Stabyhoun
Description
The Stabyhoun, a sturdy dog from Friesland in the Netherlands, has roots stretching back to the 1800s. Originally bred for hunting and working, it pointed and retrieved game, chased small rodents, and stood guard. This breed’s name means “stand by me dog” in Frisian, showing its deep loyalty. It stayed mostly local for a long time, so you won’t see many outside its home region. Stabyhouns weigh between 40 and 60 pounds and carry a calm, friendly vibe. They’re patient with kids and other pets but keep a strong hunting streak, so small animals need careful introduction. Quiet by nature, they won’t bark much but do need plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and out of trouble.
Grooming
The Stabyhoun sports a short, smooth double coat that sheds lightly to moderately. Keep it neat with weekly brushing using a rubber curry or bristle brush to remove loose hair and dirt. Bathe your dog every 4 to 8 weeks—don’t overdo it, as too much washing can dry out the skin. Trim nails every 2 to 4 weeks to avoid cracking or splitting. Check ears monthly for debris or wax buildup. - Brush once a week - Bathe every 4–8 weeks - Nail trim every 2–4 weeks - Ear check monthly - Spot tidy as needed Their coat colors range from black & white to brown & white or orange & white, often with spotted, ticked, or roan patterns. These markings don’t need special care but keep an eye on white areas for dirt or staining after outdoor play. Pro tip: Use a damp cloth to wipe paws and legs after walks to keep white fur bright and clean.
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
Plan for about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions. The Stabyhoun thrives on active outings that mix steady walking with chances to explore scents and sights. They enjoy water, so if you can add a swim or splash break, they’ll love it. A good routine might look like this: a brisk 40-minute morning walk with some off-leash sniffing time, followed by a 60-minute evening stroll that includes play and training exercises. Keep walks varied to keep your dog interested and engaged. Short bursts of running or fetch during walks help burn off their natural drive. Avoid long stretches of just walking on pavement; mix in trails or grassy areas when possible.
Boarding
When boarding a Stabyhoun, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to give them enough room to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. These dogs enjoy active play sessions, so plan for two solid blocks of exercise daily, plus scent or brain games to keep their minds sharp. Staff should note their calm but alert nature. They don’t bark much but watch closely for signs of boredom or restlessness. Enrichment like puzzle feeders or scent trails helps prevent stress. Stabyhouns get along well with other dogs but appreciate quiet downtime after play. Make sure the kennel area has access to water and occasional chances to swim or splash if possible. This breed’s love of water can be a great way to keep them happy during their stay.