As a breeder, deciding whether to sell a puppy to a family in a foreign country is a big decision. Those who export to England face the added challenge of having to keep the puppy for 16 weeks until they are allowed to make the journey. On the plus side, families that are prepared to wait for the right dog, and cross an ocean to pick up their puppy, might just be worth the extra effort. These are the puppies that are helping to establish the Stabij as a true breed in the UK, and here are just some of the experiences of their families…
Mark & Amy, Derbyshire
Owner of Olle (born March 2016)
Q. How did you learn about the breed?
We learnt about the breed from the champ dog website and after much research, spoke to the UK Stabyhoun Association.
Q. What were your thoughts about the idea of importing a Stabyhoun puppy from the Netherlands?
At first we were quite nervous about bringing back a new puppy from abroad, but when we realised it was what we wanted and they were the breed for us, we were prepared to do it. The actual journey in the end, was excellent, Otto was so well behaved, and it was so exciting! The application through the UKSA was very thorough and it helped us to get otto.
Q. What was it like to be told your puppy had been born, and to be introduced to the breeder?
We didn’t know we were going to have a puppy until after he was born, but when we found out we’d got one and were introduced to Vivi, it was so exciting! Vivi was amazing at keeping in touch, sending photos, face timing every week. It was so exciting finding out which puppy was ours and watching him grow.
Q. How did the 16 weeks waiting time go?
The 16 week wait was long, but it was exciting because of the weekly contact, buying him presents and sending them over, talking about his character etc.
Q. What was the reality of importing a puppy from the Netherlands, compared with some of your original thoughts/concerns?
The journey was fantastic. We loved getting the ferry from hull. It was superb. Travelling to Vivi’s house was fine and then taking him all the way back through Holland, Belgium and France was brilliant. He was so good! The tunnel was easy and very organised. The paperwork was dealt with quickly. The reality was we couldn’t believe how easy it had been!
Q. Was the breed what you expected when you arrived home, and how were those first few weeks? Did your puppy settle ok?
He was exactly how we expected him to be. A proper staby! He settled in immediately! Very confident, loving, affectionate, great with the kids and the cats. Always hungry!!! He slept really well. Everyone loves him!
We would definitely recommend getting a Stabyhoun puppy and would gladly speak to anyone to reassure them. He is an incredible dog who has attracted a lot of attention. Everyone admires him. He is adorable and everything we hoped he would be. He follows us everywhere and is so happy! We are so grateful to have been given the chance to have a Stabyhoun. He is part of our family and we are looking forward to our first Christmas with him. Thank you.
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Lesley Sattin, Hertfordshire
Owner of Fenna Lobbe Fan’t Wapse Hiem (born February 2016)
Q. How did you learn about the breed?
We have always had dogs, mainly gun dogs and had lost our last dog about 10 months earlier and had also moved house. We were now ready to have a new dog in our lives. I am by nature a researcher and wanted to find a breed that we had never had before – I basically “surfed the net” going from here to the USA breeds and probably everywhere in between, looking for a dog who would be a companion for me, as I work from home, good with children (looking forward to having grandchildren in the next few years!) and would be good with all the dogs in my extended family – the Stabij seemed to fit the bill 100%.
Q. What were your thoughts about the idea of importing a Stabyhoun puppy from the Netherlands?
My initial thought was Stabijs have been bred in Holland for years and years, they know their breed – what could be better than getting a Stabij from people who know and love this breed. If anything, it made it more special and added to the excitement of getting a new dog.
Q. How did you find the application process through the UKSA?
The website explains very thoroughly the application process and it was easy to start the process. I also really loved the fact that they would not allow you to apply until you had actually met a Stabij owner and their dog. However, the most important thing I can say is that it was incredibly reassuring that they have such a thorough process – to ensure that anybody thinking about this breed really understands the breed and the commitment to any dog. It made you feel that they really care about this breed and would also be there to give you any help or advice.
Q. What was it like to be told your puppy had been born, and to be introduced to the breeder?
I was lucky, I had only recently submitted my application form when I got a call to say that there was a Stabij from a litter in Holland – the call was sort of: “There’s a Stabij just been born in Holland, but you need to tell me now if you are interested!” Well, from my point of view that was all I wanted to hear – I immediately said yes, and was just standing by the door when my husband got home from work and jumped up and down saying “we’ve been offered one – we’re going off to Holland”! An email followed a little while later giving me the contact details of the breeder and explaining that the breeder had been given my contact details. We immediately made contact with each other and also it was lovely that they had a website so we could see their other dogs and other information about them.
