The Stabyhoun is a medium-sized, well-proportioned dog with a striking black and white or brown and white coat, often featuring ticking or roaning.

Medium-sized, with males typically 19-21 inches tall and females 18-20 inches.

45-55 pounds.

Long, sleek, and water-repellent, with slight feathering on the chest, legs, and tail.

Primarily black and white or brown and white, with ticking or roaning common.

Slightly rounded skull, with a moderate stop and a strong muzzle.

Medium-sized, dark brown, and expressive.

Moderately long, set high, and carried close to the head.

Long, reaching to the hock, and carried low with a slight upward curve at the tip.

The Stabyhoun is known for its gentle, friendly, and intelligent nature, making it a devoted family companion and a willing worker.

Forms strong bonds with its family and enjoys close interaction.

Known for its calm and patient demeanor, especially with children.

Highly trainable and eager to please.

Devoted to its family and protective of its home.

Can be somewhat independent, requiring consistent training.

Makes a good watchdog, barking to alert owners to anything unusual.

The Stabyhoun is best suited for active individuals or families who can provide consistent training, exercise, and plenty of love and attention.

Good with children and other pets when properly socialized.

Can be somewhat independent.

The ideal owner for a Stabyhoun is someone who is active, patient, and committed to providing a loving and stimulating environment. This breed thrives with consistent training and plenty of interaction with its family.

Stabyhoun care involves moderate grooming to manage their long coat, a balanced diet, and a living environment that allows for both indoor and outdoor activity.

Brush weekly to prevent matting, with more frequent brushing during shedding seasons. Bathe only when necessary.

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

Stabyhouns adapt well to various living situations, but they need access to a securely fenced yard or regular opportunities for exercise.

Trim nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.

Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections.

Brush teeth regularly to maintain good dental hygiene.

Stabyhouns are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train, but they need consistent exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Stabyhouns respond best to positive reinforcement methods, such as praise, treats, and play. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial to develop a well-behaved and confident dog. Their intelligence means they can learn quickly, but they can also become bored with repetitive training, so variety is key.

Stabyhouns require moderate to high levels of exercise, including daily walks, runs, or playtime. They excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, and flyball. Mental stimulation is equally important; puzzle toys and interactive games can help keep them engaged and prevent boredom.

Maintain a consistent training routine from puppyhood.

Use positive methods, avoiding harsh corrections.

Expose your Stabyhoun to various people, dogs, and environments early on.

Provide puzzle toys and games to keep their minds active.

Keep training sessions engaging by incorporating different activities.

While intelligent, they can have an independent streak, requiring patience.

Stabyhouns are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain genetic health issues.

A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and lameness.

A similar condition to hip dysplasia, affecting the elbow joint.

A congenital heart defect where a blood vessel fails to close properly after birth.

A neurological disorder that can cause seizures.

The Stabyhoun originates from the province of Friesland in the Netherlands, with its history tracing back to the early 19th century. Developed as an all-around farm dog, the Stabyhoun was used for hunting small game (particularly moles and polecats), guarding property, and even pulling carts. The breed shares ancestry with the Drentsche Patrijshond and the Wetterhoun. Official recognition by the Dutch Kennel Club came in 1942, after careful efforts to standardize the breed. The Stabyhoun remains rare, especially outside the Netherlands, but dedicated breeders are working to preserve its unique qualities and promote its growth.

Yes, Stabyhouns are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them excellent companions for children when properly socialized.

Stabyhouns need at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, including walks, runs, or playtime. They also benefit from mental stimulation through games and training.

Stabyhouns have a moderate shedding level. Regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons, helps to manage loose hair.

Yes, Stabyhouns are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement methods.

Yes, the Stabyhoun is a rare breed, especially outside of the Netherlands.

The average lifespan of a Stabyhoun is 12-14 years.

Stabyhouns are not excessive barkers, but they will bark to alert their owners to anything unusual.

Stabyhouns can adapt to apartment living if they receive sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. However, access to a securely fenced yard is ideal.

Yes, Stabyhouns are generally good with other pets when properly socialized from a young age.

Due to their rarity, finding a Stabyhoun puppy can be challenging. It's best to contact reputable breeders through national breed clubs or organizations like the American Stabyhoun Association.