Wetterhoun

(Jrt)

Wetterhoun
The weather - even Wetterhoun or Frisian water dog - is one of the FCI (Nr.221, Gr.8, Sek.3) recognized Dutch breed.

Origin and History
The Wetterhoun is a water dog in the classic sense. "Weather" is the Frisian word for water. The Wetterhoun similar dogs have been in the Middle Ages as Hofhund. Here he served as a watchdog, which includes the vermin by the Court fernhielt. Presumably he goes on much older water dogs back, starting with the Portuguese water dog. Another series shows ancestors to Eastern Europe, Curly Coated Retriever to be his direct ancestors. Both explains his gelocktes, persianerartige coat. Closely relationship is the second race the Frisian Stabyhoun.

The Wetterhoun was in the 50s of the 20th Century almost extinct. A Friesin, in her youth a Wetterhoun had sought in a newspaper advertisement Wetterhouns still living. Hieraufhin reported that some farmers even some hybrids from Stabijs and weather had. For these dogs today's population has been rebuilt. Currently there are about 800 dogs, most of which live in the Netherlands. About 80 dogs there are in Finland, 40 in France and c. a. 10 in Germany. For the breeding is the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Stabij en Wetterhoun. The association wants to maintain the tradition and respects therefore strongly that the breeding rules are applied.

Description
The Striking at up to 59 cm Wetterhoun is his persianerartig gelocktes Fell, the hairs are halblang and curls are very close to the body, it is slightly oily, therefore ideal for the perennial work in the water. The most common color are black and white and brown and white. The head is strong and the ears are on the side of the head. The rod is geringelt, upright on the back. The Wetterhoun be strong and just angled (square) built.

Systems
Very robust, dog with a "unique character", he is reserved with strangers, friendly and reliable reference to its people. The character in the German literature as a tenacious and Dickköpfig described this error is due to the Dutch translation of the word "stoer" what is brave and resilient.

It is good to educate, it requires consistency and a sensitivity for this race. Repeats bored so quickly, but he is very eager to work with things that inspire him (apportieren, search, browse). The Wetterhoun is very vigilant. Since he is a very patient dog, it is ideal for families with children.

Usage
To hunt, he was also trained otters and polecats. Around 1900, the Wetterhouns also mole hunting. Moleskin was a commodity. Dogs with strong stature dog carts were used. Even today he sometimes the task, as part of the dyke care, to catch muskrats. Mostly he serves as a court and watchdog.

Read also Whippet

wikipedia