Foundation Stock Service
22-27 kg
48-52 cm
13-14 years
Have you ever heard of the Stabyhoun breed? Most people haven’t heard of it or even seen one in their lifetime because it is a rare breed. But, be that as it may, you might be looking forward to the privilege of owning one of these dogs.
Assuming dog ownership of the Stabyhoun requires a lot of understanding on your part. Here is a detailed guide to caring for this breed to walk you through the entire process. Also, look out for a brief history lesson about this hound’s origins and how to best take care of it.
Stabyhoun puppies can get traced back to the Netherlands, where they were initially bred for hunting, retrieving and playing the role of being 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 a good hunting dog.
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.
Hunters adore breeds such as this because they play different roles in hunting expeditions. For example, a Stabyhoun is a fine retriever with a keen sense of smell. To top it all off, they are very active dogs and are one of the best powerfully built pointing dog breeds.
At the same time, these physical characteristics make the hound ideal for entering dog sports competitions. Some might be content with having this breed as a family dog. Regardless of what tasks pet owners give to the Stabyhoun puppy, it will happily carry them out in exchange for a warm, loving family.
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.
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.
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 see 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.
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.
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.
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 perfect companions due to their high mental stimulation levels.
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.
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.
In the past, for dogs of similar breeds, various associations would make recommendations of meals containing veggies, raw meat, and bones.
However, due to the risk of food poisoning and choking associated with these dietary choices, it is best to cook your dog’s food at home under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist or opt for one of the many commercial, nutrient-rich pet food varieties that exist out there.
Opt for a diet that perfectly matches your hound’s energy levels.
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.
As detailed above, Stabyhouns shed more than the average dog does and thus require a lot of care and grooming. Unfortunately, that also means the dog hair could trigger some allergies, especially its bushy tail. So although they make the perfect family pet, this breed might not be ideal for families with people suffering from allergies.
The Dutch Stabyhoun is a physically strong breed in nature but aggressive? Far from it! They are very loving and do not exhibit aggressive behaviour towards other dogs or even other animals. Stabyhouns are also typically not aggressive towards their owners or children.
By nature, this breed is very attached to its owner and requires much attention. Be assured that dogs with this personality will want to get included in all your activities. If not, your Stabyhoun might exhibit symptoms of separation anxiety. However, if you are looking for a “stand by me dog”, this is the perfect breed.
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