Wetterhoun (Friesian Water Dog) Breed Portrait

For our following breed portrait we have chosen a Dutch dog breed: the Wetterhoun, also known as the Friesian Water Dog called.

For many years, this fur nose was one of the most popular guard and hunting dogs of our Dutch neighbors.

We will now tell you in detail what makes the Wetterhoun special and what you should pay particular attention to when it comes to health & co.

Wetterhoun Wanted Poster

Size Male: up to 59 cm, female: up to 55 cmWeightMale: up to 35 kg, female: up to 25 kgColorsBlack/White, Black, Red/Dawn, Liver/White, LiverLife expectancy9 to 15 yearsOriginNetherlands/ Frieslandcharacter/temperamentcalm, reserved, reserved, quiet, stubborn, stubborn, intelligent, water-loving, people-relatedFCI groupGroup 8: Retrievers – Search Dogs – Water Dogs, Section 3: Water Dogs

Look

The Wetterhoun has one compact, strong body, of a square shape having. Nevertheless, he does not appear clumsy or awkward.

The wide and angular head of the Friesian Water Dog attracts attention, among other things, through the watchful look from the oval, medium-brown eyes.

The head and face are framed by floppy ears that are bent at the side, and the Wetterhoun’s tail is medium-long and slightly bushy.

Height Weight

According to the breed standard, the Friesian Water Dog can reach a shoulder height of up to 55 centimeters for females and up to 59 centimeters for males.

Females weigh up to 25, males up to 35 kilograms.

Coat, coat texture & coat colors

The Wetterhoun’s coat may appear and be bred in the following colors and combinations:

• liver
• Black
• Liver/White
• Roan
• Black-and-white

You’ll find these colors on a dense, firm, and curly coat that contributes to the Friesian Water Dog’s exceptional appearance.

Due to its oily texture, it has water-repellent properties that make the Wetterhoun waterproof to a certain extent.

History & Origin of the Wetterhoun

The Wetterhoun, also known as the Friesian Water Dog, is about a Dutch breed of dog.

As the name already suggests, it originally comes from the Friesland region in the north of the country.

His areas of responsibility were diverse. The Wetterhoun was used as a hunting, guard, cart and farm dog, among other things.

Since the 1950s, today’s Wetterhoun has been a cross between the Stabyhoun and the original Wetterhoun.

The FCI officially recognized the Wetterhoun in 1959.

Essence & Character of the Wetterhoun

Unfortunately, if you are looking for a playful dog, the Wetterhoun is the wrong place for you.

Because this fur nose is definitely not characterized by an overly lively temperament.

She counts instead to the very calm, quiet and reserved dog breeds.

The Wetterhoun is often wrongly attested to be a stubborn being because it is called «stoer» in Dutch.

This doesn’t mean stubbornness and stubbornness – traits the Wetterhoun can certainly show – but bravery, courage and resilience.

When it comes to physical exertion, the Wetterhoun especially loves to be out and about in cool water.

Once he has taken you into his heart, the Friesian Water Dog is a very affectionate dog that does not appreciate being left alone for long periods of time.

So, to avoid problems here, you should give your Wetterhoun puppy some loneliness training.

attitude & upbringing

What about the Keeping & Training of the Wetterhoun out of? What do you have to pay attention to and what role do character, temperament and size play? Now find out.

Upbringing

Raising the Wetterhoun is not always easy. His attachment can come out when he feels you are treating him unfairly.

In addition to the necessary consistency, fairness is also important in the training of the Wetterhoun.

It can also be useful to keep a close eye on the innate hunting instinct.

Some dog sports such as tracking, retrieving and browsing are suitable to steer them in the right direction.

attitude

In addition to water, there is one thing that the Wetterhoun absolutely needs for a species-appropriate attitude and a happy dog ​​life: sufficient exercise.

Whether in a house with a garden (perfect!) or an apartment (less perfect): you should schedule 1 hour of exercise and activity a day for your new roommate.

So that the gray cells don’t get neglected, this hour – or more – also includes the mental work that is important for the dog.

Health & Care

May the Wetterhoun have one robust health or are breed-typical diseases and resulting health problems before?

The following lines will tell you the exciting answers – together with all the information worth knowing about caring for the Friesian Water Dog.

Life expectancy

A healthy Wetterhoun has a life expectancy that ranges from 9 to 15 years.

Health

Fortunately, the Wetterhoun has a robust basic constitution and does not have to fear suffering from breed-related or hereditary diseases.

What bothers him is great heat. The dog copes better with cold temperatures.

To ensure robust health and for the Wetterhoun to live up to its life expectancy, your responsibilities as a good dog owner include the following:

• Veterinary check-ups once a year
• Regular deworming & all-round protection against other parasites
• All important basic vaccinations for the Wetterhoun as well as their boosters

You should also always make sure that your Friesian Water Dog is fed appropriately to avoid further health problems.

General Grooming & Grooming

Parasites, breed diseases, viruses & Co. – all things that can have a negative impact on the health and life expectancy of the dog.

Inflammation can also cause a damper here, which is why you should always keep a close eye on the following body parts:

• buttocks
• ears
• Eyes
• mouth/teeth
• paws/claws

During the summer, you should also check your Wetterhoun’s coat for ticks, fleas, biting lice, and lice, among other things.

The fur makes few demands on the care and you. It is sufficient to brush it out once a week, provided that the change of coat does not take place.

Is the Wetterhoun right for me?

You now know everything you need to know about the Wetterhoun. But do you now also know Are you two even compatible??

Find out quickly and easily using the following statements.

• You are looking for a loyal and brave companion to protect you.
• You are looking for an intelligent and alert dog for your family.
• You are looking for a dog that you can go swimming with.
• You are looking for an affectionate dog with a calm, quiet temperament.
• You have plenty of time to deal with the clingy Wetterhoun.

Please also make it clear that you will be responsible for a dog for the next 9 to 15 years – with all the costs that this responsibility entails.

Fun facts about Wetterhoun

At the end of our breed portrait of the Wetterhoun we have a few more interesting fun facts for you found.

Wetterhoun puppies from a reputable breeder cost between €1,000 and €1,800 to purchase.

The Wetterhoun’s ancestors include the Portuguese Water Dog (Cão de Água Português), the Curly Coated Retriever, and the Stabyhoun.

The weather in Wetterhoun is the Frisian word for water – hence the Frisian water dog in German.

The origins of the Wetterhoun can be traced back to the Middle Ages.

After this last fun fact, we’d love for you to share more exciting stories and tips with us in the comments. 😊