Other names

Friesische Wasserhund

Life expectancy

9 years

Age adult

30 months

Height (Shoulder height)

55 cm

Weight

40 kg

Coat texture

medium length / curly / short straight hair on the face / feels greasy

Coat color

black&white, brown&white

Common illnesses

sensitive to heat

Food expenses per month in €

about € 82

Suitable for children

Rather yes

Needs a garden

Rather not

Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment

Rather yes

First dog suitable

Rather yes

Allergy friendly

Rather not

Athletic

Attention

Care and grooming

Eager to learn

Exercise

Nature

friendly / robust / bave / full of the joys of life / strong-willed, determined / loves water

Bred for

assistant in water (catch fish, cast out and take in of fishnets; diving and retreiving objects), save shipwrecked people, work or hunt in water / hunting dog, hound

Common illnesses

sensitive to heat

Dog type according to FCI

retrievers - flushing dogs - water dogs

FCI description

Retrieval dogs are to find shot game and bring it to the hunter. They are mainly used for duck or small game hunting. This is where their love of water comes from. They have a "soft mouth" in order not to damage the delicate prey with their teeth. Since they always want to please their humans, are usually compatible, social and balanced, they are popular companion dogs. Nevertheless it must not be forgotten that they want to live out their needs as hunting dogs, i.e. they have to be intellectually and athletically challenged. Today they are also often trained as rescue dogs, and their fine nose and love for people help them to do so.

Flushing dogs look independently (without visual contact to the hunter) for the track in thicket and unclear terrain for tall game or small game. If the game is found, the hunt-dog is track-laut, scare it up and drives it through its gebell to the hunter. They are agile, independent, tend to bark and have a certain obstinacy. However, when they are engaged in a species-appropriate way, with a lot of exercise and nose work, they are patient and friendly dogs.

Water dogs work hunting in the water, fishing, catching fishing nets or helping shipwrecked people. They are alert, adaptable, agile and seek spiritual challenges.

You should give dogs in this group the opportunity to use their sense of smell and their urge to move and partly to hunt.

Short description

The Frisian Water Dog can be easily trained, however his training demands a consequent dog owner and sensitivity for the breed. Repetition can bore the Frisian Water Dog quite easily, but is almost restless with activities he loves, like retrieving, searching or flushing. He is a very alert dog, hence a bit unsociable with strangers. He loves water exercises.