Stabyhoun
Temperament:
Stabyhoun or Stabij for short is a very rare dog breed and belongs to one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. He is an excellent hunting and farm dog, but because of his peaceful temperament can also be kept as a family dog.
Characteristics
The Stabyhoun belongs to the FCI group 7. He grows up to 53 cm tall and weighs 27 kg. Ideally, he is neither too slender nor particularly muscular built.
Its coat, slightly wavy in places, is soft and silky. Mostly the dogs have a black and white coat, with the head being black throughout and the tip of the tail being white. Brown and white Stabys are even more rare and are rather common only in the Netherlands.
The facial features of the Stabyhoun differ greatly between males and females. Thus, differentiation is usually easy.
The Stabyhoun is an independent dog, preferably kept as a farm dog. According to the breed standards, he should prove to be friendly and affectionate, but without losing his function as a guard dog. Stabys are obedient by nature and very docile. His abilities can be used for hunting and tracking work, as well as for competition dog sports.
The Staby is extraordinarily active and does not shy away from water. A calm education should reduce his stubbornness a little. Nevertheless, the dog must always be offered enough activity and exercise.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
The Stabyhoun does not make great demands on its food. Accordingly, nutritious food for medium-sized dogs is quite sufficient. Since the dog breed is very active, it should also be taken into account. So food specifically for a high energy level is not a mistake.
Two meals totaling 220 to 280 grams of high quality dry food should be sufficient per day. As usual, care should be taken not to include too much grain in your dog's food.
However, raw meat is still the best food for your dog. This provides great variety and sufficient nutrients. It also satisfies your dog's appetite faster than most dog foods.
Health & Care
The Stabyhoun does not require special care. Nevertheless, its coat should be brushed regularly, as matting can occur, especially behind the ears. During the molt, which takes place twice a year, the coat should be brushed thoroughly to shorten the period.
The fur of the Stabyhoun is self-cleaning. So the dirt simply falls off after the fur has dried. Otherwise, you should avoid bathing with soap, as this can mess up the natural structure of the hair.
Especially the undercoat of neutered males often gets a growth spurt. If the coat should become too long, you can cut it back yourself without any problems.
In winter, it can be beneficial for the dog if the fur between the paws is kept short. This prevents snow, gravel or pieces of salt from getting stuck.
Suitable accessories
Since the Stabyhoun has a pronounced hunting instinct, he must always be sufficiently exercised. When keeping him as a family dog, extended walks and ball games are suitable. Your friend will also enjoy agility training.
For grooming, a universal brush, comb and scissors for possible trimming of the coat is sufficient.
Origin & History
The name of the dog is probably derived from the shortening of "sta mij bij" ("Stand by me"). Appropriately, his name is also sometimes found in the following spelling: Stabijhoun. -Houn, in turn, is Frisian and means "dog".
The origin and the initial crossed breeds are not fully known. Probably it has developed imperceptibly in the villages. However, it is certain that the Stabyhoun originated in Friesland. First written mentions (by authors such as Joost Halbertsma and Nynke fan Hichtum, among others) go back to the 19th century. At that time it was used mainly for fox and bird hunting. He was bought almost exclusively by farmers, because they could often only afford one dog due to their limited financial means. This had to function as a hunting, farm and family dog.
Around 1940, the Wetterhoun was often crossed into the breed in order to obtain a larger working dog. Therefore, he is still a passable rescue dog today.
