Wetterhoun

The history of the Wetterhoun is closely intertwined with the harsh, wet climate of the Dutch province of Friesland, where it emerged over 400 years ago. The name “Wetterhoun” itself translates from Frisian as “water dog,” directly indicating its primary purpose. The main task of these dogs was to hunt otters (then considered pests) and small predators like polecats. This required the dog not only to be an excellent swimmer but also to possess courage, strength, and the ability to make independent decisions far from the hunter.

It is believed that the ancestors of the Wetterhoun were local Frisian dogs crossbred with dogs belonging to Romani people travelling through Europe. After the Second World War, the breed was on the brink of extinction. Enthusiasts, notably Jan van der Oord, made colossal efforts to restore it, carefully selecting the surviving representatives. Thanks to their work, the breed was officially recognised by the Dutch Kennel Club in 1942, and later by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Interestingly, the Wetterhoun developed alongside another Frisian breed—the Stabyhoun, which, unlike the Wetterhoun, is a more gentle and versatile gun dog.

The Wetterhoun is a dog of a sturdy, square build that gives an impression of strength and endurance without being coarse. Its appearance is functional and has nothing to do with being decorative. Every element of its exterior speaks of its readiness for work in challenging conditions.

• Head: Strong, proportional to the body, with a broad skull and a pronounced stop.
• Muzzle: Powerful, not pointed. The nose is large, black for black dogs and brown for brown ones.
• Eyes: Medium-sized, oval, set slightly slanted. The colour ranges from dark brown to brown, harmonising with the coat. The gaze is intelligent and somewhat stern.
• Ears: Set quite low, long, and hanging along the cheeks. When the dog is alert, they rise slightly at the base.
• Coat: The main distinguishing feature of the breed. It consists of thick, harsh curls that feel greasy to the touch. This texture makes the coat virtually waterproof. The hair on the head and paws is shorter and smoother.
• Colour: Solid black or brown, as well as black with white markings or brown with white markings. Roaning is permitted.
• Tail: Long, curled into a tight ring and carried over or to the side of the croup. This is one of the most characteristic features of the Wetterhoun.

The Wetterhoun’s character is a mixture of unshakeable self-confidence and deep devotion to its family. This is not a dog that will blindly follow any command. Its ancestors worked independently, and this independent thinking is deeply ingrained in the breed. A modern Wetterhoun might seem stubborn, but in reality, it is simply analysing the situation and deciding whether a command makes sense from its point of view.

Towards its family, the Wetterhoun is gentle and loving. It is patient with children it has grown up with, becoming a reliable companion and protector for them. However, it is wary and reserved with strangers, which makes it an excellent guard dog. Its loud bark will instantly announce the approach of newcomers. Early and proper socialisation is key to ensuring this trait does not develop into excessive suspicion or aggression. It gets along with other animals if raised with them, but its hunting instincts may surface with smaller pets.

At first glance, it might seem that the Wetterhoun’s curly coat requires a lot of attention, but this is not the case. The main rule is not to brush it too often. Frequent brushing destroys the natural structure of the curls and removes the protective oily layer that makes the coat waterproof. It is sufficient to go through the coat with a wide-toothed comb every few weeks to remove dead hair. During the seasonal moult (usually twice a year), this can be done more often.

You should only bathe a Wetterhoun when absolutely necessary, as shampoos also wash away the natural oils. Usually, dirt simply dries and falls off its coarse coat. Regularly check the condition of the ears, especially after swimming, as water dogs are prone to ear infections. Also, don’t forget to trim their nails if they don’t wear down naturally.

Training a Wetterhoun is a real challenge that requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of the breed’s psychology. Force and harshness do not work with this dog—it will simply shut down or start to actively resist. The key to success is to build a relationship based on respect. The owner must become an undeniable but fair leader for the Wetterhoun.

Training sessions should be short, interesting, and varied to keep the dog engaged. Positive reinforcement in the form of praise and treats works well, but don’t expect instant obedience. Socialisation must begin from the first days a puppy is in the home: introduce it to different people, sounds, places, and other calm dogs. This will help raise a balanced and confident dog. Wetterhouns adore water, so swimming is an excellent way to provide them with physical exercise. A similar love for water is shared by breeds such as the Barbet and the American Water Spaniel, which are also excellent water hunters.

The Wetterhoun is generally a robust and healthy breed with a good lifespan. However, like many other breeds with a limited gene pool (due to a small population), it has a predisposition to certain hereditary diseases. Responsible breeders test their dogs for genetic problems to minimise risks for future generations.

The Wetterhoun is not a picky eater, but its diet should be high-quality and balanced to support its energy and health. A high-quality dry food for active medium or large breeds is best. You can also opt for a natural diet, but it should be formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. The diet should be based on:

1. Meat: Lean beef, chicken, turkey.

2. Grains: Rice, buckwheat, oats.

3. Vegetables and Fruits: Carrots, pumpkin, apples (without pips).

4. Fermented Dairy Products: Low-fat cottage cheese, kefir.

The amount of food depends on the dog’s age, weight, and activity level. An adult Wetterhoun is usually fed twice a day to avoid the risk of gastric torsion (bloat). Always provide free access to fresh drinking water. Maintaining an active lifestyle is key for this breed, just as it is for the Portuguese Water Dog, which also requires a balanced diet for its energy needs.

1. The Otter Hunter: Historically, the Wetterhoun’s main prey was the otter, which it had to not only track but also kill, explaining its fearless character.

2. Unique Coat: The Wetterhoun’s coat has such dense and oily curls that the dog emerges from the water practically dry.

3. Spiral Tail: The characteristic curled tail is one of the breed’s trademarks.

4. National Treasure: In the Netherlands, the Wetterhoun is considered a national treasure, and its export is controlled.

5. Rare Breed: Outside of the Netherlands, the Wetterhoun is almost never seen. The total number of individuals worldwide is very small.

Is the Wetterhoun suitable for a family with children?

Yes, but with certain conditions. A Wetterhoun that has grown up with children will be a patient and reliable protector for them. However, it will not tolerate rough handling. It is very important to teach children to respect the dog’s personal space. Due to its size and strength, it’s best not to leave it alone with very young children.

Is the Wetterhoun an aggressive dog?

The Wetterhoun is not aggressive without reason, but it is a natural guardian and very wary of strangers. Its reaction to a threat can be decisive. Proper socialisation from an early age helps to control this trait and channel it correctly—into guarding its territory and family, not aggression towards all strangers.

Does the Wetterhoun shed a lot, and does it cause allergies?

Wetterhouns have two main moulting periods a year, during which they lose a significant amount of hair. At other times, shedding is moderate. No breed is 100% hypoallergenic, and the Wetterhoun is no exception. Its coat and saliva can cause allergic reactions.

How much physical exercise does a Wetterhoun need?

A great deal. This is a working dog that needs long daily walks (at least 1.5-2 hours) with the opportunity to run off-lead in a safe area. The ideal living situation for it would be in a country house with a large, fenced garden and access to a body of water for swimming.