Wetterhoun

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN The Netherlands

MOST SUITED AS Hunting dog, watchdog, farm dog, and family pet.

SIZE
The Wetterhoun's coat is curly and oily. It must not be woolly. Accepted colours are plain black, or brown, black and white, brown and white, or brown roan.

CARE REQUIRED
Little grooming is required for the Wetterhoun. Comb the coat occasionally and check that the ears are clean. They can happily live in an outdoor kennel pro­vided they have sufficient contact with you and get their daily exercise.

CHARACTER
The Wetterhoun dog is physically very demanding of itself and can be sensitive. It is an intelligent, some­what independent dog, often with a mind of its own, that is brave, reliable, and very vigilant. The Wetterhoun likes swimming.

TRAINING
This is not a suitable dog for the beginner. They are intelligent and learn quickly but they are independent-minded enough to refuse your commands. A consistent but kind approach is absolutely essential. Depending upon the individual dog, corrective action may be appropriate.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
For its own people the Wetterhoun is a good-natured and friendly dog - and this includes the children, provided they treat him properly. For unknown visitors the story is entirely different. In this case it will take up a cautious watch and will protect the home from intruders. Family friends on the other hand will get a hearty welcome. Other dogs and pets will be accepted without a murmur.

EXERCISE
The Wetterhoun needs lots of exercise. The ideal situation for this dog is to have a large piece of land that it can run around on freely and which it will protect vigorously and rid of vermin. They do not tend to run off because there is no roaming instinct in the breed.

GENERAL
A Wetterhoun will pine away in a flat or living in busy urban areas because they are not suited to such a life. They are rarely seen outside their country of origin.