Quick Facts

• Weight: 40 to 55 pounds
• Height: 19 to 21 inches

The Look of a Stabyhoun

Though the Stabyhoun is a pointer, it looks a bit like the English Springer Spaniel. The coat is wavy, glossy, and of medium length, and is typically black and white, though it can be brown or orange plus white.

The head is fine and defined head, with no sagging skin around the mouth. The Stabyhoun’s ears are folded over with longer hair at the top, sloping down to short hair at the tips. Its long, plumed tail is very regal.

Traits

• Finely shaped, regal head
• Magnificent plumed tail
• Extremely even temper
• People-oriented personality

Ideal Human Companion

• Owners with a yard for playtime
• Outdoorsy types
• Those who want an unusual breed with stellar qualities
• Those who don’t mind heavy shedding twice a year
• Those who have always wanted to be pulled on a sled by a dog

What They Are Like to Live With

The Stabyhoun is an extremely even-tempered dog who is a good companion for all family members. You can take these dogs everywhere with you because they are pet-friendly, polite with strangers, and comfortable in different surroundings. Stabyhouns are very strong for their size (you can be pulled by one on a sled in the winter), so proper training is needed to insure control and an obedient dog.

The Stabyhoun is an almost self-cleaning dog. Their sleek coats repel dirt, so only occasional washing is suggested. A good brushing once in a while will suffice, but increase this when they molt about twice a year.

Be prepared to have your Stabyhoun at your side most of the time. These are people-oriented dogs but won’t demand undue attention — they just like to be near you. Stabyhouns are like the dogs you see in paintings lying quietly by the fire at their owner’s feet.

Things You Should Know

The Stabyhoun is a born outdoorsman, both a retriever and a pointer. The breed is built to walk long distances over varying terrain, sometimes climbing and swimming as well.

You’ll love living with your Stabyhoun if you enjoy outdoor activities. A Stabyhoun who is not consistently active will likely make life difficult because of boredom. Sports such as agility and flyball will help keep you and your dog happy and fulfilled.

This is a healthy breed as long as the dog gets enough exercise. The most common health issue in Stabyhouns is hip dysplasia, though Dutch breeders have been working to wean this problem out of the breed.

Stabyhoun History

The Stabyhoun hails from the Netherlands province of Friesland. Its ancestor is likely the spaniel, which came over with the Spanish Conquistadors. Stabyhouns were bred for their working ability rather than their looks. They started out as hunters of smaller game and were found to be excellent mole catchers as well. The breed’s standards were formalized in 1942.

Today, the Stabyhoun is increasingly becoming a companion dog, though it is still used by the Dutch for hunting.