Q. How did the 16 weeks waiting time go? Did you have a lot of contact with the breeder, did you get pictures etc?
I won’t lie, there were times when the 16 weeks seemed endless, but I had lots of contact with my breeder, photos and videos. We also went over to Holland twice, before collecting Fenna – this was really important both to us and I feel for the breeder too. For us it was to establish a relationship with the breeder and see the litter and Fenna’s mum, and for them I feel it was important to understand us and know that their puppy would be safe and well looked after. We are still in contact, sending videos and pictures and we hope to meet up again with them, either here or in Holland.
Q. How did the journey to collect your puppy go?
We stayed over the night before and collected our puppy early in the morning, to try and get home as early in the day as possible. The best piece of advice I got from the UKSA was: When you are driving back, if your puppy is asleep or quiet, don’t stop or wake her up as this may disturb her more. I actually brought two puppies back with me from different breeders – as the other owners were unable to make the journey. I thought they would be good company for each other, but actually they just ignored each other and settled down after 1-2 minutes. I don’t know if we were lucky but they were settled all the way to Calais when we got them out for a little walk and then went to the Pet Control building. The one thing that I was concerned about, was hoping that all the paperwork was correct – especially with bringing two of them over. But I needn’t have worried, the procedure is very straightforward and quick. The controllers want to see the puppy’s passport to check all the vaccinations have been given, and then just check the puppy has been microchipped – and that’s it.
Q. What was the reality of importing a puppy from the Netherlands, compared with some of your original thoughts/concerns?
The reality for us was very positive. My original thoughts and concerns were about having a puppy at age 16 weeks rather than 8 weeks, and the difference of any training or words that she would have already learnt and wondering if bringing her over would confuse her – at least language wise. But her breeders were great and even asked me what words I would use for basic training. In reality, there really were no negatives but I think that is also down to the applican’t efforts to establish a positive and active relationship with the breeder.
Q. Was the breed what you expected when you arrived home, and how were those first few weeks? Did your puppy settle ok?
Actually, I was surprised – she settled so quickly compared to puppies I have had in the past. That is of course also due to her personality which is just loving and gentle but also, I believe due to the fact that she was 16 weeks old. She settled into her crate with no problems at all. Luckily my husband gets up at about 6.15 every morning – but in fact by day 3 he was virtually waking her up!
Q. Would you recommend getting a Stabyhoun puppy from Holland to others and why/why not?
For me and my husband we felt that getting her from Holland really added to the whole experience of getting a new dog. It was, of course, different for us to get a dog at 16 weeks rather than 8 weeks as we would have in the UK, but we could also appreciate that it gave the puppy more time with her mum and to learn hopefully “good” behaviour from her! The only negative for anyone is obviously the wait – once you have found this breed you are then, of course, desperate to get your puppy – but I would not hesitate to recommend anyone to get their puppy from Holland because they are worth the wait.
Q. Are you planning to breed with your Stabyhoun?
I put on my form that I would consider breeding from my puppy, and I still feel that way. I have never bred from any dogs I have previously had and I will not take this decision lightly. I am aware that this won’t be before she is two years of age and, as my puppy is currently only 6 months old, I want to wait for her to be completely settled before I think further about it. However, I am so excited and amazed by this lovely breed, I feel I would love the help this breed establish in the UK and for other people to have the opportunity to own such a loving dog. But again, only if it the right thing to do for my dog.
Q. Anything you want to say to breeders in Holland who might be thinking about selling a Stabyhoun puppy to a family in the UK?
I understand the concerns that a breeder would have about letting one of their precious puppies leave Holland and go far away to another country. The only thing I can say to reassure breeders is that the UKSA is a fantastic organisation, who are all passionate about this breed and take so much care when vetting new owners. In fact, my breeder in Holland was amazed by the amount of information and questions that potential UK owners are asked to provide. That is one side of what they do here, but as a relatively new owner of this breed, I can tell you there is a fantastic network of support over here including being introduced to a dog behaviourist for any issues that any of us have had. We have a brilliant Facebook Group and we share all our stories, photos and most importantly information about any problems or issues we have had, and another owner will always have a good idea to share. Although the stabij population in the UK is still small, we all love this breed and would love to see it more established here.
