Wetterhoun

The Wetterhoun is also known as The Frisian Water Dog. In native Dutch, they are also called as the Otterhoun. But in most places these dogs are known as the Dutch Spaniel. They have a curly, thick and coarse coat. This covers their upper body. It doesn’t cover their legs and head. Their legs and head have shorter hair covering them instead. Their coat isn’t wools, but it is more of oily. Their coats come in various colors. Some of them include colors such as solid black, solid liver, white and black, white and liver. Their bodies when viewed from the sides, the side view that is, shows a square proportion to it. That is, the dogs overall length horizontally is the same as its height. Their heads are strong and large.

The eyes of a Wetterhoun are very alert and prominent. They have a very broad chest. The broad chest makes their forelegs be wide apart. Generally, most water dogs sport hocks that are higher than the ground. But, the Wetterhouns had hocks that are closer and lower to the ground. These dogs have a large foot. It is round in shape. The thick pads are pronounced and large. When the dog is in alert mode, their tail is curled tightly. Unlike most water dogs, the Wetterhouns face no hereditary health problems. These dogs can get over weight if they aren’t given their daily dose of exercises, but that’s a different scenario.

Fully grown adult Wetterhouns that live on a healthy diet stand tall at around 21 inches (53 cm) to 23 inches (58 cm). For dogs that are exercised well, they weigh in at around 33 lbs (15 kg) to 44 lbs (20 kg). These dogs will get easily stressed if they are made to live in an apartment. These dogs are not meant for city lives or apartment lives. They are more suited for a country life. They like human companionship and lots of exercise on a regular basis. These dogs will survive the cold climates very easily. They will not like humid and hot weather conditions. The life expectancy of these dogs is around 12 years or 13 years.

Like most water dogs, the Wetterhouns like to be in or around water. They are excellent swimmers. If the dogs are going to exist in a cold environment, they will need adequate shelter from the cold once they are out of the water. These dogs will love a large piece of land that comprises of open spaces and narrow lanes through forests and a water body around it too. These dogs are very territorial, so the place they get to call it as their home, they will protect it with all they got. These are the ultimate low maintenance dogs. They will require an occasional brushing and grooming. That said, these dogs can be a hand full at times. They are definitely not the best suited dog for the first time dog owners out there.