Stabyhoun

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Stabyhoun(also known as Frisian Pointing Dog, Beike Dutch Stabyhoun and Stabij ) is a versatile, medium size dutch dog that originated in Friesland province of Netherlands. It is a very rare breed of dog that was documented as early as 1800s. This Stabyhoun is very much a dog for common man and hence fairly all round. In the early days, the dog was used as hunter of small game and birds but over the time, it proved its skills as mole hunter, gundog, pointer, tracker and good watchdog. Poor farmers used to highly value this all round breed because they could afford only one dog and such a versatile dog as Stabyhoun was able to provide them with versatility as watchdog, hunting companion and loyal family dog.

This medium size dog stands between 19-21 inches and weighs about 40-55 lbs. The Stabyhoun has sturdily built elongated dog that comes with a head that is lengthier than wide and slightly rounded skull. The powerful muzzle tapers gradually towards well developed black or brown nose. Medium size round eyes are same colour as nose. Moderately long ears are set rather low and hang down along the head. Short and round neck comes without throatiness or dewlap. Rectangular and powerful body comes with straight and rather long back, powerful loin and broad chest with well rounded ribs. Belly is moderately tucked-up. The body is covered with long and smooth coat that comes in black, brown or orange colours with white markings.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by AKC(FSS), FCI and UKC.

Color

The Stabyhoun or Stabij is either black, brown or orange in colour with white markings. Ticking or roan in white markings is permitted.

Coat

This breed has medium to long coat that is smooth in texture. Never curly, the coat is short on head and more bushy and well developed on back of the legs and at the breeches.

Personality

The Stabyhoun or stabij has transitioned from an all round hunting and working dog to a very loving family companion due to its very even and soft temperament. This dog is very docile, amenable, eager to please and extremely intelligent. It loves its family, specially children, to whom, the dog is known to be very tolerant and kind. Its friendly nature does not include only its family. The dog is equally friendly and social with other people, dogs and pets. This breed can accompany its master and family to anywhere as the dog is very adaptable to different surroundings. It will be near its master or family members most of the time but does not demand undue attention. Being very people oriented, this breed instinctively likes to be near its human family most of the time. Though it is friendly with strangers, the Stabyhoun will not miss a chance to announce arrival of a visitor with its vigilant nature. This breed loves outdoors and will be lively and very active when assigned some task to perform but it can be described as laid back when the dog is indoor with its family. This versatile dog is very strong and can be used as sled dog during snow season. It can perform variety of tasks that include but not limited to retrieving, pointing, agility, obedience, triathlon, endurance, watchdog and many other tasks. It can also perform as water retrieving dog. The Stabyhoun is a very loving, kind and affectionate dog to all the family; a dog that will endear every one who comes across with its loveable personality.

Care

The Stabyhoun has a self-cleaning sleek coat that has fresh natural smell. It will shed dirt naturally. Its coat will require regular brushing to keep tangles out. This dog sheds twice a year and regular brushing will help the dog shed easily. Bathing should be done when necessary, without using a soap as it will strip the coat of its natural sleekness.

Training

The Stabij is an eager to please, obedient and devoted breed with high levels of intelligence. It is very trainable breed but needs consistent training. Positive training methods should be imposed when training this dog.

Activity

The Stabyhoun is a very high energy dog with high exercise needs. These dogs love outdoors playing games like flyball and fetch all day long. Daily walking and ample playing time will keep these dogs happy and fit. Under exercised dogs will become destructive out of boredom.