Wetterhoun

Wetterhouns live 12 to 14 years and are a generally healthy breed. Hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions occur occasionally. As a rare breed, ask breeders directly about conditions present in their lines. Responsible breeders in the Netherlands work carefully to maintain genetic diversity within this small population. Annual vet visits keep most Wetterhouns healthy.

Your Wetterhoun has a thick, curly, water resistant coat that needs brushing two to three times a week. The curls need periodic trimming to stay manageable. Check ears weekly since their love of water and floppy ear shape makes infection a real risk. Bathe every four to six weeks and dry thoroughly.

Your Wetterhoun needs 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. They love to swim and their water resistant coat means they seek out any body of water they find. Walking, field work, and swimming match their energetic, versatile nature. Without consistent activity they become restless and difficult to manage indoors.

Wetterhouns are intelligent and capable but can be stubborn and independent. Use positive reinforcement consistently from a patient, confident handler. Start socialization early since they can be reserved with strangers. This breed bonds closely to their family and works best with a handler who builds genuine trust before asking for compliance.

Feed a quality medium breed formula twice daily with measured portions. Monitor body condition monthly. Fresh water should always be available especially after swimming sessions. Two meals per day works better than free feeding. Keep treats minimal.

The Wetterhoun is a Dutch breed that developed in the Friesland province of the Netherlands, bred for hunting otters and small game in the region marshy waterways. Their name means water dog in Frisian. Farmers also used them to guard their farms and pull small carts. The breed nearly disappeared by the mid 20th century as otter hunting declined. Dutch breeders worked to preserve the Wetterhoun from a small remaining population. The FCI recognized the breed in 1960.