Wetterhoun Dog Breed

Thinking of getting a Wetterhoun Dog and want to know if a Wetterhoun is suitable for your household?

Use the Wetterhoun information on this website to learn more about adaptability, health issues, life span of Wetterhoun and more.


Wetterhoun Breed Facts

Wetterhoun Facts

  • Name: Wetterhoun
  • Other Names: Frisian Water Dog, Dutch Spaniel, Otterhoun
  • Origin: Netherlands
  • Breed Group: Working, Gun Dog (UKC)
  • Breed Type: Purebred


Wetterhoun Dog Facts

Wetterhoun Information

The Wetterhoun is a medium-sized dog between 55 and 59 centimeters (21.5-23 inches) at the withers. They weigh between 25 and 35 kilos (55 and 77 pounds). Their coat is thick and curly except for the head, ears and legs, where the coat is smoother; the water repellant coat is described as having a greasy feel. Coat colour may be solid black or brown, or black with white, or brown with white, with or without white ticking or roan marks. The texture of the coat should not be woolly, as such fur will not resist water. 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 grim expression due to the shape of the eyes, which marks it as different from other dog breeds.

This breed is an excellent gun dog, effective as both a land and water retriever, however its strong will and natural guarding abilities make early training a requirement. The breed standard describes the breed's temperament as reserved and "an ideal guard-dog". though never aggressive, which makes it an excellent family-dog. Although described as "strong willed" the Wetterhoun is never stubborn or wilfully disobedient. Perseverance is a much better term, because they finish what they started, whatever it takes. Imperturbable they finish what they think to be their task. Thereby the breed is sensitive and should never be treated or trained harshly. Brought-up and used to children, they are tolerant to children to the point where the dog should be protected against the children instead the other way around.

What to do if you lose your Wetterhoun

If your Wetterhoun Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Register your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the lost pet on the Local Lost Pets Facebook Groups Here.

3. Phone the local vet clinics to see if anyone has handed in your missing pet.

4. Phone the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Pounds.

What to do if you find a lost Wetterhoun

If you find a Wetterhoun Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Register the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Call the Local Council to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the pet to the local Animal Pound near to your area.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet Clinic who usually scan the animal’s microchip and call the registered owner of the pet.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must call your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.