Stabyhoun

ATTRIBUTES: Intelligent Loving, Responsive

GROUP: Foundation Stock Service

ACIVITY LEVEL: Energetic

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Smooth, Double

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Seasonal

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Easy Training

CHARACTERISTIC: Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Pointer

Origin Icon
Origin

Netherlands

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Registration

2005

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Size

19 - 21 Inches

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Weight

40 - 60 Pounds 

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Expected Life

13 - 15 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed displays toward family members and familiar faces can vary significantly. Certain breeds may reserve their warmth exclusively for their owner maintaining a reserved demeanor with others. In contrast, some breeds embrace all acquaintances with the enthusiasm of a best friend not differentiating much between their family and familiar people.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
A breed's patience and tolerance for children's behavior varies contributing to its overall family-friendly disposition. Regardless of a breed's nature, it is always important to oversee interactions between dogs and children, especially young or inexperienced ones to ensure safety and positive experiences for both.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The inherent friendliness of a breed toward other canines can vary widely. Even with supervision which is a must for dog interactions and introductions, some breeds have a natural inclination towards sociability with their fellow dogs displaying agreeable behavior both in the home environment and in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The quantity of hair a breed sheds can range widely with high-shedders leaving a considerable amount of fur in their wake. Owners of such breeds should plan for more frequent brushing be aware of the heightened risk of triggering allergies and prepare for a more rigorous home cleaning regimen to deal with the fallout.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The grooming demands of a breed including the need for bathing, brushing and trimming, can vary considerably. When choosing a breed, reflect upon the time, patience and budget you can allocate for such care. Remember, regardless of coat maintenance all breeds will need their nails trimmed regularly.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency of a breed to drool can be an important factor to consider especially if you value cleanliness. Breeds that are prone to leaving trails of slobber or sizable damp patches on clothing might not align well with the preferences of someone with a penchant for tidiness.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Smooth, Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The likelihood of a breed being receptive to strangers can significantly differ; you'll find some are consistently reserved or even skeptical around new individuals, while others display a joyful willingness to make human acquaintances wherever they go.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
A breed's eagerness to engage in play can often extend past their early years. Many will maintain a robust fondness for interactive games such as fetch well into their adult years, whereas other breeds might show a preference for more sedentary companionship, happy to just recline on the couch with their humans.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Some breeds have a strong instinct to notify you of the presence of strangers responding to perceived threats with equal vigilance, whether it's an unfamiliar visitor like the mailman or merely a squirrel scampering outside. However, these same breeds often adapt quickly to newcomers once they see their family welcome them into the home.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
A breed's adaptability to change can vary widely. Some dogs easily adjust to alterations in their environment, whether it's shifting living situations, varying noise levels different weather conditions, or changes in daily routines. Other breeds may struggle with such changes and require a more stable and predictable environment.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
Trainability can significantly differ amongst dog breeds. Certain breeds are eager to learn and highly motivated to please their owners, which makes training a more straightforward process. On the other hand, some breeds exhibit a more independent or stubborn streak, preferring their own agenda and potentially making training a challenge that requires patience and more creative strategies.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The demand for exercise and mental engagement varies greatly across dog breeds. Active breeds thrive on vigorous exercise and stimulating games to burn off their abundant energy. Meanwhile, more laid-back breeds require minimal physical activity and are quite happy to pass the time relaxing with their human companions, making them more suitable for a calm household or individuals with a less active lifestyle.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
Mental enrichment is crucial for all dogs but particularly for those bred for roles that involve complex behaviors such as tracking, retrieving or herding. These dogs flourish with tasks that stimulate their intellect and offer problem-solving opportunities. In the absence of sufficient mental exercise, such breeds may resort to undesirable behaviors as a form of self-entertainment. This can include destructive chewing, compulsive digging, or making escape attempts to relieve their boredom.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Black & White

019

Brown & White

063

Orange & White

134

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Spotted

021

Ticked

013

Roan

036

About The Breed

The Stabyhoun was meticulously bred by farmers who needed a companion capable of autonomously tracking down moles and rabbits. This inherent instinct is still present so it's no surprise if your Staby digs around in the garden on a hunt. With the right training, this breed becomes an amiable canine and a loyal companion for life. Stabys possess a naturally curious spirit, so keep an eye on them – their curiosity could lead them into mischief. Don't be fooled into expecting your Staby to remain sedate amid activity; their nature is to voice an alarm and await your investigation. They usually need to ensure all is safe before settling back down. As for their origins, the Stabyhoun is a robust well-proportioned pointing dog from the Netherlands, often sporting a black and white coat. The less common brown and white variety is found mainly in its homeland, while the orange and white variant is nearly extinct. The Staby's anatomy is elongated, which is also reflected in its head dimensions. With feathering adorning their chest, collar, limbs, and tail, they exude an appearance of a long-haired breed though their coat isn't overly lengthy. Excelling in hunting, retrieving, and pointing the Stabyhoun is equally an exemplary family pet, cherished for their size and tender nature.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A STABYHOUN 

