At a glance the quick version
FCI gives about 34 kg for males and about 28 kg for females; Wikipedia gives 25-35 kg overall.
Coat and looks how to spot one
tight curly, oily water-resistant coat
A strong, solid water dog covered in firm, dense curls with a coarse, slightly oily feel that sheds water. The head and legs have short smooth hair, and the tail curls over the back.12
Personality what they are like
An independent, strong-minded dog that is loving with its family and keeps a careful eye on its home. It is reserved with strangers at first but should never be fearful, and it responds best to calm, gentle training.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A working hunting and water dog that enjoys regular exercise, swimming and retrieving.12
The story where it all began
The Wetterhoun has been known in Friesland for about 400 years, where it hunted otter and polecat and guarded farms. Crossing with the Stabyhoun and the war years left it close to disappearing, but enthusiasts began restoring it in 1938 and it was officially recognised in 1942.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its name means 'water dog' in the Frisian language.2
- 2
It was traditionally used to hunt otters, and even to pull small carts.1
- 3
Its curly coat has a natural oiliness that helps it stay dry in water.2
- 4
In the Netherlands it shares a breed society with the Stabyhoun, the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Stabij- en Wetterhounen.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 221, Group 8, Section 3 Water Dogs; standard dated 06.07.2023; officially recognised in the Netherlands in 1942.1
- Dutch Kennel Club (Raad van Beheer)
- Recognised.2
- UKC
- Gun Dog Group.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Wetterhoun. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutClip or scissor to keep curls from mattingevery 6 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 221 Wetterhoun fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history, uses
- Wikipedia: Wetterhoun en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, size range, history, UKC group (secondary)
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.