WetterhounCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wetterhoun. · Pleple2000 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.

The Wetterhoun (Frisian Water Dog) is a rare Dutch dog from Friesland, with a coat of hard curls that feel greasy to the touch. It was traditionally used to hunt otters and to guard the yard. The FCI standard describes it as headstrong by nature, affectionate with its family, vigilant in the house and yard and keen on catching vermin, reserved with strangers at first, but not fearful.

Quick facts

Common name	Wetterhoun (Frisian Water Dog)
Scientific name	Canis lupus familiaris
Country of origin	Netherlands (Friesland)
Official recognition	FCI, definitively since 21 December 1959 (group 8, water dogs; standard no. 221); in the Netherlands since 1942; the AKC lists it in the Foundation Stock Service
Lifespan	About 13 years, according to the AKC
Size (males)	ideally 59 cm at the withers; about 34 kg
Size (females)	ideally 55 cm at the withers; about 28 kg
Coat type	Hard, dense curls, harsh, greasy hair; short on the head and legs
Common colours	Black or brown, with white on the chest and toes; patched, roan
Energy level	Medium to high
Suited to an apartment?	No
Temperament	Headstrong, affectionate, vigilant, reserved with strangers
Tendency to aggression	Low; it must not be fearful
Good with children	No specific data; affectionate with its family
Good with other animals	Poor with rodents
Genetic predispositions	No specific diseases are known; the club recommends health tests

Primary category:Dog breeds
Explore this animal's categories:
Dog breeds Hunting dog breeds Large dog breeds Retrievers, spaniels and water dogs

History and origin

The FCI standard says it was probably brought by Romani people and/or by sailors from the countries around the Baltic Sea. In the 19th and 20th centuries it was used to pull carts, but above all to hunt otters and other small predators in the water-rich areas of Friesland. At the beginning of the 20th century it was often crossed with the Stabyhoun, and each breed was in danger of losing its character.

In 1938, a group of enthusiasts from the Kynologenclub Fryslân began to purify the breed, and in 1942 both breeds were officially recognised. The first standard dates from 10 February 1944. The standard says there were about 1,000 dogs in the world in 2013.

How the breed developed

19th–20th centuries – An otter hunter and draught dog in Friesland.
1938 – The purification of the breed begins.
1942 – Official recognition in the Netherlands.
10 February 1944 – The first standard.
21 December 1959 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Breed rating

Feature	Stars
Training and intelligence	★★★☆☆
Easy to train	★★★★☆
Intelligence	★★★☆☆
Independence	★★★☆☆
Stubbornness	★★★☆☆
Behaviour and temperament	★★★☆☆
Affectionate with family	★★★★☆
Friendly with children	★★★☆☆
Good with other dogs	★★★★☆
Good with cats and other animals	★★☆☆☆
Loyalty	★★★★☆
Tendency to be aggressive	★★☆☆☆
Tendency to bark	★★★★☆
Needs and care	★★★☆☆
Shedding	★★★★☆
Needs frequent grooming	★★★☆☆
Activity and lifestyle	★★★☆☆
Energy level	★★★☆☆
Daily exercise needs	★★★★☆
Suited to apartment life	★★★★☆
Health and longevity	★★★☆☆
Life expectancy	★★★☆☆
Predisposition to genetic diseases	★★☆☆☆
Working abilities and uses	★★★☆☆
Good guard dog	★★★★☆
Good companion dog	★★★★☆

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the FCI standard; the AKC profile gives no scores for the breed.

Physical characteristics

The standard describes it as a plain, square, strong, compact but not coarse dog, with a lean, sturdy, powerful head. Wikipedia says it is also called the “Otterhoun” or “Dutch Spaniel”, as it can flush game for the hunter.

General appearance

The coat is made up of hard, firm curls formed by tufts of hair. The hair itself is fairly harsh and feels greasy to the touch. The head and legs are covered with short hair.

Feature	Wetterhoun
Size	Large
Height at the withers	males: 59 cm; females: 55 cm (ideally)
Weight	males: ~34 kg; females: ~28 kg
Coat	Hard curls
Colour	Black or brown
Type	Water dog

The standard accepts solid black or solid brown, with white on the chest and/or toes, as well as black or brown patches, ticking and roan.

Training and socialisation

The standard describes it as headstrong by nature, affectionate with its family, vigilant in the house and yard and keen on catching vermin. At first it may be reserved with strangers, but it must not be fearful.

The AKC says it is almost always by its owner's side and that, being persistent, it can excel at various dog sports. As it is headstrong, it needs consistent, patient training.

Tips for effective training

Be consistent. It is headstrong.
Socialise it early. It is reserved with strangers.
Let it swim. It is a water dog.
Give it a sport. It is persistent.

Activity needs and lifestyle

As a persistent water hunter, it needs daily walks, swimming and activities in which it works with its owner.

Activity	How often	Why it matters
Walks	daily	Fitness
Swimming	occasionally	Instinct
Dog sports	weekly	A busy mind

Tips for a balanced life

Suited to experienced owners.
Let it stay close to the family.
Dry it after swimming.

Care and health

Coat and skin care

The curly coat should be checked regularly for dirt and burrs, especially after outings in the countryside. The ears should be checked after swimming.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is fairly healthy, despite its small population. The Dutch breed club has started a controlled outcrossing programme for genetic diversity and recommends health tests. Things to watch for:

Condition	Description	Common symptoms
Hip dysplasia	The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops	Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain
Ear infections	Infections of the ears, especially after swimming	Head shaking, unpleasant smell

Other care

Ask for the tests recommended by the club.
Dry the ears after swimming.
Go for yearly check-ups.

Diet and nutrition

An active working dog needs good-quality food adapted to its workload.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

Dog's weight	Calories per day (neutered)	Calories per day (not neutered)	Dry food per day (approximate)
28 kg	1,360 kcal	1,530 kcal	340–440 g
31 kg	1,470 kcal	1,660 kcal	370–470 g
34 kg	1,580 kcal	1,770 kcal	400–510 g

Split the food into two meals a day.
Do not let it run right after a meal.
A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Reproduction and development

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

Interesting facts

A greasy coat. The curls feel greasy to the touch.
An otter hunter. That was its traditional job.
Arrived from the Baltic. It was probably brought by sailors or Romani people.
Related to the Stabyhoun. The two breeds were separated after 1938.
Very rare. About 1,000 dogs in the world (2013).