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Wetterhoun Puppies for Sale
Wetterhoun
(Otterhoun) (Dutch Spaniel) (Frisian
Water Dog)
Jelle the Wetterhoun at 2 ½ years old
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Description |
The coarse, thick, curly hair of the
Wetterhoun covers the entire body except the head and legs, which has shorter hair. The
coat is oily and must not be woolly. Coat colors include: liver & white, black &
white, solid liver or solid black. The body is somewhat square in appearance. It has a
large strong head. The eyes are prominent and alert. The chest is very broad, keeping the
forelegs apart. The hocks are closer to the ground than other water dogs. The feet are
rounded and quite large, with pronounced thick pads. The tail is tightly, curled over its
back when the dog is alert. |
Temperament |
The Wetterhoun is not a suitable dog
for beginners. This rugged and soundly built working water dog is an unsinkable capable
canine. An all-weather all-purpose dog that is a popular canine companion and farmhand in
its native of Holland. Physically very demanding of itself and can be sensitive.
Intelligent and somewhat independent, often with a mind of its own. It is brave, reliable
and very watchful. These dogs learn quickly, but they are
independent-minded enough to refuse your commands if you are not assertive in a calm manner at all times towards the dog. A consistent but kind approach is
absolutely essential. It is strong-willed and needs a firm pack leader. Do not allow this dog to take over the house. Its guarding instinct is still sharp, so
training from an early age is imperative. Depending upon the individual dog, corrective
action may be appropriate. For its own people, the Wetterhoun is a good-natured and
friendly dog. They are good with children in the family, provided the family displays proper leadership, including the children, and the children do not tease or harass the dog.
They tend to be wary of strangers. This breed makes a good guard dog. Family and friends will get a hearty welcome. It
will accept other dogs and pets with no problem. |
Height, Weight
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Height: 21-23 inches
(53-58 cm.)
Weight: 33-44 pounds (15-20 kg.) |
Health
Problems |
* |
Living
Conditions |
The Wetterhoun are not recommended
for apartment life. They will be very distressed in an apartment in a busy urban area
because these dogs are not suited to such a life. They are rarely seen outside the country
setting. Wetterhoun can live outdoors in a kennel as long as they get adequate exercise
and contact with their humans. They will do well in cold climates as long as they have
adequate shelter. |
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Exercise |
The Wetterhoun needs lots of
exercise, which include a
daily, long, brisk walk. The ideal situation for this dog is to have a large piece of land that it can
run around in freely... and which it will protect vigorously. The Wetterhoun likes to
swim. |
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Life
Expectancy |
About 12-13 years.
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Grooming |
This water dog requires little
grooming. Comb and brush occasionally. Check that the ears are clean and infection free.
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Origin |
Wetterhoun is Dutch for "water
dog." Developed by the efficient breeders of the Dutch province of Friesland at least
400 years ago, this rare breed is seldom seen outside its native land. It was most likely
descended from the Old Water Dog, a breed that contributed to a number of modern-day
spaniel types but is now extinct. The Wetterhoun was developed at the same time as the
Stabyhoun. Wetterhoun specialize in locating and killing otters (the fisherman's
competitors for fish). After otters became more manageable in the northern parts of the
Netherlands, the breed was used to hunt small land mammals such as polecats, and to guard
farms. The Wetterhoun is a rugged, well-built, and effective gun dog capable of flushing
and retrieving on both land and water. He usually hunts singly and hunters attest that he
is fearless enough to go face to face with polecats and wildcats as if they do not bite at
all. |
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Group |
Gun Dog |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, NKC, APRI,
ACR |
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
NKC = National
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Jelle, the Wetterhoun. He`s a fast gundog. His nickname in
the Netherlands is "Snelle Jelle" (fast Jelle).
Jelle, the Wetterhoun practicing water retrieving
Jelle, the Wetterhoun, showing off his gundog abilities!
Nanning Kornelis van Emelangen
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