StabyhounCharacteristics, history, training and care

Stabyhoun. · Alewijnsej / Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Cropped and resized.

The Stabyhoun (Stabijhoun) is a Dutch pointing dog from the forests of Friesland, a versatile hunter also famous as a catcher of moles and polecats. The name comes from “sta mij bij” (“stand by me”). The FCI standard describes it as affectionate but very independent and sometimes stubborn, quiet and alert at home. Wikipedia says it is one of the rarest breeds in the world.

Quick facts

Common name	Stabyhoun (Stabijhoun)
Scientific name	Canis lupus familiaris
Country of origin	Netherlands (Friesland)
Official recognition	FCI, definitively since 25 February 1960 (group 7, pointing dogs; standard no. 222); in the Netherlands since 1942; also recognised by the AKC
Lifespan	13–15 years, according to the AKC
Size (males)	ideally 50–53 cm at the withers; 22–27 kg
Size (females)	ideally 48–50 cm at the withers; 18–23 kg
Coat type	Medium length, straight, with a weather-resistant undercoat
Common colours	Black or brown with white; black or brown roan
Energy level	High
Suited to an apartment?	Only with enough exercise
Temperament	Affectionate, independent, stubborn, quiet, alert
Tendency to aggression	Low
Good with children	Very good, according to the AKC
Good with other animals	Good with dogs; strong hunting instinct
Genetic predispositions	No known breed-specific diseases; hip dysplasia, as in medium-sized breeds

Primary category:Dog breeds
Explore this animal's categories:
Dog breeds Dog breeds good with children Easy-to-train dog breeds Hunting dog breeds Low-maintenance dog breeds Medium dog breeds

History and origin

The FCI standard says the Stabyhoun is related to the Drentsche Patrijshond and the Heidewachtel and comes from the wooded area of Friesland. In the early 20th century the Stabyhoun and the Wetterhoun were often crossed, and the character of each breed was in danger of being lost. In 1938 a group of enthusiasts from the Kynologenclub Friesland began to purify them, and in 1942 both breeds were officially recognised.

The first standard dates from 10 February 1944, and in 1947 the Dutch association for the Stabij and Wetterhoun breeds was founded. The AKC says today's Stabyhoun clearly resembles the dogs painted in the 17th century, for example by Jan Steen. Wikipedia says it is considered a Dutch national treasure.

How the breed developed

17th century – Similar dogs appear in Jan Steen's paintings.
1938 – Purification of the breed begins.
1942 – Official recognition in the Netherlands.
10 February 1944 – The first standard.
25 February 1960 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Breed rating

Feature	Stars
Training and intelligence	★★★☆☆
Easy to train	★★★★★
Intelligence	★★★★★
Independence	★★★★☆
Stubbornness	★★★★☆
Behaviour and temperament	★★★★☆
Affectionate with family	★★★★☆
Friendly with children	★★★★★
Good with other dogs	★★★☆☆
Good with cats and other animals	★★☆☆☆
Loyalty	★★★★☆
Tendency to be aggressive	★★☆☆☆
Tendency to bark	★★★★☆
Needs and care	★★★☆☆
Shedding	★★★★☆
Needs frequent grooming	★★★☆☆
Activity and lifestyle	★★★★★
Energy level	★★★★☆
Daily exercise needs	★★★★☆
Suited to apartment life	★★★☆☆
Health and longevity	★★★★☆
Life expectancy	★★★☆☆
Predisposition to genetic diseases	★★☆☆☆
Working abilities and uses	★★★☆☆
Good hunting dog	★★★★☆
Good companion dog	★★★★☆

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

Physical characteristics

The standard describes it as a functional, powerful pointing dog, with a body slightly longer than it is tall, neither too robust nor too fine. Its expression is gentle, friendly and attentive.

General appearance

The coat is of medium length and straight on the body, with a weather-resistant undercoat; on the croup it may be slightly wavy. The abundant hair on the chest, collar, “trousers” and tail gives it the look of a long-haired dog.

Feature	Stabyhoun
Size	Medium
Height at the withers	males: 50–53 cm; females: 48–50 cm
Weight	males: 22–27 kg; females: 18–23 kg
Coat	Medium, feathered
Colour	Black or brown with white
Type	Pointing dog

The standard describes it as a pied dog, black or brown with white; black or brown roans are also accepted. The head is black or brown, with or without a white blaze. Tan markings and tricolour disqualify it.

Training and socialisation

The standard says the Stabyhoun guards the yard and keeps it free of mice and rats. It is very independent and likes to go its own way, affectionate but sometimes very stubborn, so patience and consistency are essential. At home it is quiet but alert.

The AKC says that with positive, gentle training it learns quickly and wants to please; too much pressure never helps. It likes to have a job to do.

Tips for effective training

Be patient and consistent. It is independent.
Use gentle methods. Pressure does not help.
Give it a job. It likes to work.
Socialise it early. It is reserved with strangers.

Activity needs and lifestyle

It is a versatile hunting dog that needs daily exercise and mental activity: long walks, retrieving, search work or dog sports.

Activity	How often	Why it matters
Long walks	daily	Energy
Retrieving and search games	several times a week	Instinct
Dog sports	weekly	A busy mind

Tips for a balanced life

Suited to active families.
Keep it on a lead in the street.
Brush it more often during shedding.

Care and health

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the medium-length coat is self-cleaning: dirt falls off as it dries, and a brushing removes the remaining sand. It rarely needs a bath. During moulting the undercoat sheds heavily and needs more brushing.

Common health problems

There are no known diseases specific to the breed. As with any active medium-sized dog, it is worth watching for:

Condition	Description	Common symptoms
Hip dysplasia	The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops	Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain
Elbow dysplasia	The elbow joint develops incorrectly and arthritis appears	Limping on the front legs, especially after exercise

Other care

Ask for the parents' hip tests.
Check the ears regularly.
Go for yearly check-ups.

Diet and nutrition

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

Dog's weight	Calories per day (neutered)	Calories per day (not neutered)	Dry food per day (approximate)
18 kg	980 kcal	1,100 kcal	240–310 g
22 kg	1,140 kcal	1,280 kcal	280–370 g
27 kg	1,330 kcal	1,490 kcal	330–430 g

Treats count towards the daily portion.
Split the food into two meals a day.
A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Reproduction and development

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.