| Wetterhoun Frisian Water Dog | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Black and white Wetterhoun | |||||||||||||
| Other names | Otterhoun | ||||||||||||
| Origin | Netherlands | ||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||||||
TheWetterhoun (translated into English as theFrisian Water Dog) is abreed traditionally used as ahunting dog forsmall game andwaterfowl and native to the province ofFriesland in theNetherlands. The name of the breed comes from theWest FrisianWetterhûn, meaning "water dog." The plural of Wetterhoun isWetterhounen in Frisian. The breed may also be called theOtterhoun (not to be confused with theOtterhound) orDutch Spaniel, although it is not aSpaniel-type dog.
The Wetterhoun is a medium-sized dog, measuring at 55-59 centimeters (21.6-23 inches) at thewithers and weighing between 25 and 35 kilos (55 and 77 pounds) at maturity. Theircoat is thick and curly except for the head, ears, and legs, where it is smoother in texture; the water repellant coat is described as feeling oily to the touch. Coat colour may be solid black or brown, black and white, or brown and white, with or withoutticking orroaning. The texture of the coat should not be woolly, as such hair is not water repellent. The ears are low-set and hang flat to the head, and the tail curls tightly over the back. The breed has an unusual, somewhat stern expression due to the shape of the eyes,[1] which distinguishes this breed from others.[2][3]
The first Wetterhouns lived at least 400 years ago in theDutchprovince of Friesland. The breed is believed to have originated fromRomani dogs, crossed with an indigenous Frisian dog, perhaps the now extinct Old Water Dog.[4] Dogs of this type were kept for the difficult and dangerous hunting offitch (Mustela putorius) andotter (Lutra lutra) in the water.[2] The dogs were also used for retrievingwaterfowl and served as watch dogs. Although the dogs almost disappeared during World War II, fanciers were able to bring the breed back through careful breeding, and it has since gained popularity.[2]
Databases are maintained by the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Stabij- en Wetterhounen[5] (The Dutch Club for the Stabij and Wetterhoun) for assessing pedigrees and computing inbreeding coefficients.
Internationally, the breed is recognised by theFédération Cynologique Internationale in the water dogs section of Group 8. TheUnited Kennel Club recognises the breed in the gun dog group. The breed is also recognised by a number of minor registries, hunting clubs, and internet-based dog registry businesses and promoted as arare breed for those seeking an unusual pet.
The Wetterhoun is an excellentgun dog, effectively retrieving across both land and water; however, its strong will and natural guarding abilities make early training imperative.[6] Thebreed standard describes the Wetterhoun as reserved, remarking that it is "the ideal guard dog,"[1] despite never being aggressive and enjoying the company of its family.
Although it is described as strong willed, the Wetterhoun is never stubborn or willfully disobedient. They do demonstrate tenacity and a desire to complete tasks, no matter the challenge. They remain focused to complete whatever they believe to be their task. The breed is sensitive and should never be treated harshly or trained using punishment. Give proper socialisation and exposure to different people, animals, and environments in early life, the Wetterhoun is extremely tolerant—so much so that adults should be mindful that children do not take advantage of the Wetterhoun's gentle nature.
