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Discover everything about Stabyhoun
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Stabyhoun?
At a glance
Stabyhoun overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Stabijhoun is generally considered a robust breed, but due to its relatively small gene pool, buyers should be aware of certain hereditary conditions. In particular, hip dysplasia (HD) and epilepsy occur within the population and require careful selection of the parent dogs. Additionally, one should look out for congenital heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Lifespan
13–15 yrs
Height
48–55 cm
Weight
18–25 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Long, straight hair with a thick undercoat
- Origin: Friesland, Netherlands
Typical coat colors
- Mostly black or orange with white markings
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Stabyhoun, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Stabyhoun right for you?
The Stabijhoun is a gentle yet headstrong all-round Vorstehhund (pointing dog)—bred in the Dutch province of Friesland for hunting birds and vermin, it charmingly combines a willingness to cooperate with independent thinking.
Perfect for you if:
- You want to incorporate daily scent work, dummy training, or tracking—this pointing dog needs a job to keep its mind balanced.
- You lead with loving consistency and patience, as Frisian stubbornness cannot be broken with harsh pressure.
- You live in a rural or nature-oriented setting and can offer the space that a former farm and hunting dog is accustomed to.
- You are looking for a close, affectionate family companion who is calm indoors as long as it gets to work outdoors.
Less ideal if:
- You expect it to ignore forest edges—as a true hunting dog, it will react to scent and sight if you don't act proactively.
- You work full-time and would have to leave it alone for long periods daily—it bonds extremely closely with its humans.
- You want a dog with blind obedience that executes commands the first time without questioning them.
- You live in a loud, cramped urban environment that constantly puts its vigilant farm-dog instincts under stress.
The real vibes check
A Stabijhoun is not a robotic command-follower, but a Frisian free spirit in a hunting dog's coat. It loves working with you, but it will briefly consider whether your command actually makes sense before acting. If you can take this charming stubbornness with a sense of humor, you will have a loyal buddy for every country lane.
Breed Profile
The Stabijhoun is a medium-sized dog with a strong but elegant appearance. His body is slightly stretched and his stature appears balanced and harmonious. The head is quite narrow with a prominent muzzle and dark, friendly eyes that exude a certain softness. The ears are medium sized and hanging. The tail is long and is generally held in a relaxed position but may become erect when excited. The Stabijhoun belongs to FCI Group 7, which includes pointers. Although the Stabijhoun was originally used as a working dog for various tasks such as hunting, guarding and training livestock, today there is no longer any distinction between performance and show lines. The breed is now primarily kept as a family and companion dog, but can also be successful in various dog sports due to its working history and intelligence.
- Height
- 48 - 52 cm (Female), 50 - 55 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 18 - 23 kg (Female), 20 - 25 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 13 - 15 years
- Character
- Affectionate, intelligent, calm
- Coat
- Long, straight hair with a thick undercoat
- Coat Color
- Mostly black or orange with white markings
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
History
The Stabijhoun is an ancient breed that originally comes from the Netherlands. Her name means “Stand-by-me-Dog” in the Frisian language, which underlines her close relationship with her people. The breed was traditionally kept in the Dutch province of Friesland, where it was used for various farm work and hunting. Their versatility and high work ethic made them extremely valuable to the region's farmers. The exact origin of the breed is unclear, but it is believed to have descended from ancient Spanish dogs that were common in the Netherlands. The Stabijhoun was first mentioned in texts in the 19th century, but it took until 1942 for the breed to be officially recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club.
Original Use
The Stabijhoun was used as an all-purpose hunting dog for hunting small game and controlling pests on farms.
Origin
Friesland, Netherlands
Date
1800
Character & Temperament
The Stabijhoun is a friendly and balanced dog that is very affectionate and people-oriented. He is known for his calmness and gentleness and is rather calm and relaxed despite his working dog past. Although he can show a strong alert behavior and can initially be reserved towards strangers, he is not a particularly watchdog and usually points no aggressive behavior. Its intelligent and easily trainable nature makes the Stabijhoun a great companion for various activities. Although he is not hyperactive, he needs regular physical and mental exercise to be happy. Its original use as a hunting dog still allows it to use its nose, so it can be well suited to activities such as mantrailing or tracking. However, his hunting instinct is usually not very strong and he can usually live well with other animals. The Stabijhoun is a very affectionate dog that needs close contact with its family. He can learn to stay alone for short periods of time, but he should not be left alone for long periods of time. He is very playful and enjoys playing time with his family. His calm and gentle nature also makes him a good dog for families with children. The different lines of Stabijhoun can vary somewhat in their temperament. Some dogs can be more active and eager to work, while others are more calm and relaxed. It is important to research the characteristics of each line before choosing a puppy to ensure the dog is a good fit for your lifestyle and preferences. The Stabijhoun is a dog that is very happy when it has a task and is busy. Although he is not overly active, he still needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced. His intelligent and eager to learn nature makes him a great companion for various activities and dog sports. At the same time, he is also very content just being with his family and enjoying their company. Overall, the Stabijhoun is a great dog for people looking for an affectionate, intelligent and versatile companion. He is a loyal and loving family dog that adapts well to different lifestyles and is an asset to any home.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the name "Stabijhoun" comes from Frisian and "Stand by me dog" means, which perfectly reflects the deep bond between this race and its people?
What Awaits You
Although sometimes stubborn by nature, the Stabyhoun is an obedient, gentle and patient dog who loves his family very much and wants to please his owner. It is both a soft-mouthed retriever and a pointer, particularly suited to hunting ducks and upland birds. He is a fine retriever and water work is one of his strengths. He is very sharp-sighted, has a good sense of smell and aptitude, and works quickly and efficiently.
