Wagglebase
Sign inRequest early access

Gundog · Netherlands

Stabyhoun

A walker's guide to the Stabyhoun: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Medium, 18 to 27 kgActiveRare Dutch breedSoft naturedLoves waterModerate coat
Exercise a day60 min plus
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleSteady, keen, checks in
With other dogsFriendly, rarely pushy

Overview

The Stabyhoun comes from Friesland in the northern Netherlands, where farmers kept it as an all-purpose dog: pointing and retrieving small game, catching moles and rats, and guarding the yard. It is one of the rarest breeds in the world and there are only a handful in the UK, usually with owners who are deeply involved in the breed.

Temperament is its selling point. Stabyhouns are calm in the house, soft with children and tolerant of other dogs, with a quiet stubbornness that shows if they are pushed. They like to be included rather than bossed.

Exercise and walking needs

An adult does well on an hour to an hour and a half a day with some variety: lead walking, free running where it is safe, and a bit of retrieving or sniffing work. They are not frantic like many gundogs and will settle after a good outing.

Water is a favourite. Given a lake or a slow river, most will swim happily, and a retrieve from water is the best game you can offer. Towel off well, since the medium-length coat holds moisture.

Daily minimum80 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeMost days once trained

On the walk

  • Recall: Generally good; the breed likes to keep an eye on its person. Scent and birds will distract it, but it tends to come back after a moment rather than vanish.
  • Other dogs: Sociable without being over the top. Suits a mixed group walk and rarely starts trouble.
  • Pulling: Mild. A harness is comfortable and the dog is strong enough to lean into a collar if excited.
  • Sensitivity: Harsh handling shuts this breed down. Keep your voice calm and your corrections quiet.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Bring something to retrieve; a soft dummy or a floating toy gives the dog a purpose on the walk.
  2. Check the feathering on the legs and tail for burrs and brush them out before they mat.
  3. Vary the route; the breed is intelligent and gets bored of the same loop.
  4. Keep training rewards light and frequent rather than firm; the dog responds to encouragement.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Does the dog swim, and where are you happy for it to go in?
  • How reliable is recall around birds and wildlife, and what cue do you use?
  • Any known health issues in the line, such as hip or elbow problems, that affect how far it should walk?
Drentse PatrijshondA Dutch farm gundogWetterhounA curly-coated Frisian water dog with a serious streakSmall MünsterländerA versatile German huntKooikerhondjeA small orange and white Dutch decoy dog