Through careful import and a strictly managed breeding program, these wonderful dogs are now beginning to make their mark.
Click here to see a full list of the Stabyhoun currently living in the UK.
Through careful import and a strictly managed breeding program, these wonderful dogs are now beginning to make their mark.
Click here to see a full list of the Stabyhoun currently living in the UK.
Described as a ‘national treasure’ in its native Netherlands, the Stabij is becoming increasingly popular as a loyal, calm and intelligent family dog. With a total of around 6,000 dogs worldwide, populations exist in the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, America and most recently in the UK.
In 1942, the Stabyhoun was officially recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club together with another dog from the same region in Friesland, the Wetterhoun. On April 26, 1947 the Dutch Stabyhoun and Wetterhoun Association (NVSW) was established with the goal to protect the interests of these two remarkable Frisian breeds.
The UK Stabyhoun Association today works closely with the NVSW as one of several recognised clubs – and the only one in the UK – across Northern Europe and North America whose joint mission it is to protect and promote this rare but wonderful breed for the future. The NVSW plays a vital role in keeping detailed records of all Stabyhoun, past and present, so that owners can benefit from their advice in breeding and raising happy, healthy and beautiful dogs. In fact, the original Dutch Stabyhoun Association holds the records of more than 21,000 Stabijhoun! Therefore, future breeding plans of the Stabyhoun in the UK will naturally be by advice and with support from the NVSW. If you can ever spare the time to visit Holland we strongly recommend a trip which coincides with the big annual Clubmatch (usually in May). At this dedicated Stabyhoun and Wetterhoun show, puppies, mums, dads and future breeding pairs are evaluated by some of the most experienced judges and handlers – and you can enjoy the biggest Stabyhoun gathering you’ll ever see!
The Stabyhoun probably owes its name to its versatility. The word ‘Staby’ could be derived from the Dutch words ‘sta me bij’ (‘stand by me’). Houn is the word for dog in the language of the Friesian region.
A Stabij is truly a dog that enjoys activity; whether that is play, a good walk in the woods, obedience training, agility and even field work. This is not, however, a breed of dog that is as easy to train as, for example, a Labrador or a Golden Retriever. Although the Stabyhoun belongs in FCI Group 7 along with the Pointers and Setters, this is not your typical UK gun dog. It was bred with a particular skill for mole catching which was a lucrative business back in those days. The Stabyhoun is also a good swimmer that handles cold water well.
Since the dog used to be owned by farmers who were in general poor it was very welcome to have an all-rounder, because often only one dog could be afforded. The dog also had to be tolerant toward livestock on the farm, friendly with the children and protective about the premises, without being vicious or snappy.
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