The Stabijhoun is a medium-sized Dutch breed which is famed for its friendly, loving and gentle temperament. Originally bred as a working farm dog, this smart and active breed needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation if kept as a companion pet. Despite this, providing this lovely breed’s needs are met, it’s a calm, cuddly and good-natured dog to have within a family home.
The Stabijhoun originates from Holland and is believed to have descended from Spaniels. Literature concerning the breed dates back to the early 1800s, though the breed wasn’t officially recognised until 1942. Nowadays, the Dutch consider the Stabijhoun a national treasure - however, the breed has also gained popularity in numerous other countries, including the UK.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Stabijhoun
Adult size
Female :
Between 19 and 20 in
Male :
Between 20 and 22 in
Weight
Female :
Between 40 and 60 lb
Male :
Between 40 and 60 lb
Coat colour
The coat is black, brown or orange with white patches.
Black
Brown
Type of coat
The coat is sleek, and slightly wavy on the rump.
Long
Eye colour
The eyes are light to dark brown.
Brown
Description
The Stabijhoun is a medium-sized dog with a strong and powerful build. The body is very slightly longer than it is tall, and has an athletic and agile appearance. Females of this breed are visibly smaller than males. The Stabijhoun’s face boasts friendly, round, brown eyes, low-set feathered ears and a black nose with wide nostrils. Overall, the breed is similar in appearance to Spaniels.
Good to know
The name ‘Stabijhoun’ translates to ‘stand by me, dog’ - which, considering the breed’s warm and friendly nature, seems perfectly apt!
Temperament
66%
Affectionate
This breed is renowned for its sweet, friendly, warm and affectionate nature.
100%
Playful
The Stabijhoun loves to play, especially with children. Learning through play can help this dog to focus during training.
66%
Calm
Providing the Stabijhoun’s needs are met, it’s a calm, gentle and content breed in the house.
100%
Intelligent
The Stabijhoun is an intelligent pooch who is eager to learn and please its owner. However, due to its high intelligence, it does need plenty of mental stimulation.
100%
Hunter
This breed was bred to work and hunt, so it should come as no surprise that a high prey-drive comes as part of the package. While this breed may be tempted to chase, it is fairly obedient once trained, meaning a strong recall can dissolve tricky situations.
100%
Fearful / wary of strangers
The Stabijhoun is very protective of its family and has a healthy suspicion of strangers. It’s essential to socialize this breed well as a pup to avoid excessive shyness around new people.
100%
Independent
This dog was bred to be able to hunt independently with little direction from its master, so it can be a rather free-thinking and stubborn breed.
Behaviour of the Stabijhoun
33%
Tolerates solitude
The sociable Stabijhoun will become depressed and unfulfilled if regularly left alone. If you’re looking for a pooch who can be left for several hours at a time on a regular basis, you’d be better looking elsewhere.
100%
Easy to train / obedience
Although the Stabijhoun has an independent and stubborn streak to its personality, it’s generally an obedient dog who likes to please its owner. With consistent training sessions, plenty of praise, positive training methods and rewards, you’ll be rewarded by a well-behaved, obedient dog.
66%
Barking
The Stabijhoun was bred to guard its territory, so barking comes as a natural instinct. However, it does seem that some Stabijhoun pups are more vocal than others. If you’re looking for a quiet breed, the Stabijhoun is probably best avoided regardless.
100%
Tendency to run away
Having the Stabijhoun off the lead can be challenging around small animals or wildlife, as it may be tempted to take off and chase. However, as previously mentioned, thorough training and a strong recall can really help control this sort of behaviour.
