The Stabyhoun (pronounced stah-nay-hoon) is one of the rarest dogs in the world. This is a medium-size sporting dog breed from the Netherlands with a medium-length, silky coat that typically comes in black and white and features feathering around the chest, belly, legs, and tail. Overall, the dog has a well-balanced build that’s a happy medium between slender and muscular. Their head is slightly longer than it is wide, and their drop ears are fairly long with some feathering.

The breed’s name roughly translates to “stand by me,” a nod to how devoted these dogs can be. They were bred to be all-purpose working dogs, as well as gentle and affectionate family companions. 

Learn about the Stabyhoun, including their history, care needs, temperament, and more.

Characteristics of the Stabyhoun

Stabyhouns are pointer dogs. Males typically have heavier heads than females. Their coat features spots on the legs.

These pointers generally have a friendly and loving temperament with their family and are intelligent and eager to please. A high energy level also helps to shape their personality, and they prefer to keep mentally and physically active with some sort of job every day.

These dogs are good with other dogs, and also get along with children, so they can make great family pets. They’re also happy dogs and incredibly loyal to the people they love.

However, since they have a prey drive, Stabyhouns shouldn’t be left alone with small animals, and may not be suitable for households with other pets who would be viewed as prey. You’ll need to watch them closely while they’re outside to be sure they don’t get the urge to chase after wildlife, too.  

History of the Stabyhoun

The Stabyhoun can trace their ancestors back to the 17th century in the Netherlands. Dogs that looked similar to the modern breed are depicted in centuries-old Dutch artwork. These dogs were used for hunting, as well as a variety of farm chores. They also were loving companions.

Until the 20th century, the Stabyhoun was often mixed with another Dutch breed, the Wetterhoun. But breeders began to set individual standards for both breeds starting in the mid-1900s. 

In 1994, the first recorded Stabyhouns were born in the United States, but the breed still remains rare today, with only several thousand around the world. Stabyhouns are part of the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service, which helps to monitor breeding problems, but it’s not yet an officially recognized breed.

Stabyhoun Care

Plan to spend ample time exercising your Stabyhoun every day. Fortunately, grooming is fairly straightforward. And the breed is typically very trainable.

Exercise

Stabyhouns need at least one hour of daily exercise—walks, jogging, hikes, and even swimming are good ways to expend some of the dog’s energy.

Adequate mental stimulation is just as important for this intelligent breed. A bored Stabyhoun might begin to engage in problem behaviors, such as unwanted chewing or digging. Offering puzzle toys can keep your dog happy throughout the day.

Dog sports are another great way to exercise your dog both mentally and physically. Examples of activities that these dogs can enjoy include agility, tracking, obedience, and field trials.

Grooming

The Stabyhoun’s coat stays relatively clean on its own—plan to brush weekly to remove loose fur. But expect periods of higher shedding typically twice a year, often in the spring and fall, during which you’ll have to brush more frequently. Pay special attention to the areas of the coat with feathering, as they can get tangled more easily. 

Plan on a bath only when your dog gets dirty, but check your Stabyhoun's ears at least weekly to see whether they need cleaning. Also, see whether their nails need trimming roughly once a month. And brush their teeth ideally every day with a canine toothpaste.

Training

Aim to begin training and socialization when your dog is a puppy to instill good manners and prevent bad habits from forming. Stabyhouns generally respond well to positive reinforcement training, such as treats and praise. If you’re too harsh, it might cause them to shut down and refuse to learn. 

Furthermore, aim to expose your Stabyhoun to different people, other dogs, and various locations starting when they're young. Having positive experiences will help to boost their comfort around strangers. This dog generally does well around other dogs and even kids, though they display a moderate amount of caution around strangers. 

Common Health Problems

Stabyhouns are generally a healthy breed. But they are still prone to some hereditary health issues, including: 

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: These are orthopedic problems that affect the joints. They can cause mobility problems and be painful, so they require veterinary attention.  
• Epilepsy: This condition causes seizures. It is a neurological disease that should be treated by a vet.
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): This is a heart defect. The ductus arteriosus doesn’t close like it should when a puppy is born.
• Cerebral dysfunction: This is a brain disorder that’s seen at birth. It causes various symptoms like limb weakness, circling, and depression.

Diet and Nutrition

Make sure fresh water is available for your dog at all times and provide a nutritionally balanced canine diet, typically via two measured meals per day. Always discuss the type of food and the amount with your vet.

Some dogs need specialized diets based on factors including age, activity level, and more. Also, monitor treats and other extra food to prevent your dog from overeating and gaining excess weight. 

Where to Adopt or Buy a Stabyhoun

For a Stabyhoun puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $2,000 on average.

The Stabyhoun is a very rare dog breed. So it’s not common that you’d come across one available for adoption at an animal shelter or rescue group. Still, it’s worth checking your local rescue organizations and getting your name on a breed wait list if possible.

Likewise, breeders are hard to come by. You might have to wait a while for a dog and travel a great distance or even import a dog from another country, depending on where you live.

For further information to help you find a Stabyhoun, check out:

• Ameri-Can Stabyhoun Association
• UK Stabyhoun Association Rescue
  

Stabyhoun Overview

The Stabyhoun is an affectionate and energetic dog that can be a lot of fun for active families. These are smart dogs that aren’t high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. However, they require good socialization and proper training from a young age.

Pros of Stabyhouns

• Intelligent and trainable
• Affectionate and often good with children and other dogs
• Low-maintenance grooming
  

Cons of Stabyhouns

• Requires lots of exercise
• Needs daily mental challenges
• Can be independent and willful at times
  

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Do thorough research before bringing home a Stabyhoun to make sure they're right for your lifestyle. Talk to breed owners, rescue groups, responsible breeders, and veterinary professionals. Spend some time around Stabyhouns too if possible. 

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Golden retriever
• Pointer
• Brittany

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!