Wetterhoun

The Wetterhoun, or Frisian Water Dog, is a curly-coated hunting dog from the province of Friesland in the Netherlands, traditionally used on small game and waterfowl. Its name comes from the West Frisian Wetterhûn, meaning water dog. It is sometimes called the Otterhoun, which should not be confused with the Otterhound, or the Dutch Spaniel, since it can flush game for the gun.

History

The first Wetterhouns lived in Friesland at least 400 years ago. The breed is believed to have come from dogs kept by Romani people crossed with a native Frisian dog, perhaps the now extinct Old Water Dog. Dogs of this kind were kept for the hard and dangerous work of hunting polecat and otter in the water. They also retrieved waterfowl and served as watchdogs.

The breed almost disappeared during World War II. Enthusiasts brought it back through careful breeding, and it has gained in popularity since. The Dutch club for the Stabij and Wetterhoun keeps databases used to check pedigrees and calculate inbreeding. The FCI recognizes the breed among the water dogs of Group 8, and the United Kennel Club places it in its gun dog group. It is also promoted as a rare breed for people who want an unusual pet.

Appearance

The Wetterhoun is a medium-sized dog, standing 55 to 59 cm at the withers and weighing 25 to 35 kg at maturity. The coat is thick and curly everywhere except the head, ears and legs, where it is smoother. It repels water and feels oily to the touch. It should not be woolly, because woolly hair does not shed water. The color may be solid black or brown, or black and white or brown and white, with or without ticking or roaning.

The ears are set low and hang flat against the head, and the tail curls tightly over the back. The shape of the eyes gives the breed an unusual, rather stern expression.

Temperament

The Wetterhoun is a capable gundog that retrieves well on land and in water. It is strong-willed and a natural guard, so early training matters. The breed standard describes it as reserved and an ideal guard dog, yet never aggressive and fond of its family’s company.

Strong-willed does not mean stubborn or disobedient. The Wetterhoun is tenacious and stays focused on whatever it takes to be its task. It is also sensitive and should not be treated harshly or trained by punishment. A dog that has been well socialized early in life is extremely tolerant, to the point that adults should make sure children do not take advantage of its gentle nature.

Facts on this page were checked against Wikipedia and may have changed since.