Stabyhoun

The Stabyhoun is a versatile hunting dog from the Friesland province of the Netherlands. It is both a pointer and a soft-mouthed retriever. It was also traditionally valued as a watchdog, and is still used to pull sleds. Today there are only about 3500 of these dogs in existence. The Stabyhoun is a balanced, well-built dog, neither too thick or too refined in build. Its appearance is one of readiness and athleticism. It stands an average 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs an average 45 to 55 pounds. The body is powerful with well-sprung ribs. The back is straight and is a bit longer than the height, with the croup only slightly sloping. The tail is long, reaching to the hock. It is set low and carried downwards to the last third part, which is bend upwards in a gentle curve. In action, the tail is lifted, but never so as to curl. The tail is covered with longer hair on all sides to the end, without curls or waves, not feathered, but bushy. The shoulder is well laid against the chest and the blade well laid back and angulated. Lower arm powerful and straight, forelegs straight, with no weak pasterns. The hindquarters are powerful and well angulated with a low placed hock. The feet should be round and rather big with toes that are well developed and arched, the Stabyhoun should have thick pads. The coat of the Stabyhoun is long, wavy, sleek and fine. It has a water-repellent quality. Acceptable colors are black, brown, and orange with white markings. There is sometimes roan in the white.This breed probably originates from the spaniels that were brought to the Netherlands during the Spanish Occupation (1568 - 1648). The first written descriptions of the Stabyhoun date back to the early 19th century. The Stabyhoun was officially recognized as a distinct breed by the Dutch Kennel Club in 1942 and the Dutch Staby and Wetterhoun Association (De Nederlandse Vereniging voor Stabij- en Wetterhoun) was formed in 1947. This breed developed on the farms of Friesland, where it was often not practical to afford more than one farm dog. This breed could perform various tasks well, both as a hunter and as a watchdog. This dog also 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. The Stabyhoun is an active dog, agile and very energetic. It was bred to endure long days of hunting and needs a large amount of physical and mental stimulation. It is not suited for a small apartment, or for a quiet, inactive household. However, it can be relatively calm in the house, when exercised adequately. This breed requires at least one period of vigorous exercise such as a long brisk walk daily. A secure fence is essential; as a hunting breed that is strongly led by its nose, the Stabyhoun will be off tracking a scent before the owner realizes the dog is gone. This breed has strong instinctive guarding instincts and will bark frequently if not trained to do otherwise. The Stabyhoun loves water, and will always enjoy a dip in a lake or river. It will be especially happy to retrieve a ball or stick thrown into the water. The Stabyhoun is not given to obsessive barking. Although it will bark to warn the owner of an intruder, it is generally a quiet breed unless it has something of substance to bark about.The coat of the Stabyhoun needs minimal care: a brushing a few times weekly to remove dead hair, prevent matting and keep coat conditioned and skin healthy, is all that is needed. This breed sheds moderately, and will moult twice a year, during which daily brushing will keep indoor shedding at a minimum. Ears should be checked frequently for signs of parasites and infection, and should be cleaned weekly. Neglect of ear health can result in permanent damage. If the dog spends time hunting out in the field, its coat and ears should be examined frequently for ticks.This breed may be susceptible to hip dysplasia, and breeding stock should be tested. Being a deep-chested breed, it is also prone to bloat (GDV) which is a sudden, life-threatening emergency condition. Owners should be familiar with the signs of bloat, and should keep the dog from hard exercise for a period after eating. The average life span of the Stabyhoun is 12 to 14 years. The Stabyhoun has a very pleasant temperament. It is intelligent, friendly, generally peaceful, patient, and willing to please. It is very affectionate toward its family and those it knows. It is rarely dog aggressive and enjoys the company of other dogs. A characteristic of the Stabyhoun is its great affection toward children and its friendliness toward other animals including smaller household pets, and livestock. The Stabyhoun is readily obedient and devoted to its owner, making it easy to train.This dog bonds strongly with its family, and enjoys being involved in family activities. The individual Stabyhoun may be prone to separation anxiety when separated from the owner. Many Stabyhouns like to cuddle with their owners. The Stabyhoun is happiest when it has plenty of activity, whether in work or play. It has very strong retrieving instincts and enjoys a good game of ball or Frisbee. The prospective owner should be aware that this breed can be extremely rambunctious as a pup through the first 18 months of its life or more. For this reason, it not only needs firm training, but is likely not suitable for very young children or for the elderly. Early, consistent and ongoing obedience work will ensure that the dog remains well-behaved and under control. Games and activities that take its intelligence into account will keep the dog well-occupied and content. The Stabyhoun is an excellent versatile hunter, and is used in obedience competition, scent and tracking, water dog sports, search and rescue, and agility.

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