23/09/2026
WETTERHOUN WEDNESDAY
How many Wetterhouns do you think there are in the world? 🤔
We all know they're a rare breed, but when you actually stop and think about the numbers, it's quite incredible.
There are thought to be fewer than 1,500 Wetterhouns worldwide, with some sources putting the population closer to 1,000.
And here in the UK, the numbers are tiny.
🇬🇧 The first ever Wetterhoun litter born in the UK arrived in April 2023, when eight puppies were born.
The second UK litter followed in June 2025, with six more puppies.
So when you see a Wetterhoun walking down the road, you're not just seeing an unusual breed, you're seeing one of a very small number of Wetterhouns in the whole world.
But what exactly is a Wetterhoun?
The Wetterhoun, sometimes known as the Frisian Water Dog, originates from Friesland in the Netherlands. The name comes from the Frisian words wetter, meaning water, and houn, meaning dog.
And this wasn't a dog bred simply to look beautiful.
The Wetterhoun was a true working all-rounder. They were traditionally used for hunting, particularly otters and other small predators, but also worked around the farm as vermin controllers, watchdogs and even draught dogs.
They needed to be tough, determined and capable of thinking for themselves.
And that independent character is still very much part of the Wetterhoun today!
They're loyal and affectionate with their families, often reserved with strangers, intelligent and incredibly devoted, but they're also not always in a hurry to do something simply because you've asked them.
That wonderful curly coat is another unmistakable feature of the breed. It helped protect them from the cold and wet conditions they were bred to work in.
And then there's that fabulous curled tail.
The Wetterhoun is recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in Group 8 – Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs.
For such a small population, they have an enormous amount of history behind them.
And perhaps that's why those lucky enough to know a Wetterhoun feel so strongly about protecting and preserving this very special breed for future generations.
So this Wetterhoun Wednesday, we'd love to hear from you.
When did you first discover the Wetterhoun?
Did you know what breed it was straight away?
Or, like many of us, did you see one and think...
“What on earth is THAT?” 😂
And of course, we'd love to see your Wetterhouns
Post your favourite Wetterhoun photo in the comments and let's celebrate this wonderfully rare and very special breed.
