In collaboration with our friends in the Netherlands, the UKSA is looking for a small number of families that might be interested in becoming the first in the UK to own and breed from a “Wetterhoun”. The Wetterhoun is, like the Stabyhoun, a very rare Dutch breed, that needs conserving. Please see below for a description of the breed.
We would like to help preserve this unique breed for the future. Therefore, if you are interested in bringing a Wetterhoun into your home, you need to be interested in letting your dog have a litter of puppies, if indeed they pass the relevant tests and assessments. It is also important that you have a keen interest in working with the UKSA and our friends in the Netherlands, to carefully plan a potential litter.
Of course, first and foremost, families who apply should be interested in and have the time for a new and quirky family member. These dogs really are unique, and we will only facilitate their introduction if we feel it is in the best interests of both the breed, the dogs and their families.
Description of the breed:
The Wetterhoun is another rare Dutch breed, with an estimated 1000 dogs worldwide. The Wetterhoun is traditionally used for hunting small mammals and waterfowl in the province of Fryslanin the Netherlands. The name of the dog comes from the West Frisian Wetterhûn meaning “water dog.”
The Wetterhoun is a medium-sized dog measuring between 55 to 59 centimeters (21.6-23 inches) at the withers. They weigh around 25 to 35 kilos (55 to 77 pounds). Their coat is water repellent, thick and curly apart from the head, ears and legs, where the coat is smoother. Coat colour comes in solid black or brown, or like the Stabyhoun, black with white, or brown with white, they can be with or without white ticking or roan marks. The ears are low set and hang flat to the head, and the tail curls tightly over the back.
The Wetterhoun was developed at least 400 years ago in the Dutch province of Fryslan. The origins of the Wetterhoun are conjectured to be from Gypsy dogs, crossed with an indigenous Frisian dog, perhaps the Old Water Dog, a type which is now extinct. Dogs of this type were kept for the difficult and dangerous hunting of fitch, a European polecat and otter in the water. The dogs were also used for retrieving waterfowl and as watch dogs. Although the dogs almost disappeared during World War II, fanciers were able to bring the breed back through careful breeding, and it is gaining in popularity.
Wetterhoun are in Group 8 Retrievers and Waterdogs. They are excellent gundogs, both on land and in water. They have a strong will but not stubborn, maybe perseverance is a better word as they have to finish what they have started. They make good watchdogs but without any aggressive tendencies and make excellent family dogs. As with all intelligent working dogs, early and consistent training is important. They are confident and steady natured, and very affectionate. The breed loves to be outside, and would suit a home with active owners and ideally some outdoor space at home.
This video shows the dogs in action: https://youtu.be/r3yw308ebUg
If you are interested, we would love to hear from you by email to: jane@stabyhounuk.com
