Working with reputable Stabyhoun breeders is crucial for finding a perfect pet. They have a deep understanding of the breed's temperament and characteristics.
Reputable breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, ensuring they have proper veterinary care and are socialized from an early age. This results in well-adjusted adult dogs.
Stabyhoun breeders often have a strong connection with local veterinarians and can provide valuable advice on caring for your new pet. They may also offer guidance on training and nutrition.
A reputable breeder will be transparent about the dog's ancestry and health clearances, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the dog's potential health risks.
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Physical Characteristics
The Stabyhoun is a unique breed with some distinctive physical traits.
Male Stabyhouns have slightly heavier heads compared to females.
Their eyes are somewhat rounded and can be dark brown in dogs with black and white coats, or a lighter brown in dogs with brown and white coats.
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The breed's ears are moderately long and shaped like a trowel with a rounded point.
Males stand about 20.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh about 50 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, standing 19 inches at the shoulder and weighing about 45 pounds.
The Stabyhoun's coat is medium-length with a weather-resistant undercoat.
Size
The Stabyhoun is a relatively small breed, and understanding its size is essential for potential owners.
Males stand about 20.5 inches at the shoulder, which is a great height for a companion dog.
Females are slightly smaller, standing 19 inches at the shoulder, making them a wonderful option for those who want a smaller furry friend.
Males weigh around 50 pounds, which is a comfortable weight for a dog of this size.
Females weigh about 45 pounds, a great weight for a smaller breed.
The ideal height at the withers for males is 21 inches, which is slightly taller than the average height of a male Stabyhoun.
For females, the ideal height is 19.5 inches, which is slightly taller than the average height of a female Stabyhoun.
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Coat Color and Grooming
The Stabyhoun's coat is a beautiful sight to behold, coming in black, brown, and orange with white markings. Regular brushing is key to keeping it tangle-free and minimizing shedding.
Their coat sheds dirt naturally, making it an easy job to keep it clean. You can get away with not bathing them too often, unless they've gotten into something particularly smelly.
Weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their coats looking their best. During seasonal shedding, you may need to brush more frequently to keep up with their natural shedding process.
Trimming their nails regularly is also essential to keep them at a short, tidy length. Long nails can cause discomfort and lead to problems walking.
Distinctive Physical Traits
The Stabyhoun's physical characteristics are quite distinctive.
Male Stabyhouns have slightly heavier heads compared to females.
Both sexes have somewhat rounded eyes that are either dark brown in dogs with black and white coats or a lighter brown in dogs with brown and white coats.
The breed's ears are moderately long and shaped like a trowel with a rounded point.
The Staby's bushy tail is round and covered up to the tip with long, dense hair.
Characteristics
This breed is a devoted and gentle pet, known for being soft and easy to be around.
Their intelligence is one of their standout qualities, making them easy to train.
They also make good guard dogs, which is a testament to their loyalty and protective nature.
Health and Nutrition
As a responsible Stabyhoun breeder, it's essential to prioritize the health and nutrition of your dogs. Stabyhouns are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, which can cause pain and reduced mobility.
Genetic predisposition, rapid growth, and environmental factors can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary care, a nutritious diet, and regular exercise can help minimize the risk of this condition.
To ensure your Stabyhouns receive the best nutrition, feed them a high-quality, balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate feeding schedule and portion sizes.
A well-balanced diet is crucial for maintaining your Stabyhoun's overall health and well-being. Treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's calories, so be mindful of their food intake and treat consumption.
Here are some key health issues to be aware of in Stabyhouns:
- Hip Dysplasia: a common orthopedic condition that can cause pain and reduced mobility
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: a group of inherited eye disorders that can lead to vision loss and blindness
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus: a congenital heart defect that can strain the heart and lead to various health issues
Health Needs
As a Stabyhoun owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health needs of your furry friend. The breed is generally healthy, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain conditions.
Hip dysplasia is a common issue that can affect Stabyhouns, causing pain and reduced mobility. This orthopedic condition is characterized by a malformation of the hip joint, leading to instability and discomfort.
Regular veterinary care, a nutritious diet, and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining your Stabyhoun's overall health and well-being. By doing so, you can help minimize the risk of health issues.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is another condition that can affect Stabyhouns, leading to progressive vision loss and potentially complete blindness. This group of inherited eye disorders affects the retina, causing a gradual degeneration of the cells responsible for vision.
