Description

A simply sturdily built long coated pointer, greater in length than height, which should be neither too coarse not too refined in build. The skin fits the body closely: there is no dewlap nor do they show too much lip. The appearance of the Stabyhoun has some very typical characteristics, of which the sleek coat is one. The hair on the ears is long at the top and decreasingly shorter up to the last 1/3 of the ear, where the hair is short. The shape of the ear is the form of a mason's trowel. The hair on the legs and tail is also typical. On the back of both the front and hind legs, the hair is bushy, as it is on the tail. It should never be feathering. The dog has a rather wide brisket and fairly big, well-developed feet. Remember it has to be able to walk, swim and climb for long periods at a time! The expression of the face should always be gentle and intelligent. Acceptable colors are black, brown and orange with white marking. Spotting and/or roan in the white are acceptable. Tricolor is objectionable.

Origin

The name: the Stabyhoun originates from Friesland, a province in the North of the Netherlands (which probably is a descendant of Spaniels brought to the Netherlands by the Spanish conquistadors). The first part of the name is probably from the Dutch: sta me bij (stand by me). The last part is simply Friesian, meaning dog. It is pronounced "hoon". The Stabyhoun is a gundog of which descriptions were already found as early as 1800. In earlier days it was used for small game and bird. It turned out to be a fine mole catcher, which also during the hunting season was used as an all-round gundog. It was a fine pointer, an excellent tracker and also a good watchdog. It was also used as a draught dog. Its looks have not changed a lot today, although in earlier days the breed was often mixed with other Friesian breed, the the breed was officially acknowledged and since then crossbreeding between the two has stopped.

Temperament

Devoted, soft and gentle as a pet, very intelligent, obedient, good guard dog, not vicious or snappy. They are highly trainable, but need consistency. The Stabyhoun has a nice temperament, is friendly, tolerant, and willing to please. A characteristic of the Stabyhoun is its great tolerance toward children, and also animals that belong to the household are treated in a friendly way. This dog has a laid back temperament and it loves to play with children. They make good watch dogs. They are very affectionate and many Stabyhoun love to "cuddle". Many Dutch owners use its natural retrieving abilities for playing with balls, because it will go into the water and find the balls and then bring them back. This dog is a wonderful pet to have around the house and is just perfect for life in Holland with its many waterways and parks. While it makes a good watchdog it is friendly and amiable, it is also a very powerful dog and larger ones can pull sleds in the winter. By their nature, Stabyhouns are obedient, peaceful, kind and patient dogs, which are deeply fond of their family, and they like to please their owner. Or as said by a native Frisian: "The Staby is reflecting a character of the Frisian people: stubborn (better stated as willful), straight, social and quiet, friendly, but mostly a bit reserved for strangers". The Stabyhoun is utmost a wonderful family and companion dog. The Stabyhoun likes to have a task: Because of their great intelligence , speed, flexibilty and eagerness to please , they are ideally suited as agility dogs (one owner prefers her Stabyhoun over her Champion Agility Sheltie !), they do flyball, they love to retrieve tennis balls, they show off at obedience class etc etc. They are keen and active dogs outside, but calm dogs inside of the house, as long as they get a moderate amount of daily exercise. The origin of the breed is in hunting, and whilst they are still used for that purpose, they are nowadays foremost used as family companions. Those who have hunted with the breed have stated, "The Stabyhoun can be taken out in the field for hours. It will wait steadily and calmly for the shot. The Stabyhoun is both a soft-mouthed retriever and a pointer that is particularly useful for hunting ducks. It is a fine retriever, and water work is one of its strongest sides. It marks well and is easily controlled over greater distances and is an eager searcher. It brings in any game alive and undamaged. When catching moles and other vermin these animals are killed through breaking the neck, but the furs remain undamaged. It is an excellent swimmer that can handle cold water and loves to please its owner." Today the Stabyhoun is ultimately a wonderful companion and family dog, but it also enjoys a moderate, though very devoted fancy among Dutch sportsmen. Its numbers are increasing slowly but steadily. Since the dog used to be owned by farmers who were generally poor, it was very welcome to have such an all rounder, because often only one dog could be afforded. The dog had to be tolerant toward the other livestock on the farm, friendly with the children and protective about the premises, without being vicious or snappy.

Height

Height: 19-21 inches (49-53 cm)

Weight

Weight: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg.)

Known Health Problems

The Stabyhoun is a healthy dog. In the past the breed had some problems, but careful breeding expelled most problems. The Dutch have been trying to breed out hip dysphasia for many years and no one in that club is allowed to breed their dog if they have any signs of hip problems.

Conditions for Living

This breed will do best with a medium or large yard. They are calm indoors, if sufficiently exercised. They will do well in cold climates, as long as they have adequate shelter.

Exercise Requirments

This breed needs a fair level of exercise and loves to play with children. The dogs are used in almost all-imaginable forms of training. Agility, obedience, hunting, triathlon, endurance, Frisbee: a healthy Stabyhoun has no physical problems with these activities. These dogs play in.

Life Expectancy

The population of the Stabyhoun today is about 3500 animals. Therefore careful breeding is important. The average life expectancy is 13-14 years.

Grooming

The coat is long and sleek and with a natural fresh smell. The dog doesn't need much grooming. It usually keeps its body very clean. The Stabyhoun does not need any special care apart from proper brushing. All you have to do is keep tangles out. The dogs moult (shed) usually twice a year, and thorough brushing helps the dog to finish its moult in about two weeks. Washing should be avoided when possible, because it affects the natural sleekness of the coat. The coat by its nature will lose dirt very quickly. After a swim the dog is usually quite clean and dry in a couple of hours.

Group

Sporting Group/Pointer