Wetterhoun / Frisian Water Dog, Otterhoun, Dutch "Spaniel"

Breed history:

 It is a local Dutch breed. It was developed by breeders in the province of Friesland at least 400 years ago. Nowadays the breed is rarely met outside the Netherlands. It was developed at the same time with the Stabyhoun.

Description:

 It is a medium-sized, brawny, but not heavy dog. It has a strong head, proportional to the body, the skull is slightly rounded, wide rather than long, with a strong muzzle and a flat, black or brown nose. The eyes are medium-sized, egg-shaped, slightly slanting, light or dark brown. The ears are of medium length, wide, drooping, covered with long and curly hair at the base and very short hair at the tips. The tail is rolled in a spiral, arched above the thigh. The fur is made of curly, oily, dense, thick hair. On the head, the hair is short and smooth. It can be pure black, fawn, black with white, fawn with white and tricoloured.

Personality:

 It is an intelligent, courageous, curious dog, eager to know and see everything, sensitive, watchful, friendly to people it knows and somewhat independent. It is obedient and devoted to its master, loving and patient with children if they don't bother it, watchful and cautious with strangers. It accepts other dogs and other household animals.

Grooming:

 The fur needs a casual brushing. The ears will be kept clean.

Living conditions:

 This dog is resistant to weather changes and feels best outdoors in a fenced yard that it will always guard and where it can move freely. It adapts with difficulty to a flat. It is a dog which likes to be busy, to exercise, to run and to swim. It needs training and socialization.

Training:

 Because it is sometimes independent, the training must be firm, consistent, friendly and gentle, keeping in mind that it is a dog that learns easily and is rather friendly.

Usefulness:

It is a good hunting dog, a good watchdog and a devoted companion.