectionate, cheerful and alert, and are often called the "Smiling Dutchman" because of their bright, happy expression.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Medium
A mid-sized dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Often fine
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.
- Suits first-time owners
Some experience helps
Some dog experience helps.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed was used as a watchdog and companion on barges in the Netherlands, which is why it was first known in the UK as the Dutch Barge Dog. Its main job was to bark and alert owners to intruders. In the 18th century it was the mascot of the Dutch Patriots' Party, as one of the party's leaders, Cornelius "Kees" de Gyselaer, owned one: hence "Kees' dog", or Keeshond.
When the party was defeated in 1787 the breed fell out of fashion and numbers declined sharply. A few dedicated breeders revived it, and the first Keeshonds came to the UK in 1905. The first UK breed club formed in 1925, and English enthusiasm helped rekindle interest in the Netherlands, where the Dutch Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1933.
Keeshond temperament
Keeshonds are typically affectionate, loving and playful, and are always keen to join in with games and adventures. They are friendly and companionable and adapt well to living in small spaces.
They are still natural watchdogs and are quick to bark at anything they hear or see moving, or anyone they think is up to no good. This can be wearing for owners and neighbours, so a quieter rural or suburban setting often suits them best.
Size and appearance
The Keeshond is a medium-sized breed. Adults typically stand around 43–46 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 16–20 kg.
The double coat is thick, harsh and stand-off, with a cream or very pale grey undercoat. Breed standard colours are grey, silver grey, and silver grey and black, with typical harness markings.
How much exercise does a Keeshond need?
Keeshonds usually need up to an hour of exercise a day, and will enjoy more if you can offer it. Their dense coat means they are happy to go out in all weathers.
Exercise should include training, puzzle solving and other activities, as a bored Keeshond may find its own entertainment, often noisily.
Training a Keeshond
Keeshonds respond well to training if given time and patience. They learn best when they believe the idea was their own.
- Use positive reinforcement, rewarding behaviour you like with toys and food.
- Socialise them carefully with people and other animals, and get them used to lots of different situations.
- Pay particular attention to recall, as they may be tempted to go off after something small and furry.
- Get puppies used to a grooming salon early, in case you need professional help later.
Keeshond grooming
The profuse coat needs brushing every day to prevent tangles and matting. Bathing is infrequent, but it is a lengthy job to wash the coat to the skin and dry it fully.
Keeshonds shed heavily, like other spitz types. Check paws daily for debris and matting.
Living with a Keeshond
Affectionate and fun, Keeshonds can make excellent family pets, particularly for active homes with older children or teenagers. Their love of barking means they are probably not suited to homes with very young children or babies who need to sleep.
Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually happier in a house.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Some dog experience helps.
Keeshond health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Some health conditions are recognised in the Keeshond, and the Royal Kennel Club places the breed in Breed Watch Category 2, meaning some features have been highlighted as points of concern. Knowing about these issues helps you ask a breeder the right questions.
Hip dysplasia
Poor development of the hip joint, which will eventually lead to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip scoring under the BVA/RKC Hip Dysplasia Scheme as a minimum before breeding.
Elbow dysplasia
The Royal Kennel Club recommends elbow scoring under the BVA/RKC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme as a minimum before breeding.
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)
A problem with the parathyroid gland that can affect the bones and kidneys. A DNA test is available, and testing is part of the Royal Kennel Club's best-practice guidelines.
Epilepsy
A brain disorder that can lead to seizures.
Patellar luxation
The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place.
Eye testing
The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme as part of best-practice health testing.
Genetic diversity
The Royal Kennel Club lists prioritising genetic diversity as a key part of responsible breeding in this breed.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Keeshond home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Keeshond cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Keeshond home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Keeshond
If you have decided the Keeshond suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Keeshond
Keeshonds do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Keeshonds looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
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View breed guide
Keeshond FAQs
Is the Keeshond good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Keeshond live in a flat?
Usually happier in a house. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Keeshond need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Keeshond shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Keeshond need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Keeshond easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Keeshond be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Keeshond bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Keeshond good with cats?
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Keeshond live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Keeshond get?
Adults typically stand 43–46 cm at the shoulder and weigh 16–20 kg.