Berger Picard vs Wetterhoun
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Berger Picard
Herding Group
Wetterhoun
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Berger Picard Overview
Berger Picards are elegant herding dogs with distinctive upright ears and a shaggy, tawny coat. Their muscular build and alert expression reflect their heritage as working dogs. Standing 23.5-25.5 inches tall, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility. Their natural, rustic appearance features a harsh double coat and expressive eyebrows that give them a uniquely charming look.
Wetterhoun Overview
Wetterhouns are distinctive Dutch water dogs characterized by their curly, water-resistant coats and powerful swimming abilities. Their robust build, balanced proportions, and alert expression reflect their heritage as skilled hunting companions. Standing 23 inches at the shoulder with a sturdy frame, these dogs display a combination of strength and agility essential for their traditional waterfowl retrieval work.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Berger Picards are more energetic than Wetterhouns, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Berger Picards require less grooming attention compared to Wetterhouns.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Berger Picards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Wetterhouns.
- Trainability: Wetterhouns may be slightly easier to train due to their Wetterhoun's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Wetterhouns adapt better to apartment living, while Berger Picards typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Berger Picard and Wetterhoun, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Berger Picard | Wetterhoun |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 13-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Berger Picard | Wetterhoun |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-25 inches 55-65 cm | 5-23 inches 13-58 cm |
| Weight | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg | 50-75 lbs 23-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Berger Picard | Wetterhoun |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Good-Natured, Observant | Loyal, Good-Natured, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Berger Picard | Wetterhoun |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Berger Picard Temperament
The Berger Picard is known for being loyal, good-natured, observant, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Wetterhoun Temperament
The Wetterhoun is characterized by being loyal, good-natured, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Berger Picard and Wetterhoun, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
Wetterhoun
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
Wetterhoun
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Berger Picard
Rating: 5/5
Wetterhoun
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Berger Picard
Rating: 1/5
Wetterhoun
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Berger Picard
Rating: 2/5
Wetterhoun
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Berger Picard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Berger Picards require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Berger Picards require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Wetterhoun Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Wetterhouns need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Wetterhouns require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Berger Picard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
Wetterhoun Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Ear infections
- Bloat
- Skin allergies
Pros & Cons
Berger Picard
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- May be reserved with strangers
- Requires experienced owner
Wetterhoun
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Loyal family companion
- Weather-resistant coat
- Good hunting instincts
Cons
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Limited breed availability
- Needs water access
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Berger Picard and Wetterhoun, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.