Discover Everything About Wetterhoun
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The Wetterhoun, also known as the Friesian Waterhond, is an impressive dog with a strong, robust constitution and a distinctive, curly coat. He is medium to large in size with a powerful build that reflects his versatility and origins as a working dog. Its head is broad and strong, with medium-sized eyes that express a calm and alert intelligence. The Wetterhoun's FCI group is Group 8 (Retrievers, Water Dogs, Flushing Dogs). The breed is not divided into different lines as breeding is primarily aimed at health, longevity and the preservation of the original breed characteristics. This makes the Wetterhoun a uniform and highly predictable breed in terms of temperament and appearance.
| Height | 55 - 55 cm (Female), 59 - 59 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 25 - 35 kg (Female), 30 - 40 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Independent, Alert, Loyal |
| Coat | Curly, dense, medium length, undercoat |
| Coat Color | Black or brown, with or without white markings |
| Price | 2000 - 3000 € € |
History
The Wetterhoun originally comes from the province of Friesland in the Netherlands and has a long history dating back to the 17th century. It was originally bred to be a versatile working dog, used for a variety of tasks including hunting waterfowl, guarding the home and yard, and even fishing. The breed was first recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club in the 1940s. Despite its long history and valuable contribution to the working and hunting dog scene in the Netherlands, the breed is relatively unknown outside of its homeland. The preservation and promotion of the breed is continued by a dedicated group of breeders and enthusiasts who strive to preserve the unique qualities and historical significance of the Wetterhoun.
The Wetterhoun was bred to hunt otters and other waterfowl species and as a guard dog on farms.
Netherlands
1500
Character & Temperament
The Wetterhoun is a dog of remarkable calm and equanimity. He is known for his independent yet loyal nature. These dogs are very people-oriented and form strong bonds with their families. They are also very tolerant of children and tend to make excellent family dogs. Despite their attachment to their humans, Wetterhouns are known for their independence and self-sufficiency. They enjoy being around their humans, but are equally happy being alone. This means that they are well capable of staying on their own if they have been well socialized and trained properly. They are not prone to developing separation anxiety as long as they feel safe and loved. In terms of temperament, the Wetterhoun tends to be rather calm and even-tempered. He is not hyperactive and does not require an excessive amount of physical activity to be happy. Of course, he needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy, but he is not as demanding or energetic as some other breeds. Wetterhouns are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. They are always alert to their surroundings and will quickly point out something that they believe is out of the norm. However, they are not aggressive dogs and generally will not bark or threaten without good reason. Despite their alertness, Wetterhouns are generally good with other animals and are not prone to display aggressive behavior. They have a natural tolerance for other dogs and often do well in homes with other pets. The Wetterhoun has a natural hunting instinct and can show pronounced prey behavior. This may manifest as a strong interest in small animals and birds, or a tendency to dig and browse. It is important to recognize and manage this instinct by providing the dog with appropriate outlets for his natural urges. A final important aspect of the Wetterhoun's character is his ability to learn. Wetterhouns are intelligent dogs and can learn a wide range of commands and tasks. However, they are also independent and can be stubborn at times, which can make training a challenge. However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, the Wetterhoun can be a well-behaved and responsive dog.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know? The name "Wetterhoun" means "water dog" in German - and rightly so, because this breed loves to swim!
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
Although originally bred for otter hunting, the Wetterhoun is now an excellent companion and guard dog, able to excel in a variety of sports thanks to its persistent nature. The Wetterhoun is almost never seen apart from its owner; he enjoys its company as much as the owner enjoys his.
Housing & Care
The Wetterhoun is an excellent family dog that gets along well with children and other pets. His patient and calm nature means he can fit in well in a city environment, but he needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. A house with a garden would therefore be ideal. With sufficient socialization, the Wetterhoun can also live well with cats and other pets.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Wetterhoun is an intelligent and independent dog that requires clear and consistent training. Since he was originally bred as a working dog, he needs both physical and mental stimulation. Agility or search games can be a good way to meet these needs. However, it is important to ensure there is a balance between activity and rest periods so as not to overwhelm the dog. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important aspects of raising a Wetterhoun, as he can sometimes tend to make decisions on his own. However, with positive, patient and consistent training you can achieve wonderful results and have a happy, balanced dog.
Nutrition & Care
Wetterhouns are adaptable dogs that do well on both commercial and home-cooked foods. It is important to have a balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients. Overfeeding should be avoided as these dogs can be prone to becoming overweight. When it comes to grooming, Wetterhouns have a dense, curly coat with an undercoat that protects them from cold and wet conditions. They are therefore well suited to the German climate. However, they shed a lot of fur twice a year, and thorough grooming is particularly important during this time. Regular brushing keeps the coat clean and healthy and minimizes the amount of fur in the house.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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