Housing & Care
The Stabijhoun is a versatile and adaptable dog that can be kept both in rural areas and in the city. It is important that he gets enough exercise and mental exercise. He is a friendly and tolerable dog that gets along well with children and other pets, including cats. His calm and balanced nature makes him a pleasant roommate.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Stabijhoun is an intelligent and eager-to-learn dog who enjoys learning new things and taking on tasks. He's eager to work, but not hyperactive, and there's no danger of him becoming a "ball junkie." becomes. Nevertheless, you should pay attention to a balanced activity and not overwhelm the dog. In addition to physical exercise, mental activity is also important. For example, nose work, agility or tricks are ideal here. An important aspect of raising the Stabijhoun is training frustration tolerance and impulse control. As a former hunting dog, he may have a certain hunting instinct, so you should work early on to channel this instinct and offer the dog alternatives. For example, training in search games or working on the towline can be helpful.
Nutrition & Care
The Stabijhoun is an active dog and requires a balanced diet that meets its energy needs. Depending on the size, activity level and age of the dog, the amount and composition of the food can vary. A mixture of high-quality dry or wet food and fresh ingredients can provide a good basis for a healthy diet. It is always important to ensure that your dog is at a healthy weight, as being overweight can lead to various health problems. The Stabijhoun's coat is long and has a thick undercoat. It requires regular care to avoid matting and skin problems. Weekly grooming with a brush or comb is usually sufficient. During shedding, which usually occurs twice a year, increased hair loss may occur and it may be necessary to brush the dog more frequently. The Stabijhoun's fur provides him with good protection from cold weather, which is where he comes from As a rule, they also cope well with the German climate.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Stabijhoun is generally considered a robust breed, but due to its relatively small gene pool, buyers should be aware of certain hereditary conditions. In particular, hip dysplasia (HD) and epilepsy occur within the population and require careful selection of the parent dogs. Additionally, one should look out for congenital heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing and regular eye check-ups, most dogs stay active and healthy for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, and eyes tested and use specific DNA tests for neurological conditions to purposefully reduce the risks associated with the small gene pool.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Stabyhoun
Sabine M., Halterin aus dem Münsterland (Hündin, seit 2007)
Ich habe meine Hündin Finja im Juni 2007 bekommen. Sie ist unglaublich charmant und clever, aber charakterlich ganz anders, als es oft in den typischen, weichgezeichneten Rassebeschreibungen steht. Von wegen extrem leichtführig und immer nur auf den Besitzer fixiert – Finja zeigt sich bei uns überhaupt nicht führerbezogen.
Sie hat einen extrem stark ausgeprägten Jagdtrieb und fordert uns täglich voll heraus. Sie braucht ungeheuer viel Auslauf und sinnvolle Beschäftigung, um ausgeglichen zu sein. Um ihren Jagdtrieb und ihre Eigenständigkeit in geordnete Bahnen zu lenken, arbeiten wir nicht nur in einer normalen Hundeschule, sondern nutzen auch die Unterstützung eines privaten D.O.G.S.-Trainers. Man sollte die Rasse also keinesfalls unterschätzen – sie können echte Jagdhunde mit eigenem Kopf sein.
Nicole S., Halterin aus Niedersachsen (Hündin, seit ca. 2018)
Unsere Hündin Djura ist im Haus eine absolute Traumhündin. Sie verhält sich drinnen meist sehr ruhig, schläft viel und möchte einfach immer in unserer Nähe sein. Wenn sie wach ist, fordert sie gerne ihre Kuscheleinheiten ein oder ist sofort für ein Spiel zu haben. Auch mit Kindern im Alter von 0 bis 12 Jahren klappt es wunderbar – sie passt ihr Temperament instinktiv an und ist sehr vorsichtig. Allerdings zeigt sie ein deutliches Wachverhalten und schlägt an, sobald sich Fremde dem Haus nähern.
Draußen kommt dann jedoch der waschechte Jagdhund in ihr durch. Djura ist ununterbrochen am Schnüffeln und lässt sich extrem leicht vom Reiz eines vorbeihuschenden Hasen triggern. Da muss ich beim Spazierengehen wirklich hochkonzentriert sein: Wenn ich den Hasen nicht vor ihr entdecke und rechtzeitig reagiere, ist sie kaum noch zu halten. Man darf diesen ausgeprägten Jagdinstinkt draußen auf keinen Fall unterschätzen.
Antje B., Halterin aus Sachsen-Anhalt (Rüde, seit 2012)
Wir haben unseren Rüden Jonny damals als Welpen direkt aus den Niederlanden abgeholt, da die Rasse in Deutschland kaum verbreitet ist. Mit seinem kuschelweichen, schwarz-weißen Fell und dem buschigen Schwanz hat er uns sofort verzaubert. Er lebt bei uns auf einem landwirtschaftlichen Betrieb und passt farblich perfekt zu unseren Rindern. Jonny ist extrem menschenbezogen, kinderlieb und geht offen auf jeden Menschen zu.
Im Vergleich zu anderen Hunden auf dem Hundeplatz ist er eher von der ruhigen Sorte. Er rennt nicht wild umher, sondern spielt entspannt oder holt sich Streicheleinheiten bei den Menschen ab. Eine lustige Eigenart von ihm ist, dass er bei jedem Spaziergang ein Kuscheltier oder einen alten Schuh im Maul herumträgt. Er ist allerdings auch sehr neugierig und nutzt Gelegenheiten zum Ausbüxen, um unsere Bauarbeiter auf dem Hof zu besuchen, die er einfach abgöttisch liebt.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Stabyhoun
Is a Stabyhoun the right dog for me?
The Stabyhoun is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Stabyhoun live?
The average life expectancy of a Stabyhoun is 13-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Stabyhoun need?
Stabyhoun grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Stabyhoun good for families with children?
The Stabyhoun can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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