Wetterhoun vs Spanish Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Wetterhoun vs Spanish Water Dog - Breed ComparisonSpanish Water Dog is originated from Spain but Wetterhoun is originated from Netherlands. Spanish Water Dog may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Wetterhoun. Spanish Water Dog may weigh 13 kg / 28 pounds lesser than Wetterhoun. Both Spanish Water Dog and Wetterhoun has same life span. Both Spanish Water Dog and Wetterhoun has same litter size. Both Spanish Water Dog and Wetterhoun requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Sporting dog
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Spain
Netherlands
Height Male:
44 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
55 - 59 cm
21 - 24 inches
Height Female:
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 22 kg
39 - 49 pounds
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Perro de agua Español SWD Turco Andaluz • Turkish Dog
Frisian Water Dog , Dutch Spaniel, Otterhoun
Colors Available:
solid black, beige, brown, or white; bicolour where the second colour is white; or particolour
black or black & white, Liver & white, Liver
Coat:
distinctive curly coat which is woolly in texture and may form cords when long
Oily, Thick, Tight curls all over except smooth head, legs and ears. Coat must not be woolly. waterproof
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

spanish water dogBred in Spain to guard and herd sheep, the Spanish Water Dog was also used in hunting because he could retrieve in water. The breed is closely aligned with other water dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog and French Barbel. It is especially true that the Spanish Water Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog share some of the same ancestors. The two breeds are closely related.

In the early days of the breed, they were separated into three different sizes and types. The dogs from Northern Spain were smaller than the others and came from the regions of Cantabria and Asturias. These lighter colored dogs eventually became their own breed – the Cantabria Water Dog. The second group came from western Andalusia marsh lands. He had a long chorded coat. The third group was the strongest and largest and came from the southern Andalusian sierras. This was by far the largest and most influential group, most of whom were herders. Eventually the groups interbred and today’s SWD carries the traits of all three. They were and still are a very versatile breed. In addition to herding they fished or retrieved for hunters.

The breed was revived in the 1970”s by two breeders, Santiago Montesinos and Antonio Garcia Perez travelled through southern Spain to buy or borrow dogs for breeding. By 1980, they had established the Spanish Water Dog Club of Spain and reestablished the breed. They fought to the breed recognized in Spain first. After five years of hard work, the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed permanently in 1999.

The UKC, or United Kennel Club, of the United States, recognized the breed in 2001, accepting them for confirmation by 2004. In the United States the breed was championed by Ken and Jerry Mann to attain that UKC recognition. Still the AKC, or American Kennel Club, held out on their recognition. The Manns showed the SWD in 2000 in the AKC Rare Breed Conformation and the UKC multi-breed show in 2004.

The Manns also used their breed for herding in the United States in entered them into the herding competition. In the they advocated for and got the SWD into the herding group for confirmation with the UKC in 2013. The American Kennel Club approved the requests of the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc and recognized the breed in 2005 as foundation stock. By 2008 the AKC recognized the SWD to be able to compete in field trials by not conformation. In 2015 the SWD will be admitting to AKC conformation and fully recognized as a member of the herding group. They were also recognized by the American Herding Breed Association in 2007.

wetterhounThe Wetterhoun is a water dog developed in the 1500 or 1600s to hunt otters. The breed was developed by the Frisians in the Netherlands near the Northwest corner. In addition to catching otters in the lakes near by, they were also used as gundogs to hunt game. They are a fearless, tough and loyal working dog. They love the water and they are build for it with a waterproof coat and tight tail that is spiraled. They will swim happily in freezing cold weather as well.

The Wetterhoun is rare and not seen outside of the Netherlands. Descendent of the Water Dog, that is now extinct, he is probably a relative of many spaniel types that also call the Water Dog their ancestor. Yet the Wetterhoun is not a spaniel or spaniel type.

The breed almost disappeared during World War II, like many others, they brought back and are now becoming more and more popular. The breed is only recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the United Kennel Club. AKC does not recognize them, but there are many hunting clubs and other registries that do. They are often promoted as one of the rare breeds.