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Stabyhoun: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

Despite its relatively limited numbers, the Stabyhoun is a breed with a commendable bill of health. Organizations like the ASA and NVSW are dedicated to maintaining this status. Ethical breeders conduct thorough checks for health conditions including epilepsy, hip and elbow dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, and cerebral dysfunction as part of their commitment to the breed's well-being. The ASA, through its breeding strategies, endeavors to minimize the prevalence of these conditions, a challenging task due to the ambiguous and not always hereditary nature of their causes. 

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

Health

Grooming

+
The Stabyhoun boasts a low-maintenance coat that seldom requires grooming. For non-neutered dogs, any minor hair trimming can be effortlessly managed at home. In contrast, a neutered Stabyhoun might develop a denser "castrated coat" which could call for a bit more frequent grooming attention. What’s more, the Stabyhoun's medium-length fur has a self-cleaning property, allowing dirt to simply shake off once the coat is dry. A quick brush-out is all it takes to eliminate any lingering traces of debris, leaving the dog spotless. Consequently, baths are a rarity for this breed. In most cases, a simple rinse or a dip in a clean body of water is more than adequate for cleaning. Should your Stabyhoun indulge in something malodorous, a gentle, neutral dog shampoo can be used sparingly to cleanse without depleting the coat's natural oils.
Health

Exercise

+
Your Staby requires daily exercise for optimal mental and physical wellness; an hour of solid activity each day will typically suffice. Following their exercise, they are usually happy to settle down for a serene rest throughout the day. Equally vital for a Staby however is mental stimulation. These dogs thrive on having a role or job that presents them with daily challenges. Offering them a diverse array of activities is key. Engagements such as agility training hunting exercises scent work and lure coursing can all serve to keep your Staby's mind and body engaged. A Stabyhoun kept active and mentally stimulated is truly a harmonious and happy companion.
Health

Training

+
Stabys possess an innate self-drive and absorb new information swiftly. This trait stems from their historical role as independent operators in pest control, which necessitated a breed capable of thoughtful action. This characteristic was particularly advantageous during periods when external distractions were minimal and traffic was scarce. The key to training a Staby is a positive and gentle methodology. This breed is eager to please and can learn quickly under a benign touch. Overbearing tactics are counterproductive; instead, an adept trainer is crucial. Stabys are industrious by nature but require that their training be conducted with a just and consistent hand, something that's essential for a well-rounded and serene educational process. A harsh regime will only result in a Staby that shuts down, refusing to engage or fulfill tasks voluntarily.
Health

Nutrition

+
A Stabyhoun will thrive on a premium dog food blend whether it's a brand from the store or a meal made at home under the guidance and approval of your vet. It's important that the diet is tailored to the specific life stage of the dog, such as puppyhood, adulthood or senior years. Since some dogs have a tendency to put on extra weight, it's important to monitor their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight. While treats are valuable training tools, overindulgence can lead to obesity. It's beneficial to educate yourself on which human foods are dog-friendly and which should be avoided. If you're ever uncertain about your Staby's diet or their weight, consulting your vet is advisable. Remember to always have clean fresh water accessible for your dog.

Historiography

The Stabyhoun a breed integral to the Dutch heritage, shares its lineage with other regional breeds like the Drentsche Patrijshond and Heidewachtel. The breed's name, Stabyhoun, believed to hail from the Dutch phrase "sta mij bij" (stand by me), paired with "houn," the Frisian word for dog, reflects its multi-faceted nature and loyalty. The modern Stabyhoun bears striking resemblance to dogs depicted in 17th-century Dutch artwork, notably in pieces by the renowned painter Jan Steen.

Originating from the Frisian forests in the Netherlands, the Stabyhoun was historically bred alongside the Wetterhoun. In the early 1900s, however interbreeding between Stabyhouns and Wetterhouns nearly erased their distinctive characteristics. This triggered preservation efforts in 1938 by the Kynologenclub Friesland, leading to the breeds' official recognition in 1942, thanks to the dedication of individuals like J. Bos T. van Dijk, B. de Graaf, and W. Hoeksema. The breed standard was established officially on February 10, 1944.

In 1947 the Dutch Association for Staby and Wetterhounen (NVSW) was founded to safeguard the interests of these unique Frisian breeds. The Stabyhoun's existence in the United States dates back to the first registered litter in 1994. By 2017, the breed's numbers exceeded 7,000 worldwide. The Stabyhoun has gained popularity well beyond its Dutch roots, finding homes across Belgium, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the United States and the United Kingdom, among other regions.

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