Wetterhoun vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Wetterhoun vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonWetterhoun is originated from Netherlands but Catalan Sheepdog is originated from Spain. Both Wetterhoun and Catalan Sheepdog are having almost same height. Wetterhoun may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Catalan Sheepdog. Both Wetterhoun and Catalan Sheepdog has same life span. Both Wetterhoun and Catalan Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Both Wetterhoun and Catalan Sheepdog 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.

catalan sheepdog - historyThe Catalan Sheepdog, known also as the Gos d’Atura, hails from Catalonia, Spain. It is believed that the dog is related to the Portuguese- and Pyrenean Sheepdogs.

The standard for this breed was formulated in 1929. The sheepdog developed during Roman Empire times between 200 and 100 BC already, being used as livestock guard dogs. With the breed dwindling in the 1970s, Catalonian Sheepdog lovers started promoting it, but it remains a rare breed.

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.

catalan sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Catalan is a medium sized dog but gives the impression of being bigger than he actually is. He stands from 45 – 55cm in height and weighs between 20 to 25kg.

This breed also has double dew claws on the hind feet. He has a long coat which is slightly wavy and available in different shades such as fawn to brownish to dark grey to black. He has floppy, feathery ears and a fairly long, feathery tail. He has quite a bit of hair on he face too, so you’ll notice a beard, moustache as well as hair which covers the eyes somewhat.

Temperament

Brave and courageous, the Catalan Sheepdog is also intelligent, active and hardy. He has a round face with a friendly, amicable expression. He is totally pleasant and sweet natured. However, in his role as guardian of sheep he took his role seriously, forming a strong relationship with both shepherd and sheep.

He is wary of strangers. Early socialization and training is always important, and while he makes a wonderful family pet, this training and socialization makes him more relaxed and obedient and he gets on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. While he is a placid, docile and gentle pet, he is also looked upon as a protector, and will defend his family.

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

catalan sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Catalan Sheepdog is such an amicable character – he is going to make an awesome pet. He is an intelligent and obedient dog and is easily trained.

He has been used for guarding- and herding work and as a family pet makes a excellent guard dog as well. Capable of being gentle too, he is everything his human family wants him to be and just becomes a regular member of the family.

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.

catalan sheepdog puppies - health problemsThe Catalan Sheepdog is a fairly healthy breed and has a life expectancy of 12, 13 or 14 years. Nonetheless you will still need to watch out with common dog ailments with him, particularly hip dysplasia.

Hyp Dysplasia:

This is a joint and hip disease which can start with symptoms from 6 months of age already. Your dog will be hesitant to play and jump, doesn’t like to go upstairs, tires easily during a walk and develops a hop-like way to walk. You’ll notice that when he lies down, he battles to- or is reluctant to get up again.

X-rays may be required to confirm the diagnosis of hip dysplasia. There are different treatment options, all with the wellbeing of your pet in mind. You don’t want him to have a life of pain and lameness.

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.

Exercise:

catalan sheepdog dogs - caringThe Catalan Sheepdog is a working breed, so he is going to need plenty of exercise. While he adapts easily to city- or country life, it will be to his benefit to have a garden to romp in. You will still need to take him for walks and play ball- and rope games with him. This will prevent boredom and destructive behavior from him.

Grooming:

The Catalan Sheepdog has long hair so he will need to be brushed twice a week to avoid matting. This will help to remove loose hair too, but also distribute natural oils through his coat, keeping his hair and skin healthy and free from skin rashes and itchiness.

This brushing ensures other benefits as you can simultaneously check him for parasites such as fleas and ticks.

Diet:

If you feed him commercial dog food, make sure its a high quality one. He is an active breed so will require high protein. Give him some homemade rice, vegetables and meat, and include raw meat in his food from time to time too. Always ensure that there is fresh, cool water constantly within reach.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Netherlands
Spain
Height Male:
55 - 59 cm
21 - 24 inches
47 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
Height Female:
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
45 - 53 cm
17 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Frisian Water Dog , Dutch Spaniel, Otterhoun
Gos d'Atura Català, Catalan shepherd
Colors Available:
black or black & white, Liver & white, Liver
Fawn, brownish, dark grey, black
Coat:
Oily, Thick, Tight curls all over except smooth head, legs and ears. Coat must not be woolly. waterproof
Long coat - fairly 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, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Collie vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Dutch Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. English Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Catahoula Cur vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  33. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. Catalan Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  36. Catalan Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  37. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  38. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  40. Catalan Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  41. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  43. Catalan Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  44. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  46. Catalan Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  47. Catalan Sheepdog vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  48. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  49. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  50. Queensland Heeler vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds