You’re looking at the coat of a Wetterhoun.

This breed is most in its element when digging holes, splashing around in water, sniffing around in meadows, rolling in the grass…or cow poo…or duck poo (you get the idea). The coat, however, must have a slightly greasy feel to it. The Wetterhoun’s name means, “waterdog” (and these dogs do often like water as long as they can stand in it and not lose touch with the bottom); natural oils keep water from permeating the skin.  They shed approximately twice a year, during which time, the coat is brushed to facilitate shedding. And that’s about it. For the rest of the year, mud e.g,. simply falls out of the coat.

The dog seen above, “Murk” owned by Marianne van Dijk, is a Dutch champion, and to show him, Marianne writes, “I don’t do much preparation; comb or brush him a couple of day’s before the show, clip nails, if necessary.” She adds that if Murk gets wet from a rain storm or a puddle the day before the show, no worries. His coat dries and curls perfectly.

There are thought to be about 1,000 Wetterhounen worldwide, and the “cautious Frysk with a heart of gold” (the description given by the Dutch Wetterhoun Club to its breed) has ardently loyal fans. The Wetterhoun, however,  is not for everyone. These dogs require assertive, firm, but fair owners since they can be strong-willed (thanks to a high level of intelligence ). Despite their occasional intimidating expression, the Wetterhoun is a good natured dog who bonds strongly with its family.

Close up photo of a typical Wetterhoun coat by Lexie Rozebottels