Wetterhoun vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Wetterhoun is originated from Netherlands but English Water Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. Wetterhoun may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than English Water Spaniel. Wetterhoun may weigh 15 kg / 34 pounds more than English Water Spaniel. Both Wetterhoun and English Water Spaniel has same life span. Both Wetterhoun and English Water Spaniel has same litter size. Wetterhoun requires Moderate maintenance. But English Water Spaniel requires Low maintenance

History

wetterhoun - historyThe 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.

The English Water Spaniel breed is extinct and has been since the early 1900’s. It was last seen in the 1930s. The breed was a hunting breed, diving for duck and hunting other waterfowl. Legend has it that Shakespeare was referring to this breed of dog in Macbeth when he refers to the “water rug”. Again, in Two Gentlemen of Verona one of the character states about another that “She hath more qualities than a water-spaniel.’

The English Water Spaniel came along before the Irish Water Spaniel and had a part in the development the Curly Coated Retriever, the American Water Spaniel and the Field Spaniel. The English Water Spaniel looks somewhat like a Poodle/Springer Spaniel cross or a Collie. It is not known whether the English Water Spaniel was part of the development of the Irish Water Spaniel.

When the English Water Spaniel was first developed the UKC had a “Water Spaniels other than Irish” and the English Water Spaniel had no standard written and accepted for it yet. But by 1967 the breed was extinct. Still the American Water Spaniel and the Flat Coated Retriever are believed to be descendants of the English Water Spaniel.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Height Male:
55 - 59 cm
21 - 24 inches
49 - 51 cm
19 - 21 inches
Height Female:
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
45 - 47 cm
17 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Frisian Water Dog , Dutch Spaniel, Otterhoun
Water Dog, Water Rug
Colors Available:
black or black & white, Liver & white, Liver
liver and white
Coat:
Oily, Thick, Tight curls all over except smooth head, legs and ears. Coat must not be woolly. waterproof
dense, waterproof, doublecoated
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Stubborn
Affectionate, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

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.

Resembling the Springer Spaniel, poodle, collie and setter the English Water Spaniel has very little in common with the Irish Water Spaniel in respect to looks. The English has a narrow and somewhat longer head their than other spaniels and they have long furry ears. Their body is stout, and they are shaped like a barrel – more like a Clumber. With long legs and large feet, it is ready to take to the hunt. There coat was waterproof, and their toes were webbed.

Characteristics

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

The English Water Spaniel was aloof with strangers but loyal with his hunter. He was a little stubborn and an excellent water dog. They loved being in the water and could enter it without making any noise so as not to frighten his prey. He was highly intelligent and trainable. He also was very affectionate with his people.

Health Problems

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.

The English Water Spaniel is a fairly healthy breed given to some fairly common disorders such as:

Hip Dysplasia

Can lead to lameness and arthritis

Cardiac abnormalities

Arterial fib and flutter and other problems that could lead to death.

Degenerative Myelopathy

This is a disease seem in several “Dwarf” breeds such as Corgis, as well as in many spaniels. This is the canine version of Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS and it is fatal.

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding

The English Water Spaniel is not an overly energetic dog and has a tendency to over eat. Feed him 1 to 1.5 cups of high quality dry dog food over two meals each day.

Health issues

In addition to the health issues mentioned earlier, the English Water Spaniel is also prone to:

Baldness

Pattern baldness – is genetic and occurs on the neck and back of the hind legs.

Cataracts

English Water Spaniels can have these in old age like most other breeds.

Retinal Dysplasia

Clumps form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness

Exercise and games

The English Water Spaniel was a worker and an outdoor athlete at a time before organized canine games and activities such as agility and flyball. They loved to swim, and they loved to hunt. Without a job to do they could become barky and destructive.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. French Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. Finnish Spitz vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. English Water Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  31. English Water Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  32. English Water Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  33. English Water Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  34. English Water Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. English Water Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  36. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  37. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  38. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  39. Field Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Lagotto Romagnolo vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Formosan Mountain Dog vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Slovakian Hound vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Small Munsterlander vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Kooikerhondje vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
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