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Kate Humphreys, London
Owner of Elske Thjalda Fan’e Grûn (born March 2016)
Q. How did you learn about the breed?
I actually searched on Google for all the things I was looking for in a dog and Stabyhoun came up. I did some more research on the Stabyhoun and Dutch websites and decided it was definitely the dog for us.
Q. What were your thoughts about the idea of importing a Stabyhoun puppy from the Netherlands?
I had no issues with going to the Netherlands; in fact, I thought it sounded like a lovely thing to do with all the family. The only thing I worried about was collecting her at 16 weeks and whether we would have missed the ‘cute’ bit… Having spoken to Christina, however, I realised I was very happy to miss the second 8 weeks and collected an almost fully house trained puppy!
Elske in her new London home
Q. How did you find the application process through the UKSA?
I found it thorough and reassuring. Everything was explained fully to me by Christina who obviously cares a great deal which made me more certain of our decision.
Q. What was it like to be told your puppy had been born, and to be introduced to the breeder?
This was so exiting! Our breeder really is such a generous and committed person. After our initial 2 hour ‘interview’ via skype we continued to watch the puppies grow every week for at least an hour each time, often until late at night. It was so lovely to watch them grow – I felt like we knew the whole litter by the time we visited at 6 weeks.
Q. How did the 16 week wait go? Did you have a lot of contact with the breeder, did you get pictures etc?
We had regular contact via skype and plenty of pictures from the breeder. Our foster family were always happy to respond to my questions!
Q. How did the journey to collect your puppy go? Was all the paperwork ok?
The collection was so easy. The breeder also came down from Friesland to the foster family to see us. It was really lovely. We took the whole family; our 4 children and my 86-year old Dad, then set off back to the UK with our new puppy. She was so easy on the journey, no trouble at all even in the excessive temperatures. So much work had gone into preparing the necessary paperwork I was very impressed. I expected something to come up at passport control, it just seemed so easy! Of course, nothing did.
Q. What was the reality of importing a puppy from the Netherlands, compared with some of your original thoughts/concerns?
My concerns were that the was well cared for during the second 8 weeks and really there were no problems at all. She is a lovely relaxed puppy.
Q. Was the breed what you expected when you arrived home, and how were those first few weeks? Did your puppy settle ok?
She is everything I expected but more intelligent. I had no idea how much fun training could be! Of course as much goes wrong as goes well…
Q. Would you recommend getting a Stabyhoun puppy from the Netherlands to others and why/why not?
Yes of course. I have already had so many people ask me about her and when I say we collected her from the Netherlands they seem shocked. But, in reality, it is very easy.
Q. Are you planning to breed with your imported Stabyhoun puppy, and why?
It is too early to say for certain but I would like to. It is a lovely breed and in my short time of owning a dog I haven’t come across another dog like her.
Q. Anything you want to say to breeders in Holland who might be thinking about selling a Stabyhoun puppy to a family in the UK?
The relationship we built with our breeder has been so rewarding. He and his wife have never visited the UK and they will come in May. I send them pictures and I fully expect us to keep in contact for years to come.
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Pam White, Yorkshire
Owner of Anna-Wycca fan it Marnewetter (born April 2014)
Q. How did you learn about the breed?
Completely by chance or luck!! We had recently lost our Golden Retriever and our son was on a visit to Holland with his Black and White springer spaniel. He saw another black and white dog similar to his but didn’t find out what it was. When he got back he told us this and we just Googled Dutch Dog Breeds and by a process of elimination spotted that it was actually a Stabyhound he had seen on the beach. We then Google Stabyhoun and saw the UK Stabyhoun Association, and the rest is history.
Inca with Pam in 2014
Q. What were your thoughts about the idea of importing a Stabyhoun puppy from the Netherlands?
Never having done any importing of animals we were concerned about the paperwork side of bringing a dog back into the country. We were also a little wary of not being able to get the puppy until a lot later than if getting one from the UK.
Q. How did you find the application process through the UKSA?
The application process, I joke to people, was worse than getting your child into private school or joining a country club! Although I joke I totally understand the necessity to ensure that the right person is getting a Staby and for the right reasons. Additionally it ensures that as much as possible we are preventing issues before they get chance to arise by having such a stringent application process. If people are put off by the paperwork, the telephone interview and the visit then maybe being part of the UKSA is not appropriate for them.
Q. What was it like to be told your puppy had been born, and to be introduced to the breeder?
I remember being told that there was a probability of a puppy being available and as a result Christina making the introductions! It is good that the breeder spoke/wrote good English as my dutch is non-existent. I remember feeling nervous about whether the breeder would think us OK to have one of her special puppies as we are just ordinary people. We liaised with the breeder a lot and actually went over for the day to see the puppy at around 8 weeks old which was just lovely. We found the breeder very helpful and encouraging towards us.
