There was also a great diversity of coat texture ranging from tighly curled to loosely curled to completely flat. Although no longer restricted solely to Friesland, the Wetterhoun nonetheless remains a rare breed, rarely seen outside of Holland. It is not a popular hunting companion, although a few have excelled in hunt tests and have earned diplomas from the Royal Dutch Hunters Association. It is most common in the water-laced southcentral and southwestern sections of Friesland. The true personality of the Wetterhoun is that of a gentle but independent dog that is reserved with strangers.
Many people describe the dog as being stoic and brave.
The Wetterhoun is a natural retriever of both fur and feather. It takes to the water well, has a strong prey drive, and its dense, oily, water-repellent coat makes it especially suited to working in rough terrain or climates. Its hunting desire is hard to satiate, and when thwarted in the duck blind, it will turn to stalking mice. It has an excellent nose and its used a flusher in the uplands. However, the breed is often not a consistent performer, and it usually considered too stubborn to be taught advanced retrieving skills.