Wetterhoun
VET-ter-hoon
Netherlands· Friesland, northern Netherlands
The Wetterhoun is a robust, curly-coated Frisian breed traditionally used for hunting vermin near water and guarding farms.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Medium, curly
Sheds
Low
Lifespan
12-13 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Medium or larger with secure boundary
Where it comes from
Origins of the Wetterhoun
The waterlogged farmland and canals of Friesland demanded a tough, waterproof-coated dog able to hunt otters and polecats in and around water while also guarding isolated farmsteads, giving rise to a robust, independent water dog.
- Region
- Friesland, northern Netherlands
- Climate it was bred for
- Cool, wet lowland waterways and farmland
- Original job
- Hunting otters and other vermin near water, guarding farms
The long read
About the breed
Its working history produced a tough, independent, somewhat headstrong dog with a distinctive tightly curled, water-resistant coat and strong protective instincts.
It is loyal and affectionate with its family but can be reserved with strangers and other dogs, and benefits from confident, consistent training and socialisation from an early age.
The breed remains rare, concentrated mainly in the Netherlands, with only a small international presence, and is valued today both as a working dog and a distinctive companion.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Wetterhoun greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Wetterhoun is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Wetterhoun's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1600s
Otter hunting origins
The breed's ancestors were used by Frisian farmers to hunt otters that threatened fish stocks.
1938
Studbook opened
A joint studbook was established alongside the Stabyhoun to protect both native Frisian breeds.
1942
Breed club founded
A club was formed to standardise and promote the Wetterhoun.
1970s
Standard refined
The breed standard was reviewed and refined to reflect its true working characteristics.
1990s
Continued rarity
The breed remains numerically rare, tightly linked to its Frisian heritage.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact and muscular, with a deep chest.
- coat
- Curly, dense and water-resistant, covering the whole body except the head.
- ears
- Set moderately low, hanging close to the head, slightly curled.
- eyes
- Small to medium, dark, showing a somewhat stubborn expression.
- head
- Broad skull, with a pronounced stop and strong jaw.
- size
- Dogs 55-59cm, bitches 53-56cm
- colour
- Solid black, brown, or black or brown with white.
- temperament
- Loyal, independent, watchful and somewhat headstrong.
- general appearance
- A strongly built, medium-sized dog with a distinctive tightly curled or knotted coat.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Wetterhouns added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Wetterhoun
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Wetterhoun illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Wetterhoun Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Wetterhoun illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Wetterhoun Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Wetterhoun illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Wetterhoun Mug
Ceramic mug with the Wetterhoun illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Drying Towel Robe
Microfibre robe that soaks up a wet-walk shake.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Wetterhoun video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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