Wetterhoun vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Wetterhoun vs Leonberger - Breed ComparisonWetterhoun is originated from Netherlands but Leonberger is originated from Germany. Wetterhoun may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Leonberger. Wetterhoun may weigh 42 kg / 92 pounds lesser than Leonberger. Wetterhoun may live 4 years more than Leonberger. Wetterhoun may have less litter size than Leonberger. Both Wetterhoun and Leonberger requires Moderate 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.

leonberger - historyHailing from Germany, and more specifically the city of Leonberg, the Leonberger is a giant dog breed.

A resident of Leonberg, Germany, was looking to develop a dog that resembled a lion and in 1846 it was announced that such a dog had been developed by crossing a Newfoundland, Saint Bernard and Pyrenean Mountain dog.

It was after 2010, when the Leonberger Club of America joined the American Kennel Club, that the strict breeding rules were no longer mandatory for all Leonbergers.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
Netherlands
Germany
Height Male:
55 - 59 cm
21 - 24 inches
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
Height Female:
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
8 - 10 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
6 - 14
Size:
Medium dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Frisian Water Dog , Dutch Spaniel, Otterhoun
Gentle Leo, Leo, Gentle Giant
Colors Available:
black or black & white, Liver & white, Liver
sandy or yellowish, tan, Reddish-brown
Coat:
Oily, Thick, Tight curls all over except smooth head, legs and ears. Coat must not be woolly. waterproof
Thick double-coat - straight or wavy
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
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.

leonberger puppy - descriptionAs a giant breed, the Leonberger stands at between 65cm and 80cm in height. He weighs a hefty 40 – 77kg both males and females.

These dogs are described as being dimorphic. It means that there is quite a difference in the looks of the males and females, with the male dogs being heftier and larger than the females.

The head of the dog is large, he has almond-shaped, dark brown eyes and the ears are medium sized and floppy. The tail is long and he has webbed feet which makes him a good swimmer too.

The thick, double coat can be straight or wavy and comes in different colors such as reddish-brown, tan, sandy or yellowish and the hairs can be tipped with black. He sheds quite a bit so will need regular brushing.

The Leonberger can have between 6 – 14 puppies and these puppies are like big, fat, cuddly, fluffy teddy bears. Don’t be tempted to just buy one because of his wonderful looks because they turn out to be huge dogs that eat a lot and the coat can take quite a bit of effort to keep groomed.

Temperament:

Fondly referred to as the Leo, this giant beautiful dog is social and in spite of his size, he should never be left alone in the backyard for long periods of time. He needs to come indoors from time to time to enjoy some interaction with his human family.

He is a family dog, and with training and socialization, he becomes a well-rounded, confident, obedient pet, quiet and content and sensitive to his owner’s moods.

Even though he becomes a great family pet, you need to think twice before you decide to own one of these large dogs as he can be costly to feed.

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

leonberger dog - characteristicsDon’t be deceived by the looks of the big Leonberger because he isn’t aggressive, but quiet and calm. Large he may be, but he isn’t sluggish either and he will certainly require exercise such as a long, fairly lively walk every day.

They’re intelligent dogs too and respond well to socialization and training. He is a social dog and wants to enjoy plenty of interaction with his human family members.

These dogs are often used as rescue- and therapy dogs as they are so loving and sensitive. Give him lots of love and good care and you’re going to have the most wonderful pet that lives up to the saying – dogs are man’s best friend.

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.

leonberger puppies - health problemsLeonbergers are strong, generally healthy dogs. It is said that very large dogs like this don’t live as long as smaller dogs and they also face more health issues. Orthopedic issues such as hip dysplasia are more common with large breeds.

Hip Dysplasia:

An orthopedic problem like this is a misalignment of a joint. This large dog also tends to develop elbow dysplasia too. Fortunately today, hip- and elbow dysplasia is controlled because of efforts of breeders to have their Leonbergers screened.

Nonetheless it is important to know about this ailment. The word ‘Dysplasia’ is referring to an abnormality of development. With both hip- and elbow dysplasia, there is abnormal development of the joints, and osteoarthritis can build up, causing lameness for your giant canine.

Cancer:

Cancer is sadly a leading cause of death in dogs over the age of 10 years. Lymphoma is a blood-related cancer – a tumor of the lymph nodes. Dogs can develop different forms of lymphoma. The warning signs are a lump or a wound that won’t heal, swelling in the bone and abnormal bleeding.

Luckily cancer is very treatable in dogs, but you need to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

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.

leonberger dogs - caringThat long coat of the Leonberger is going to require some brushing at least twice a week. He is also a moderate shedder and you want to get rid of all that loose hair and to keep him looking well groomed.

Diet:

A proper, nutritious diet is an essential part of having healthy, happy dogs and if you’re unsure about how to feed your giant pet, speak to your veterinarian.

The best diet for dogs is always very debatable, but essentially it needs to be kept simple. Try and invest in the very best commercially manufactured dog food for large breeds. Every dog wants a tasty home-made morsel from time to time. Add in cooked chicken, brown rice as well as cooked or raw vegetables. Raw meat can also be added in from time to time.

You want to avoid feeding the Leonberger puppy a high protein diet as this encourages rapid growth and you want to avoid that.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Wetterhoun vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Wetterhoun vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Wetterhoun vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Wetterhoun vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Wetterhoun vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. Wetterhoun vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  7. Wetterhoun vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  8. Wetterhoun vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  9. Wetterhoun vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Wetterhoun vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Wetterhoun vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Wetterhoun vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. Wetterhoun vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  14. Wetterhoun vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. Wetterhoun vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Wetterhoun vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  17. Wetterhoun vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Wetterhoun vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  19. Wetterhoun vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Wetterhoun vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  21. Wetterhoun vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Wetterhoun vs West Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  23. Wetterhoun vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Wetterhoun - Breed Comparison
  26. Newfoundland Dog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  27. Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Leonberger vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Leonberger vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  30. Leonberger vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Leonberger vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  32. Leonberger vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Leonberger vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  34. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  35. Moscow Watchdog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  36. Spanish Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  37. St. Bernard vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  38. Moscow Water Dog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  39. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  40. Leonberger vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  41. Leonberger vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  42. Leonberger vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  43. Leonberger vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  44. Leonberger vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  45. Leonberger vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds