The Stabyhoun is a breed that originated in the Netherlands, specifically in the provinces of Groningen and Friesland, where they were bred as hunting dogs. They're a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build.
Their coat is medium-length, straight, and harsh to the touch, with a distinctive beard and mustache. They come in a variety of colors, including brown, black, and tan.
The Stabyhoun is an energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least an hour of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime in the yard.
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Origins and History
The Stabyhoun is a breed with a rich history dating back several centuries. They originated in Friesland, a province in the northern part of the Netherlands.
The Stabyhoun was developed as a versatile farm dog capable of performing various tasks. Their name reflects their dual-purpose nature, with "Staby" derived from the Frisian word "sta-ber", meaning "stand by", and "houn" an old Dutch term for "dog."
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Historically, the Stabyhoun was highly valued for their prowess in hunting small game, such as birds and rodents, as well as for their skills in herding and guarding livestock on the farms of Friesland. They were also used as watchdogs and wild hare hunters.
The Stabyhoun's ancestry can be traced back to the Drentsche Patrijshond and the Heidewachtel. They originated in Friesland, more specifically from the Frisian forest area in the southeast and east of Friesland.
Their original purpose was to hunt moles, skunks, and rats. They were also used as a watchdog and wild hare hunter. They were found on small farms and were a very versatile dog.
The Stabyhoun was regularly crossbred with the Wetterhoun in the early 20th century. This led to efforts to preserve and promote the breed, with dedicated breed enthusiasts working to maintain their unique characteristics and temperament.
In 1942, the Stabyhoun received official breed recognition. This marked the end of crossbreeding with the Wetterhoun, and efforts were made to prevent the extinction of these increasingly rare breeds.
B. Physical Characteristics
The Stabyhoun's coat is truly one of its most distinctive features. It's adorned in a striking black and white pattern, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Their eyes are soulful and endearing, with a gentle expression that's hard to resist. The ears are floppy and medium in size, adding to the breed's charming presence.
A Stabyhoun's body is powerful and well-proportioned, with a straight back and a croup that slopes slightly. The loin is powerful, and the belly is only moderately tucked up.
The tail is long, reaching to the hock, and is set low with a gentle bend upwards towards the tip. It's carried downwards in repose, but lifted when in action.
A Stabyhoun's head is long and broad, with a skull that's slightly domed but not narrow. The nose is well-developed, with wide nostrils, and the lips are tight and cover the teeth.
The eyes should lie level in the head and be of medium size, with tight rounded lids. Dogs with black and white coats should have dark brown eyes, while brown and white Stabyhouns may have brown- or orange-coloured eyes.
The ideal height for a male Stabyhoun is about 20.5 inches at the shoulder, while females stand slightly smaller at 19 inches. Males typically weigh around 50 pounds, while females weigh about 45 pounds.
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Temperament and Personality
The Stabyhoun is a breed that's known for its gentle disposition, making them an excellent family companion. They're friendly, sensitive, intelligent, calm, patient, and biddable, but may be stubborn on occasion.
Their temperament is characterized by their loyalty and affectionate nature, which makes them thrive on human interaction and form strong bonds with their family members. This breed is also extremely tolerant of children and other animals.
The Stabyhoun is a rare breed and is rarely found outside the Netherlands, but they're a lively dog who enjoys spending time with their family. They're an excellent guard dog, but they're also friendly and sociable, making them a great addition to family life.
With a calm disposition and a natural inclination to please, the Stabyhoun excels in both family settings and as a working partner. They're intelligent and trainable, making them highly versatile in various activities, from agility and obedience to retrieving and hunting.
Their intelligence is a hallmark trait of the Stabyhoun, and they're quick to grasp commands and tasks. They're also moderately tolerant of being alone, but they need frequent interaction with their family to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
The Stabyhoun's gentle and friendly nature makes them a harmonious addition to family life, and they're renowned for their ability to form deep bonds with their human companions. They're also excellent with children and other pets, making them a great breed for families with multiple furry members.
Care and Maintenance
Stabyhouns are active and intelligent dogs that require regular exercise to stay mentally and physically stimulated. Daily walks, playtime, and activities like agility or obedience training can help meet their energy needs.
Stabyhouns thrive on companionship and affection, so spend quality time with your dog, provide mental stimulation with toys and interactive activities, and ensure they are included as a part of the family.
The Stabyhoun's medium-length coat is weather-resistant and dirt-resistant, but it still requires regular brushing to remove dirt and loose hairs. Brush your Stabyhoun at least once a week to prevent matting and tangling.
Stabyhouns shed seasonally, with two heavy shedding periods per year. Brushing daily is required during these periods to remove their undercoat.
Your Stabyhoun's nails need to be trimmed every two to three weeks, and their ears should be checked weekly and cleaned as needed. A routine dental plan should also be put in place, with weekly brushing of their teeth with canine-approved toothpaste.
Stabyhouns are generally low maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they do require regular attention to prevent matting and tangling. A weekly brushing session can help keep their coat in good condition and prevent any problems.
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for monitoring your Stabyhoun's overall health and catching any potential health issues early. Schedule regular check-ups to ensure your Stabyhoun stays healthy and happy.
The Stabyhoun's distinctive coat requires regular attention, with routine brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Occasional baths can help maintain their cleanliness and overall health, but be careful not to strip their coat of its natural oils and shine.
Stabyhouns are known for their intelligence, making them responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. Start training and socialization early to ensure a well-behaved and well-adjusted dog.
Health and Issues
As a Stabyhoun owner, you want to ensure your furry friend lives a long and happy life. Health and well-being are paramount, and understanding potential health issues is key.
Regular veterinary care is essential for maintaining your Stabyhoun's health. Routine visits allow for early detection and management of potential health issues.
Stabyhouns are generally robust and healthy, but they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeding practices play a crucial role in minimizing these risks.
Genetic health screenings by reputable breeders can reduce the chances of hereditary diseases. It's advisable to obtain your Stabyhoun from breeders who conduct these screenings.
Some common health issues that may affect your Stabyhoun include ear infections and Von Willebrand's disease, Type I (VWD-I).
Here are some potential health issues that may affect your Stabyhoun:
- Ear infections
- Von Willebrand’s disease, Type I (VWD-I)
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA)
Food & Diet
To ensure your Stabyhoun thrives, provide a high-quality, balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding schedule and portion sizes.
A commercial diet formulated for medium-sized dogs is a great choice for your Stabyhoun. This type of diet will help meet their unique nutritional needs.
Feed your Stabyhoun puppy three to four times daily to support their growth and development. This will also help keep their blood sugar levels stable to fuel their activity and play.
As your Stabyhoun becomes an adult, you can reduce meals to twice daily. This will help adjust their eating schedule to their new adult needs.
Make sure fresh water is always available to satisfy your Stabyhoun's moisture needs.
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Training
The Stabyhoun is a sensitive breed that requires positive reinforcement training, as they won't respond well to harsh words.
To train your Stabyhoun effectively, be consistent and patient, as they are quick and reliable learners. Treats can be a great training aid to cement your bond with your pet.
Their intelligence and willingness to learn make them excellent candidates for training, and they relish mental stimulation. Whether it's obedience training or learning tricks, they'll be eager to please.
Basic commands like sit, stay, and recall should be taught using positive reinforcement methods, with rewards for desired behaviors. This will ensure your Stabyhoun is a well-behaved member of your household.
Early socialization is crucial to prevent fear or aggression issues, so expose your Stabyhoun to different people, animals, and environments from a young age. This will help them become a confident, friendly, and adaptable companion.
Investing time and effort into training and socialization will result in a harmonious relationship that lasts a lifetime, with a strong bond between you and your dog.
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Family and Compatibility
The Stabyhoun is a loyal and affectionate breed that makes an excellent family pet. They are kid-friendly and have enough energy to keep up with playtime.
It's essential to supervise interactions between Stabyhouns and young children, teaching them to respect the dog's space when eating or sleeping. This breed was originally a watchdog, so they can be wary of strangers.
Stabyhouns can get along with other dogs if socialized early, but they have a moderately high prey drive, making them unsuitable for homes with other small pets, such as rabbits or guinea pigs.
Their friendly and gentle nature makes them a great companion for families with children and other pets.
Children and Pets
Stabyhouns make excellent family pets, especially for families with young children. They are loyal and affectionate canine companions who will have enough energy to keep up with playtime.
Their friendly and gentle nature makes them well-suited for interacting with kids, but it's essential to supervise interactions between Stabyhouns and young children to ensure both the dog and the child understand appropriate behavior.
Stabyhouns tend to get along well with other pets when properly introduced and socialized from an early age. Their amiable disposition makes them adaptable to living in multi-pet households.
Socialization plays a crucial role in shaping a Stabyhoun's behavior, and early exposure to various people, environments, and animals will contribute to their well-rounded and friendly nature.
