A rare litter of puppies, the first of their breed to be born in the UK, are preparing to move to their new homes.
When they were born in April, the tiny pups tripled Britain’s stock of weatherhounds – a rare hunting breed originating in the Netherlands – from four to twelve.
Mike and Nicky Jan, 63, who live in Dorchester, Dorset, have been busy looking after the eight playful puppies around the clock and now at six weeks old they have homes for them across the country secured.
However, the breeding process was now a quick and easy process as the family had to have their three-year-old Wetterhoun Aafke assessed by a Dutch judge to ensure she was a good example of the breed.
Then they had to wait to find a suitable male for Aafke to mate with and traveled 450 miles from their home to Heteren in Holland.
A rare litter of puppies, the first of their breed to be born in the UK, are preparing to move to their new homes
The breed was nearly wiped out during World War II when its homeland was occupied by the Germans.
Concentrated breeding efforts in the 1950s managed to save the weatherhound from the abyss, but today there are only about 1,000 specimens left worldwide, most of them in their native country.
Nicky, a retired clinical scientist, said: “We’re pretty much fine now and have a wide range of homes for the puppies across the country, some in the countryside and some in cities.”
“These are mostly people that we found through the breed club, but I hope the dogs will be much better known and appreciated now.”
“They’re six weeks old now, so they’re eating solid foods and learning to sit and play, and they’re doing really well.”
“I think Aafke’s a little bit fed up now because it’s a lot, but she’s done a great job.”
“We definitely had our hands full. They have taken over the whole house and garden and it is a full time job for two adults to take care of them.
When they were born in April, the tiny pups tripled Britain’s stock of weatherhounds – a rare hunting breed originating in the Netherlands – from four to twelve
Owners Mike and Nicky Jan, 63, (pictured), who live in Dorchester, Dorset, have been busy looking after the eight playful puppies around the clock and now at six weeks old they have secured a home for them across the country
The breed was nearly wiped out during World War II when its homeland was occupied by the Germans
Nicky, a retired clinical scientist, said there is a “great variety of homes” for the puppies across the country
“I will be sad to see them go but also glad they all have nice homes to go to.”
“We got our Stabyhoun and Wetterhoun because we knew that they are beautiful dogs with a nice personality that make great family pets.”
“But we also liked the whole idea of being part of a community and that there was so much emphasis on making sure they were properly tested and genetically screened.”
“We have become very good friends with Aafke’s breeder. And the owners of Lex, the dog we bred them with, stopped by to meet the puppies. It’s just a nice thing to be there.
“All three puppy girls are going to homes that want puppies in the future if their dogs are suitable.” And I think some of the puppies’ owners will also try to breed them so that it’s good for the breed.”
All three puppy girls go to homes that want puppies in the future if their dogs are suitable
The family had to have their three-year-old Wetterhoun Aafke assessed by a Dutch judge to ensure she was a good specimen of the breed
The species was originally bred in the Netherlands 400 years ago for hunting small game and waterfowl
The species was originally bred in the Netherlands 400 years ago for hunting small game and waterfowl. Due to its entertaining and loyal character, it is now enjoying growing popularity again.
Jane Moss, Breeding Advisor for the UK Wetterhoun Association, said: “We hope that the UK Wetterhoun population will increase to between 50 and 100 over the next decade.”
“This litter is great news and gives the breed a tremendous boost for further growth.”
