Wetterhoun (Dutch Spaniel)
A curly-coated Frisian water dog that is loyal, watchful and independent, with a strong hunting instinct.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 57–59 cm · Females 53–55 cm
- Weight
- Males 20–25 kg · Females 16–22 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Curly, medium
- Colours
- Black, Brown, White, Bicolour, Roan
- Bred for
- Water work, Retrieving, Guarding, Hunting by scent
- Country of origin
- Netherlands
- FCI
- Group 8, no. 221 · Retrievers, flushing & water dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Playfulness | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 4/5 – High |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 2/5 – Low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 4/5 – High |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- have experience with independent working dogs
- live in the countryside near water
- want a loyal, watchful companion
Think twice if you …
- keep cats or small pets
- want a dog that is friendly to everyone
- are a first-time owner
Care
Temperament
Loyal, steady and watchful, often reserved with strangers. It can be stubborn and has a strong prey drive.
Exercise
Needs an hour or more of activity a day. Swimming, tracking, retrieving and long country walks suit it.
Grooming
The curly coat needs little brushing; occasional combing and a check for burrs are usually enough. It should not be clipped short.
Training
Intelligent but independent, so training takes patience and consistency. Early, broad socialisation is important.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia and some eye conditions are the main known concerns in this small population. Ask the breeder for hip and elbow scores and eye results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Wetterhoun comes from Friesland in the northern Netherlands, where it was used to hunt otters and polecats along waterways and to guard farms. Its oily, tightly curled coat protects it in cold water. It remains a rare breed with a small population.
It is loyal and affectionate with its own family but often aloof with strangers and can be protective. It has a strong hunting instinct and an independent mind. It needs an owner who understands working breeds and gives it plenty of socialisation, clear rules and regular outings, preferably near water.
Did you know?
Wetterhoun means water dog in Frisian, and the breed was once used mainly to hunt otters.