Q. How did the 16 weeks waiting time go? Did you have a lot of contact with the breeder, did you get pictures etc?
The 16 week period went slowly. We were longing to see the puppies as puppies although we did get pictures from the breeder. We asked when we could visit the puppies and indeed went for a very quick day visit to see them. I felt this visit was very good for both parties as we all got to know each other and for the breeder especially it was good she could see the people who was having her puppy.
Q. How did the journey to collect your puppy go? Was all the paperwork ok?
We live near Hull so for the outward journey we took the overnight Hull – Rotterdam PO Ferry. We arrived early and travelled up to the north of Holland arriving around 10.45am. We met up and obviously ours was the only puppy left. Mum and another bitch were there too. I was so sad for the breeder as a huge bond had been made between her last puppy and herself. Nothing was rushed and we all had a lovely time but the time came when we had to leave the house. All the paperwork was checked and double checked and I just kept my fingers crossed that all was correct. I was led all the way by others on the export issues. I was in tears when it came time to go as I felt so sorry for Rimca; she was in tears as there was such a huge bond there. The only way I can explain it is that we felt so privileged to be having her puppy and as such quite worried that we would fill her shoes and do her proud. We then had a long journey down to Calais for the train. We had plenty of stops and Inca was just perfect. We stayed the night on the coastline just outside Calais and again Inca was with us all the time and was brilliant. Next morning we had a long early walk and caught the train back to the UK. It is a great way to travel to and from the continent with dogs. The immigration checks went through very quickly and all was in order – a big relief I can tell you! at we hadn’t bargained for was the bank holiday traffic – it was a nightmare to get back up north – so next time I would choose my dates more wisely and avoid bank holidays like the plague as well as Mondays and Fridays!!
Q. What was the reality of importing a puppy from the Netherlands, compared with some of your original thoughts/concerns?
The reality of importing a puppy for us was that we had a brilliant breeder who was committed to providing a very positive experience for a very inexperienced English couple. She knew all about the paperwork etc. and as a result it was so much easier than I thought it would have been. I would do it again without any worries.
Q. Was the breed what you expected when you arrived home, and how were those first few weeks? Did your puppy settle ok?
We just loved having our new arrival around us. She was already house trained and a delight to have. I am around the house and farm all day so Inca was with me all the time. Our home circumstances meant that on an evening we couldn’t leave her downstairs as she did cry and as such she was very needy for us. She did what it says and just wanted to be with us all the time. She was crated and we continued to use the crate during the day after walks when her feet were dirty. We started puppy training and continued through until we received our Gold Good Citizens – something I would do again as respect is gained by both parties. Sleeping upstairs was not ideal however after 18 months I can say that she now sleeps happily downstairs in the kitchen with our other two dogs who used to sleep out but are now getting on so are having a bit more luxury!! I am not sure she would continue to be happy if the other dogs weren’t there, though. Her reward is a 15minute cuddle in the morning when Andrew gets up and lets her upstairs.
Q. Would you recommend getting a Stabyhoun puppy from Holland to others and why/why not?
You must have the right breeders in my opinion. The process should be transparent and a relationship should be encouraged. With this it will be a happy and stress free time for all parties. We regularly keep our breeder updated with what is happening and have seen her over in the Netherlands at the various shows we were encouraged to attend. I would have no hesitation in asking her advice on various topics. I know she is happy with the home we have given her beloved puppy.
Q. Are you planning to breed with your Stabyhoun?
The question was put in the application form and as such I said we didn’t have strong feelings either way. We now have Inca and she has so many traits which are so Staby like that it would be a shame not to try and preserve these by letting her have at least one litter of puppies. As such we are in discussions and have sought advice from both the Stabyhound Association UK and her breeder. I know practically nothing about breeding and again it will be a big call to have puppies however I know the UK SA will be there for advice and practical help if necessary. I also know that the UKSA will only place dogs with owners who are in their eyes suitable. In someway I feel a responsibility to breed as long as all criteria is met as this breed of dog should not be allowed to fade into further obscurity.
Q. Anything you want to say to breeders in Holland who might be thinking about selling a Stabyhoun puppy to a family in the UK?
