Wetterhoun
Loyal, strong-willed, and affectionate, this curly-coated breed thrives as both a hunting partner and a devoted family companion. Wetterhoun impresses with resilience and a calm, steady temperament.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
55–59 cm (male)
53–57 cm (female)
WEIGHT
25–35 kg (male)
25–33 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Wetterhoun: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Wetterhoun isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Wetterhoun's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Wetterhoun is typically reserved with strangers but loyal and affectionate with family, showing a calm yet watchful nature. This breed can be independent but forms strong bonds.
Key Personality Traits
Reserved with strangers, loyal to family members
Learns new commands and tasks quickly
Moderate activity needs, enjoys regular exercise
Playful but not overly exuberant
Adjusts well to changing environments and routines

Strengths
- Excellent water retrieving abilities
- Strong protective instincts toward family
- Generally healthy and robust breed
- Loyal and devoted to owners
- Tolerant of cold and wet climates
Challenges
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Needs consistent mental stimulation
- High exercise requirements daily
- Prone to stubborn or independent behavior
- May be wary of other pets

Protect your Wetterhoun
Wetterhoun can develop hip dysplasia and epilepsy. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Wetterhouns are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Wetterhouns are intelligent but may show a stubborn streak, responding best to patient, consistent training methods. Early socialization helps them develop better responsiveness and obedience.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
The breed has moderate to high energy, needing daily physical exercise and mental stimulation. Regular walks, play, and problem-solving activities help prevent boredom and maintain their well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Wetterhouns are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Wetterhoun would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Requires firm, consistent training and socialization experience
Apartment Living
Needs ample space and regular exercise for well-being
Active Lifestyle
High energy matches active lifestyles and outdoor activities
Kids
Tolerates children with proper socialization and supervision
Multiple Pets
May be territorial with other pets if not socialized early
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being alone for extended periods and can develop behavioral issues
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Wetterhouns compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wetterhoun
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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