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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+7
Dogs
# The Frisian Water Dog: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Netherlands
A robust, calm and energetic Frisian Water Dog, as good a hunter as a vigilant guard dog.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–14 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €800 – €1,500
[Find a breeder 3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-frisian-water-dog) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=frisian-water-dog)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Very good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Robust: Its solid and hardy build gives it good overall resistance.
- Calm and balanced: It knows how to remain composed when its physical needs are met.
- Good guard dog: Its reserve toward strangers and its protective instinct encourage natural vigilance.
- Enduring athlete: It willingly accompanies an active owner on long outings in the great outdoors.
- Strong-willed temperament: His stubborn side requires consistent, patient and firm training.
- Strong hunting instinct: Chasing game requires a well-trained recall and secure spaces.
- High activity needs: Long daily walks are essential to his balance.
- Seasonal shedding: Hair loss becomes more pronounced and requires frequent brushing.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active owner: He thrives with a person available for long outings and regular activities.
- Experienced owner: A consistent framework helps to channel his independence and strong-willed temperament.
- Country living: Wide open spaces and proximity to nature particularly suit his instincts.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary person: A lack of daily exercise would compromise its physical and behavioral balance.
- Novice owner with little guidance: Its strong-willed temperament and hunting instinct can be difficult to manage without experience.
- Small home without sufficient outings: The lack of space can only be compensated by significant and regular outdoor activity.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
57 cmFrisian Water Dog
- Height at the withers
- 55–59 cm
- Weight
- 25–30 kg
- Coat
- Curly, dense
- FCI group
- 8
- Origin
- Netherlands
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Frisian Water Dog in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The origins of the Frisian Water Dog are ancient and remain poorly known. The breed is said to have resulted from crosses between a Gypsy dog and a Frisian dog, then to have been developed in the Dutch province of Friesland. Formerly used to hunt small mammals and water birds, notably the otter, other mustelids and wildfowl, it nearly disappeared during World War II before being saved by enthusiasts. It remains rare outside its region of origin. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes it under number 221 since 1959, within group 8; it is also recognized by the AKC.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
Robust, well-proportioned, strongly built and rather compact without appearing heavy, the Frisian Water Dog fits into a square. Its back is short and straight, its loin strong, its croup moderately sloping, its chest broad and its belly slightly tucked up. Its long, lean and powerful head has a slightly domed skull, a very slight stop, a strong muzzle that tapers without ending in a point and a black or brown nose depending on the coat. Its medium-length ears, set rather low and trowel-shaped, lie close to the head. Its oval eyes are dark brown in black subjects and brown in subjects with a brown coat. Its long curled tail is carried above or to the side of the croup. The coat forms thick, firm curls over almost the entire body, except the head and limbs. The coat can be solid black or brown, or black or brown with white patches.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Frisian Water Dog has a balanced and calm temperament, without being particularly docile. Known to be strong-willed and sometimes stubborn, it is attached to its owner and sensitive to the quality of the relationship. Its natural reserve toward strangers and its protective instinct make it a good guard dog, without unjustified aggressiveness. Its hunting instinct remains very pronounced.
Playful Protective
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, he is calm at home when he has had sufficient activity, but retains significant energy and a strong need to explore. Playful without excess, he enjoys outings in natural environments and activities that engage his sense of smell. Early socialization makes relationships with children and other animals easier, while his chasing instinct must still be taken into account.
Training
## Training and socialization
His training requires firmness, consistency and limits set early, because he does not always obey spontaneously. Any brutality must be avoided: sensitive and very attached to his owner, he progresses better with a coherent, patient method based on positive reinforcement. Recall and the management of the hunting instinct must be worked on from a young age.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Frisian Water Dog
The price of a Frisian Water Dog varies depending on the lineage, the seriousness of the breeding, the screenings and the socialization. The maintenance budget (food, veterinarian, training) often exceeds the purchase price over time.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/frisian-water-dog/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
Rustic, resilient and generally robust, the Frisian Water Dog has no particular predisposition to a specific disease. A litter usually has 3 to 6 puppies. Regular veterinary follow-up remains necessary as for any breed.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/frisian-water-dog/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Frisian Water Dog needs a quality diet suited to its age, its size and its level of physical activity. A very active dog or one used for work requires a higher energy intake than that of a more sedentary companion.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/frisian-water-dog/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Chien d'eau frison is also known under the names Wetterhoun and Frisian Water Dog. A rare breed originating from Frisia, it was notably specialized in hunting otters and waterfowl. The litter generally includes 3 to 6 puppies.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Frisian Water Dog
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Frisian Water Dog suited to apartment living?
He prefers an environment close to nature and a well-fenced outdoor space. City life remains possible if long daily outings and regular activities fully meet his needs.
### Is the Frisian Water Dog suitable as a first dog?
He is rather intended for an experienced owner, capable of consistently managing his strong-willed temperament, his hunting instinct, and his significant activity needs.
### Is the Frisian Water Dog hypoallergenic?
No, the breed is not considered hypoallergenic and has a seasonal molt with moderate hair loss.
### What is the annual maintenance cost of a Frisian Water Dog?
Its annual maintenance cost is estimated between 450 and 650 euros, excluding the purchase price and exceptional veterinary expenses.
## Find a Frisian Water Dog breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Frisian Water Dog breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Frisian Water Dog breeders by country
[2 breeders of Frisian Water Dog in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-frisian-water-dog/netherlands) [1 breeder of Frisian Water Dog in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-frisian-water-dog/germany)
[All breeders of Frisian Water Dog in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-frisian-water-dog)
## Ready to welcome a Frisian Water Dog?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-frisian-water-dog)
## Discover other breeds
[American Water Spaniel
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/american-water-spaniel)
[Spanish Water Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/spanish-water-dog)
[Irish Water Spaniel
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/irish-water-spaniel)
[Kooikerhondje
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kooikerhondje)
[Barbet
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/barbet)
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