In my opinion the stringent checks which we have in the UK should give Dutch breeders the added confidence that owners/dogs and dogs/owners are fully matched and compatible. What is expected from the owners such as taking their puppy back for a litter assessment should be made clear by all parties. Continued contact in way of e-mail, pictures and maybe visits should be encouraged by all. The Dutch breeders also need to fully appreciate the lengths that the UKSA go to and their professionalism and knowledge of the breed. They also need to be updated regularly on how this breed is progressing in the UK. Maybe Dutch breeders who have allowed a puppy to be exported should give their version of how it was for them in one of their newsletters. They have to be made aware that there are people in the UK who are totally serious about this breed of dog because of its unique attributes and not because it is a “trophy” dog and classed as rare.
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Sarah Fitzgerald, Oxford
Owner of Flinn Doug Kwibus Fan It Klaverlân (born August 2014)
Q. How did you learn about the breed?
My Dad met the stabij puppy from Lancashire, loved her and told us about the breed. We then looked into the breed online and contacted you.
Flinn Doug Kwibus Fan It Klaverlân with his UK family
Q. What were your thoughts about the idea of importing a Stabyhoun puppy from the Netherlands?
At first we were not keen thinking not would be very complicated but there was going to be a considerable wait for a UK puppy we considered it again and actually it was very straightforward and Monique and Leon were amazing so that helped a lot.
Q. What was it like to be told your puppy had been born, and to be introduced to the breeder?
Soooo exciting – the breeders were fantastic at keeping us informed and involved.
Q. How did the 16 weeks wait go? Did you have a lot of contact with the breeder, did you get pictures etc?
The wait was longer than we (and the children) would have liked but the breeders were brilliant at keeping us involved and sent lots of pictures.
Q. How did the journey to collect your puppy go? Was all the paperwork ok?
We were incredibly lucky as the breeders brought Doug over to the UK for us and sorted all the paperwork.
Q. What was the reality of importing a puppy from the Netherlands, compared with some of your original thoughts/concerns?
Importing was a very positive experience for us, the only downside was that we didn’t have Doug as a smaller puppy which I know the children would have particularly enjoyed. However, the fact that Doug was older when we got him meant that he got to spend more time with his family and allowed his personality to blossom.
Q. Was the breed what you expected when you arrived home, and how were those first few weeks? Did your puppy settle ok?
Doug settled amazingly well, we only had two unsettled nights ! He was everything we hoped for – the breeders had told us that they had selected a confident, full of personality puppy to enable him to cope well with the journey and to be part of our busy family.
Q. Would you recommend getting a Stabyhoun puppy from Holland to others and why/why not?
Yes definitely – our experience was, from start to finish, very positive.
Q. Anything you want to say to breeders in Holland who might be thinking about selling a Stabyhoun puppy to a family in the UK?
Please consider doing so as it is such a wonderful breed of dog and I know many UK people would welcome them.
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Jane Lewis, South Leigh
Owner of Melle/Bertie (born March 2016)
Q. How did you learn about the breed?
We have Dutch friends with a stabyhoun. On our first meeting, Feya stole my heart, she was so good natured, thoughtful and calm.
Bertie
Q. What were your thoughts about the idea of importing a Stabyhoun puppy from the Netherlands?
I was extremely apprehensive as I knew were we to be successful in the application process the puppy would have a long journey back to the uk and that’s a big thing to ask of a small(ish) puppy especially just having left its mother.
Q. How did you find the application process through the UKSA?
My boyfriend handled the application process but I had looked at the form and I was impressed with the level of detail sought. In fact answering the questions in the form is a good test of your understanding of what owning a puppy might entail. And what you might need to think about more.
Q. What was it like to be told your puppy had been born, and to be introduced to the breeder?
For me it was a surprise as I wasn’t aware that my boyfriend had applied to the UKSA (although it shows the benefit of a year or so of asking whether we could have a Staby one day).
How did the 16 week waiting time go? Did you have a lot of contact with the breeder, did you get pictures etc?
It went very quickly and Marja and Chris kept is up to date with Melle (now Bertie’s) growth. They sent us regular photos and we were able to talk to them via Skype and see Bertie too.
Q. How did the journey to collect your puppy go? Was all the paperwork ok?
The journey was fine. We decided to travel via the Chanel Tunnel. We went to meet Bertie the day before we officially collected him (and stayed overnight in the area) so that we weren’t complete strangers to him the next day when he had all kinds of other things to process.
