🐕 Medium · Netherlands (Friesland)
A Frisian water dog with a curly, oily protective coat, originally bred to hunt waterfowl and otters, considered independent, watchful, and reserved toward strangers.
Confident, watchful, and territorial, yet deeply loyal to its own family, while reserved to distrustful toward unfamiliar people and dogs. Needs early, broad socialization.
Wants long daily exercise, ideally with access to water, since swimming and retrieving suit its heritage. Short walks alone are not enough for this breed.
The curly, oily coat is self-cleaning and water-repellent but should not be bathed too often, to preserve the protective layer of oils. Occasional combing prevents matting.
Because of its pronounced guarding instinct and wariness of strangers, suited only to experienced owners who socialize consistently and early.
As a rare, little-overbred breed it is generally robust; hip dysplasia and skin issues linked to the oily coat are occasionally reported.
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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.
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