Stabijhoun
Summary
The Stabijhoun is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world, originating from the Frisian province of the Netherlands. The name derives from the Frisian "wees mij trouw" ("be faithful to me") — reflecting its ancestral loyalty as a farm dog. Besides hunting birds and small mammals, it was used for mole catching and as a guard dog on Frisian farms. There are currently about 6,000 specimens in the world, the vast majority in the Netherlands. Its breeding is controlled by a rigorous system that limits the number of litters per female.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Medium
- Height (male)
- 53 cm
- Height (female)
- 50 cm
- Weight (male)
- 23–25 kg
- Weight (female)
- 20 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 13–15 years
- Coat
- Medium length, straight, with a tendency to slight waviness; dense; feathering on the ears, back of the legs, and tail ("flag")
- Common Colors
- Black and white, brown and white, orange and white (with or without tan markings); ticking or roan in white areas is accepted
Temperament & Personality
The Stabijhoun is a gentle, patient, intelligent, and very tolerant dog with children and other animals — considered one of the most balanced breeds in the group. Although it can be occasionally stubborn, it is generally obedient and devoted to the owner. In the field, it is a versatile all-rounder that points, flushes, retrieves, and works in water naturally. At home it is calm and not overly demanding.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- Moderate to high
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 60–90 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Moderate
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 4–6 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Elbow dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Hereditary cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
- Von Willebrand disease type 1
- Recommended Health Tests
- Cardiac examination
- Eye examination
- Orthopedic evaluation
- Von Willebrand genetic test
Compatibility
- With Children
- Excellent
- With Other Dogs
- Excellent
- With Cats
- Excellent
- For First-Time Owners
- Recommended