However, it's worth noting that Stabyhouns have a moderately high prey drive, so it's not recommended for homes with other small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs.
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Reproduction
Reproduction is a delicate process for the Stabyhoun breed. Due to their limited population, careful breeding is essential to maintain genetic diversity.
Bitches can only deliver a maximum of five litters in their lifetime, and they must be bred between the ages of 18 months and nine years. They also need to be rested for at least one year between litters.
The average Stabyhoun litter size is seven, which is a relatively small number compared to other breeds. This emphasizes the importance of responsible breeding practices.
To avoid inbreeding, breeders follow strict guidelines. The hips of prospective mating pairs must be x-rayed, and the match between bitch and stud has to be approved by the Dutch Club's breeding committee.
Stud dogs, on the other hand, have their own set of rules. They must be at least 18 months old to breed and can sire no more than three litters per year or ten in their lifetime.
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Puppies and Purchase
Finding a Stabyhoun puppy is challenging due to the limited number of breeders in the United States and Canada, with only 112 breeders producing nine litters in 2018.
You can expect to pay a high price for a Stabyhoun puppy, particularly one from a championship line, which can range from $1,500 to $3,000 or even higher.
Locating a Stabyhoun puppy requires patience, as you'll likely be put on a waiting list until a puppy is available.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not provide a rescue organization for the Stabyhoun breed, making it even more difficult to find a puppy.
If you're considering adopting a Stabyhoun, you may want to explore rescue organizations, which can offer a more affordable option.
Here's a rough estimate of the initial costs you can expect when acquiring a Stabyhoun puppy:
Keep in mind that these costs are just the tip of the iceberg, and you'll need to budget for ongoing expenses such as food, grooming, and regular veterinary care.
General Information
The Stabyhoun is a medium-sized dog that originated in the Netherlands, where they were bred as an all-around companion and hunting dog. They typically stand between 16-19 inches tall and weigh between 30-55 pounds.
Their double coat is made up of a long, fine outer coat and a dense undercoat, and they come in a variety of colors including blue-grey to black. With proper care, they can live for 12-15 years.
Stabyhouns are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them great family pets. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, but can be independent thinkers, requiring patience and consistency in training.
One thing to keep in mind is that Stabyhouns have moderate exercise needs, requiring daily walks, runs, and playtime. They also need mental stimulation and outdoor access to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Here are some key characteristics of the Stabyhoun breed:
- Weight: 40-60 pounds
- Height: 16-19 inches
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Double coat, long and fine outer coat with dense undercoat
- Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, intelligent, playful, loyal, independent
Overall, the Stabyhoun is a loyal and loving companion that makes a great addition to active families. With proper care and attention, they can thrive in a variety of living situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce the name Stabyhoun?
The name Stabyhoun is pronounced as sta-BYE-hoon, with a common shortened version being sta-BYE.
Do Stabyhoun bark a lot?
Stabyhouns are prone to barking at unexpected noises or objects, making them a relatively vocal breed. They may bark frequently in various situations, not just in their home territory.
How rare are Stabyhoun dogs?
Stabyhoun dogs are extremely rare, with only a few thousand worldwide. This scarcity makes them a unique and special breed.
How many Stabyhouns are there in the US?
There are approximately 300 Stabyhouns in the US, with a growing population over the past decade. Despite being a rare breed, their numbers are increasing in North America.
Sources
- standard (fci.be)
- standard (houdenvanhonden.nl)
- "Stabyhoun Dog Breed Information" (akc.org)
- "Louisville couple breeding rare stabyhouns" (coloradohometownweekly.com)
- "Saving rare breed one litter at a time" (blueridgenow.com)
- U.S. Kennel, site with information on Stabyhouns (stabijs.com)
- Dutch kennel (sudewyn.nl)
- Ameri-Can Stabyhoun Association website (U.S. and Canada) (stabyhouns.org)
- Nederlandse Vereniging voor staby-en wetterhounen (nvsw.nl)
- UK Stabyhoun Association (United Kingdom) (stabyhounuk.com)
- independent (stabyhouns.org)
- Ameri-Can Stabyhoun Association (stabyhouns.org)
- Stabyhoun Rescue and Rehabilitation (UK) (stabyhounuk.com)
- Stabyhoun | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- FCI (fci.be)
- OFA.org (ofa.org)
- NVSW (nvsw.nl)
- Stabyhouns.org (stabyhouns.org)
- Discover the Stabyhoun: A Versatile Dutch Breed (tryfi.com)
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