Stabyhoun Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Stabyhoun?

Stabyhoun puppies can get traced back to the Netherlands, where they were initially bred for hunting, retrieving, and playing the role of a watchdog. They are excellent retrievers, especially when hunting ducks or other wild game that could wind up in large pools of water. Amongst rare dog breeds, the Stabyhouns are good hunting dogs.

The estimated date of the first Stabyhoun puppy litter is in the 17th century in Northeastern parts of the Netherlands. More specifically, they were first bred in Friesland, which is why some refer to this dog as the Frisian pointer.

Who are Stabyhoun dogs best for?

Keeping dogs like the Staby indoors might not make the best use of their talent and energy. They might also find it moderately inconvenient to adapt to apartment living. Therefore, the ideal family would have an open backyard and some space for playtime.

If you have a swimming pool or live near large pools of water such as a lake, your hound will be a very happy dog. You can adopt this puppy even as a first-timer owner if you're prepared to shower it with enough attention and love.

How much grooming does a Stabyhoun need?

An interesting fact about Stabys is that they do not necessarily require frequent bathing. So, unless they badly need a bath, you can simply brush down their silky coat to untie any tangled knots.

However, the shedding rate for Stabyhouns is above average. So whenever you start noticing signs of dead hair around the house, brush off any excess, and the puppy should be as good as new.

Remember, frequently bathing this Dutch breed that usually has a black and white coat could tamper with its silkiness. As a result, the medium-length coat might not have the visual aesthetic it usually has.

Do Stabyhoun bark much?

When meeting other dogs or people, Stabyhouns tend to bark, but this is not in an aggressive manner. Instead, it is how they welcome others into your home or signal friendliness. Barking is natural for dogs of this kind to do, so do not be alarmed. However, there are different barking voices for Stabys.

It is rare to find this breed barking excessively at anything unless they're demanding your attention or seeing something suspicious. Unlike dogs of other breeds, Stabyhouns are generally more serene if their expectations and needs are met. The bottom line is that you won't suffer a lot of noise complaints from neighbours due to nuisance barking.

Do Stabyhoun bite?

One of the best physical characteristics of this puppy is that it inherits a gentle touch from its ancestral parents. The Frisian pointer breed does not bite hard because they got initially bred as soft-mouthed retrievers. So during playtime, your puppy is unlikely to bite too hard because it is a gentle dog.

Another benefit of the gentle touch that got deeply ingrained into this breed's brain is the peace of mind that comes, especially if you have children. In addition, you won't have to worry about dog aggression, especially when early socialization is implemented.

What is the temperament & personality of a Stabyhoun?

If you are looking for a mild-tempered, affectionate, gentle hound, you've come to the right place! Stabyhouns have a very endearing personality and are not temperamental. If anything, this dog is friendly even to strangers unless something is amiss and suspicious.

They get along very well with children and other pets you might have. In addition, this hound is used to living and hunting in packs. Overall, you will be thrilled to have a Staby around because it makes the perfect companion due to its high mental stimulation levels.

What is the weight & size of a Stabyhoun?

The Stabyhoun breed is a medium-sized dog, and males stand at around 52 centimetres at the shoulders. In comparison, females have an average height of 48 centimetres at a healthy weight of about 18-23 kilograms. Males have an average healthy weight of 22-27 kilograms at their average height range.

By implementing a good exercise routine, you can ensure that this hound remains at a healthy weight-to-height ratio. Additionally, monitoring what your Stabyhoun eats and that its servings aren't too much can minimize the risk of overeating and becoming overweight.

How much training does a Stabyhoun need?

Dog training with Stabyhouns is an absolute adventure. If you commit, rest assured that your pup will go all in. Since this breed likes to please its owners, training is not a nightmare but can instead be done with patience and consistent training techniques.

As a breed that typically boasts good physical health, you can even ask a professional to train your puppy for competitions that include swimming, agility, and hunting events.

In addition, you can join a local Stabyhoun association to be in the loop about what is happening in the Staby community. The American Kennel Club is just one example of a community that might be worth keeping up with to know the latest.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Stabyhoun?

Most health problems that plague Stabys can be detected earlier, such as Patent Ductus Arteriosus. Besides this condition and related issues affecting Stabyhouns' cardiovascular health, your Frisian pointer can be safely regarded as a healthy breed.

Although Stabyhouns are very healthy, they are not exempt from health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia or paw pad sensitivity. Therefore, frequent wellness checks at the veterinarian are critical for a healthy pup. In addition to regular wellness checks, ensure that you enforce a healthy routine, including enough exercise and a good diet.

What is the lifespan of a Stabyhoun?

It is heartbreaking to know that such a rare breed has to leave your side one day. However, good care and a healthy routine ensure that your hound is around for as long as possible. The estimated life expectancy of Stabyhouns could be between 13 to 14 years.

This Frisian pointer lives for a little longer than many other dogs since the average lifespan of canines ranges between 10 to 13 years. The careful breeding used to result in Stabys is highlighted by its impressive life expectancy.

How much should you feed a Stabyhoun?

The Stabyhoun Association in the U.K recommends a diet with some raw meat, vegetables, and bones. This diet is aptly abbreviated to BARF and is perfect for matching your hound's energy levels.

You can find BARF diet food off-shelf from pet stores or online shops that are perfect for Stabyhouns.

What is the price of a Stabyhoun in Australia?

Since this is a rare dog, finding it can be a hassle, but there are responsible breeders in Australia that offer their litter up for sale. Please note that reputable breeders will provide a vaccination history, so you should ask for this and other documentation when looking into buying one of these dogs. These pups can even come with a microchip.

The average price is $1,500, which is reasonable for a rare hound like this.