All the paperwork was fine bar one entry in the passport which the vet had forgotten to sign (an oversight as all the other entries were fine). This meant that before we could cross through the tunnel we had to visit a vet in Calais to get the vet there to make enquiries and then sign for the relevant vaccination.
Q. What was the reality of importing a puppy from the Netherlands, compared with some of your original thoughts/concerns?
It was far easier than I worried it might be. Bertie managed the car journey brilliantly. He slept most of the way home (c8hours), didn’t cry and wasn’t carsick
Q. Was the breed what you expected when you arrived home, and how were those first few weeks? Did your puppy settle ok?
Yes, Bertie has lived up to and exceeded what we expected of the breed. He is endlessly curious about the world around him. Occasionally he needs to sit and think about things that are new to him and we need to give him the time to do so. he seems to enjoy puppy classes and the challenges encountered there. He has charmed everyone who has met him. Our puppy settled into a routine very quickly. He has even coped with having a lot of builders around and all the strange noises and machines that go with building work
Q. Would you recommend getting a Stabyhoun puppy from Holland to others and why/why not?
I would tell them not to worry if they are allocated a puppy from Holland. There is plenty of support in the Uk via the UKSA who are VERY helpful and endlessly patient. The Facebook page gives you an idea of how loved the Stabyhouns in the UK are!
Q. Are you planning to breed with your imported Stabyhoun puppy, and why?
We have an open mind about that. If our puppy has the characteristics that are appropriate for future generations then we’d be delighted for him to be mated.
Q. Anything you want to say to breeders in Holland who might be thinking about selling a Stabyhoun puppy to a family in the UK?
The Stabyhoun breed may not be one of the best known in the UK but the UKSA and the Stabyhoun owners in the UK are doing their bit to ensure that the breed prospers here! Any puppy allocated via the UKSA is going to a home where it will be looked after and loved.
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Patricia Jackson, Kirkby Lonsdale
Kunske Gepkea fan de Moaie Hôvingen (born February 2016)
Q. How did you learn about the breed?
I first read about about the breed in a book I have had for many years called ‘A Guide to the Dogs of the World’ More recently I researched the breed on the internet and contacted the UKSA to discover more.
Q. What were your thoughts about the idea of importing a Stabyhoun puppy from the Netherlands?
At first I did not consider importing a puppy because of the problems involved in collecting the puppy but the process was explained extremely well by the UKSA.
Q. How did you find the application process through the UKSA?
The application process was very thorough, which I felt showed how deeply those involved in the breed felt about matching the right puppy to the right home.
It was wonderful to be told that a breeder in Holland had agreed to let us have one of her puppies and then to be introduced to the breeder and make contact with her directly.
How did the 16 week waiting time go? Did you have a lot of contact with the breeder, did you get pictures etc?
Although, at first, it seemed a long time to wait until she could travel here we had such wonderful information from Holland on an almost daily basis, so we felt very much part of her early weeks, seeing photos and watching videos of her with her doggy family. We were told about her personality and what to expect when she came to us and given lots of advice to help her settle in with our family.
Q. What was the reality of importing a puppy from the Netherlands, compared with some of your original thoughts/concerns?
The paperwork was all taken care of very efficiently by the breeder and everything was in order for the journey. Our breeder had taken our puppy out regularly so she travelled wonderfully. She still does, as soon as she is put in her crate in the car she settles down and sleeps.
The process of importing a puppy was nowhere near as difficult as we had imagined, mainly because of the efficiency of the Dutch breeder and close co-operation with the UKSA. Our puppy has settled in wonderfully and we could not have chosen a better breed. The fact that we already have a dog probably helped her settle and she sleeps in a crate alongside our grandson’s bed. She is kind, gentle and loves to be with her family. She is mischievous, as you would expect at six months old, loves playing and is very intelligent and quick to learn She is still nervous of new situations and takes her time to get used to new things.
Q. What was the reality of importing a puppy from the Netherlands, compared with some of your original thoughts/concerns?
Getting the puppy from Holland at 16 weeks old does not seem to have caused any problems, in fact, she was well on the way to being house trained when we got her, which was great. I cannot see any drawback to getting a puppy from Holland in our experience.
Q. Anything you want to say to breeders in Holland who might be thinking about selling a Stabyhoun puppy to a family in the UK?
I feel the system that is in place with the applications going through the UKSA is very thorough with the intention of looking after the breed and protecting them from many of the problems that affect other breeds in this country. They appear to take great care when matching the families to the right puppy. In our experience, the best interest of this wonderful breed is their primary concern.
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