Wetterhoun vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Wetterhoun vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed ComparisonWetterhoun is originated from Netherlands but Welsh Springer Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. Wetterhoun may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Welsh Springer Spaniel. Wetterhoun may weigh 15 kg / 34 pounds more than Welsh Springer Spaniel. Both Wetterhoun and Welsh Springer Spaniel has same life span. Both Wetterhoun and Welsh Springer Spaniel has almost same litter size. Both Wetterhoun and Welsh Springer Spaniel 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.

welsh springer spaniel - historyThe Welsh Springer Spaniel is thought to be an old Land Spaniel similar to the English Springer Spaniel. They were pretty mush an unknown breed until they won a string of dog trials and became more popular. Following this surge the breed was recognized by the UKC in 1902 and were named the Welsh Springer Spaniel. No one really knows when the breed was developed and cannot be traced because of lack of documentation. They were brought to America in the early 1900’s and were recognized as a breed by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1906.

There are images of a dog looking a lot like the Welsh Springer Spaniel in old prints and pictures. The pictures are of a dog known as a Land Spaniel very much like the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs were thought to be preserved by the Welsh and originally called the Welsh Starter. It was a hunting breed working with falcons.

At one point the breed was called the Welsh Spaniel and was also in the UK studbook as a Cocker Spaniel or a Welsh Cocker. There were several different types of Cocker Spaniels including the English Cocker, the Welsh Cocker, the Devonshire Cocker. The Welsh Cocker Spaniel was a solid dark color while the Welsh and Devonshire Cockers were liver colored.

Following World War II there were no dogs left in Wales or anywhere else in the United Kingdom whose parents were registered pedigree. The unregistered dogs were used to restart the breed and these dogs are the ancestors of the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel.

The breed is still rare with only 299 registered in the UK in 2016. They are listed now a vulnerable Native Breed.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Height Male:
55 - 59 cm
21 - 24 inches
46 - 48 cm
18 - 19 inches
Height Female:
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
16 - 18 kg
35 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
6 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Frisian Water Dog , Dutch Spaniel, Otterhoun
Welshie Welsh Spaniel Welsh Cocker Spaniel Welsh Starter
Colors Available:
black or black & white, Liver & white, Liver
red and white
Coat:
Oily, Thick, Tight curls all over except smooth head, legs and ears. Coat must not be woolly. waterproof
Naturally straight flat and soft to the touch, never wiry or wavy feathered coat
Shedding:
Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate 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.

welsh springer spaniel puppy - descriptionThe breed is a medium size, solid and compact dog bred to work. Their forequarters are angled and there hindquarters are well developed. This is a very good looking breed that is only red with white markings. A hard working dog bred to hunt. They are slighter longer than tall and are not penalized as long as the height tis not greater than the length.

The tail in docked except in countries where it is illegal to do so. Their eyes should be brown. Noses are black or brown. The ears are small with a fethering like most setters. The show and field styles are the same. They are confused with the Engolish Springer Spaniel even though there are many differences. But both breeds are born to hunt and “spring” at the prey. They are smaller than the English Springer Spaniel and larger than the English Cocker Spaniel.

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

Characteristics

welsh springer spaniel dog - characteristics1Children friendliness yes they love their own children, but might be wary of others.

2.Special talents - endurance and stamina are intense with this breed.

3.Adapability – not that good in an apartment as this is a rare working dog.

4.Learning ability - intelligent and willing

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.

Health Problems

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a few serious health concerns such as:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.

welsh springer spaniel puppies - health problems• Eye Diseases – Glaucoma can cause blindness; Entropian – eyelids curl inwards and can damage the cornea.

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis – can be treated with medication.
  • Ear infections – be sure to keep them clean to prevent this.
  • Epilepsy – as many spaniels have. Can be treated with medications.

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.

welsh springer spaniel dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy active puppy. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed ½ -3/4 cup in 2-3 meals

2.Feeding the adult active breed. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed 1-1/2 cup in 1-2meals

3.Points for Good Health endurance/stamina – can outlast many hunting dogs.

4. Games and Exercises – Needs a secure fenced yard. Loves sports and outdoor activity. Agility, obedience, rally, tracking and loves to run, bike and hike.

Comparison with other breeds

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

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