Preservation breeding and Outcrossing
The Wetterhoun population is affected by its small founder population caused by World War II and also by historical use of “popular sires” where individual famous Champion dogs were over-selected as sires. But the major current limit to genetic diversity in the Wetterhoun is the small population of dogs available to contribute to the next generation. This is further reduced if owners are unwilling or unable to place their own dogs into the breeding population.
One method to improve genetic diversity in an endangered breed is the introduction of fresh genetic information from another dog breed in an outcross programme. The first outcross requires a donor breed where the health of the selected sire and his descendants is well known and documented. From these puppies, both males and females with suitable health characteristics are chosen to enter the breeding programme. The next generations are produced by crossing back with full members of the original breed. Outcross programmes have also been developed for the Irish Red and White Setter and the highly endangered Norwegian Lundehund.
The Treasure litter - born June 2025
Aafke was matched with Peike, who is from the Labrador Outcross line. The outcross project of the NVSW started with a fine labrador in 2014.
The aim of the Outcross programme is to improve genetic diversity in the endangered Wetterhoun breed and to increase the breeding population. Interestingly, Peike does not carry the "greedy gene" seen in some labradors.
Six puppies were born. They have around 5% genetic contribution from their great great grandfather, and are registered as full Wetterhouns with the Dutch Kennel Club.
And the Treasure theme? Our Wedding Anniversary (Ruby) plus seeing our favourite comedian Jasper Carrott gave us the idea. The 6th and final puppy took some thought along the lines of Rock - Peter was my father's name, Petroch seemed hard to call out in the park. Alternatives... Dustin?? DUSTY! He has stayed here with us, our special treasure.
The waiting list for future Wetterhoun puppies to be born in UK is open to excellent homes in UK or abroad
UK residents will also be contacted if they wish to consider a puppy from overseas
The waiting list is managed by the UK Stabyhoun and Wetterhoun Association