If you're concerned about your Stabyhoun's health, it's a good idea to schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian. They can help identify any potential issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and care.
Some genetic health conditions that can affect Stabyhouns include Cerebral Dysfunction, Chondrodystrophy (CDDY), and von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) Type 1. These conditions can cause a range of symptoms, from severe mental depression and limb weakness to bleeding tendencies and disc herniation.
Here are some specific conditions to be aware of:
- Hip Dysplasia: A common orthopedic condition characterized by a malformation of the hip joint, leading to instability and discomfort.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A group of inherited eye disorders affecting the retina, leading to progressive vision loss and potentially complete blindness.
- Cerebral Dysfunction: A brain disorder causing severe mental depression, odd behaviors, and limb weakness.
- Chondrodystrophy (CDDY): A skeletal disorder characterized by shortened limbs and abnormal early degeneration of the spinal discs, or intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which predisposes to disc herniation.
- von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) Type 1: A blood clotting disorder causing mild bleeding tendencies, although some affected dogs may have more severe signs.
Nutrition
As a Stabyhoun owner, you know how important it is to feed your furry friend a high-quality diet. To keep your Stabyhoun at an ideal weight, keep an eye on their food intake and don't forget to include calories from treats.
Treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's calories, so be mindful of how many snacks you're giving your Stabyhoun. You can also consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding schedule and portion sizes for your dog's age, size, and activity level.
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining your Stabyhoun's overall health and well-being. Feed your Stabyhoun a high-quality, balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and activity level.
Here are some general guidelines for feeding your Stabyhoun:
Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding schedule for your Stabyhoun based on their individual needs.
Exercise and Training
Stabyhouns are intelligent dogs that respond well to gentle, reward-based obedience training using favorite treats and toys. They can be headstrong, so patient and consistent training is essential.
Stabyhouns benefit from socialization starting early in life to help them grow into well-mannered adult dogs. This will make a big difference in their behavior and temperament.
With proper training and socialization, Stabyhouns can thrive as happy and well-adjusted companions.
Exercise Needs
Exercise is essential for overall health and fitness. Regular physical activity can help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week. This can be broken down into 30 minutes per day, five days a week.
Strength training is also crucial, aiming for two to three sessions per week that target all major muscle groups. This can include bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or free weights.
Incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be an effective way to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories. This involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief periods of rest.
A well-rounded fitness routine should also include flexibility and stretching exercises to improve range of motion and reduce injury risk. This can be achieved through activities like yoga or Pilates.
Training
Training your Stabyhoun requires patience and consistency, especially when they're young. They can be headstrong, but gentle, reward-based obedience training using favorite treats and toys helps.
Stabyhouns respond well to this type of training. It's essential to start training early in life to help your dog grow into a well-mannered adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a black Stabyhoun cost?
The cost of a Stabyhoun puppy is determined by its origin, with UK prices around £1,500, and prices from the Netherlands or Denmark around 950 euro or 12,000DKK respectively. There is no specific price difference for a black Stabyhoun puppy.
How many Stabyhouns are there in the US?
There are approximately 300 Stabyhouns in the US, with a significant increase in population over the past decade.
How rare are Stabyhoun dogs?
The Stabyhoun is a rare breed, with only a few thousand worldwide. This scarcity contributes to its status as a Dutch national treasure.
Do Stabyhoun bark a lot?
Stabyhouns are prone to barking at sudden noises or objects, making them a relatively vocal breed. They may bark frequently in various situations, not just at home.
How much does a Stabyhoun puppy cost?
A Stabyhoun puppy typically costs between $2,000 to $3,200, depending on factors like breeder, coat color, and importation. The average price is set by the American Stabyhoun Association.
Sources
- independent (stabyhouns.org)
- pronunication (stabyhounuk.com)
- Ameri-Can Stabyhoun Association (stabyhouns.org)
- Stabyhoun Rescue and Rehabilitation (UK) (stabyhounuk.com)
- Stabyhoun | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- Stabyhoun - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/stabyhoun/ (akc.org)
- http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/222g07-en.pdf (fci.be)
- https://www.stabyhouns.org/the-stabyhoun/the-dutch-breed-standard/ (stabyhouns.org)
- http://stabyhounuk.com/qa/ (stabyhounuk.com)
- Stabyhoun - Price, Temperament, Life span (dogbreedslist.info)
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