Description

spanish water dog puppy - descriptionThe Spanish Water Dog is an athletic, medium size, robust breed that is not as tall as it is long. In countries like the US, the tails are docked but it is not a conformation fault if they are not. The carry themselves with pride and elegance, have a strong head and expressive eyes which are brown. They have flat skulls and wide set eyes. Their paw pads, eye-rims and nose should be darker than their coat or at least the same color. Their eyes are chestnut, hazel or dark brown and their ears are medium height and triangular. His coat is curly and his topline is straight. With a broad chest and arched rib, he is a very athletic looking dog. The breed has much respiratory capacity with broad shoulders and straight sturdy legs. The breed has rounded feet , tight toes, and resistant pads.

wetterhoun puppy - descriptionThe Wetterhoun is a compact, medium sized breed weighing about 55 to 77 pounds. Great water dogs they are athletically built with low set ears hanging next to their heads, a waterproof coat, distinctive eyes with a very serious expression and a tightly curled tail held aloft over the back. Their coat is waterproof, somewhat oily, curly and thick. The fur is of a smoother texture on the ears, head, and legs. They can be solid black, solid brown, brown with white, or black with white.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness - yes

2.Special talents - water/swimming search and rescue

spanish water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - very adaptable with the right exercise. Neither heat nor cold bother them.

4.Learning ability – Smart but need a reliable recall.

Characteristics

Children friendliness -yes but large and active

2.Special talents loves to swim

wetterhoun dog - characteristics3.Adaptability – not a great apartment dog even though he is not that big. They need space. They need a job and they will finish their job at their own pace no matter what you say. It is impossible to train this trait out of them.

4.Learning ability Very high learning ability, very eager to learn and very smart. He is stubborn about finishing whatever job he is working on

Health Problems

spanish water dog puppies - health problemsThe Spanish Water Dog has much of the same health problems as the other water dogs and dogs their size and heritage. Here are some of the health issues they are prone to.

  • PRA- Progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
  • Hip dysplasia- can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Cherry eye – can be successfully treated.
  • Cataracts – usually in old age and not removed.
  • Hypothyroidism – affects the immune system of middle aged dogs.
  • Allergies – skin and food.

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency – inability to digest food – can be treated.

  • Addison’s Disease – Adrenal glands not functioning. Can be treated.

• CHG – Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter – inherited and pups don’t grow correctly.

• Neuroaxonal Dystrophy – cognitive and muscular dysfunction. Vitamin E and insulin deficiency

wetterhoun puppies - health problemsA hardy and healthy breed they do not have severe health issues. But like every his

  • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness and/or arthritis.

• Ear Infections – like any breed with hanging ears they can be prone to infection. This is particularly true because the dogs are in the water a lot. Be sure to clean and dry them after every water episode and inspect them on a regular basis even if the dog has not been in the water.

• Patellar Luxation – Knee cap issue with movement and inflammation. Can cause lameness and arthritis.

  • Hunting/Swimming Injuries.

Caring The Pet

spanish water dog dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Because of the breed propensity to some genetic dietary issues it is important to feed high quality food made from mostly meat. Avoid grains as much as possible. Don’t feed adult foods to the puppies. Feed puppy breed specific or medium size dogs.

2.Feeding the adult - Feed the adult as little grain and as much protein as possible. Feed adult breed specific or medium size dog’s food.

3.Points for Good Health - speed, stamina and agility

4. Games and Exercises – This is a working breed. Remember they are both herders and hunters and need exercise. They love strenuous hiking, running, jogging, long walks, swimming and playing fetch. Don’t over work the puppy/young dog until they have matured and their growth plates close.

wetterhoun dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy -This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality puppy food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your puppy in smaller amounts 3-4 times per day.

2.Feeding the adult - This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality adult food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your adult twice per day.

3.Points for Good Health - general excellent health

4. Games and Exercises – This is an active working dog that needs a lot of exercise every day. A 30 minute walk is only the beginning. They need outdoor time to play and run. They need to swim if at all possible.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Wetterhoun vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Wetterhoun vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Wetterhoun vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Wetterhoun vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Wetterhoun vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Wetterhoun vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Wetterhoun vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Wetterhoun vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Wetterhoun vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Wetterhoun vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Wetterhoun vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Wetterhoun vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Wetterhoun vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Wetterhoun vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Wetterhoun vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Wetterhoun vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Wetterhoun vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Wetterhoun vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Wetterhoun vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Wetterhoun vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Wetterhoun vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Wetterhoun vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Wetterhoun vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Wetterhoun vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison