The Extraordinary Stabyhoun

Anja is a rare dog, one of two Stabyhouns on Vancouver Island and one of about 250 in North America.

Photography by: Kathryn Weese

If you frequent the dog walking areas in Victoria you might be lucky enough to come across Anja while out for her daily exercise with her owner. Why lucky? Anja is a rare dog, one of two Stabyhouns on Vancouver Island and one of about 250 in North America.

A Stabyhoun (pronounced sta-BAY-hoon) is a Dutch dog breed, originating in Friesland, a province in the northwestern part of the Netherlands.  It is thought the breed may have originated from spaniels, which were brought to the Netherlands during the Spanish Occupation from 1568-1648.   It wasn´t until 1942 that the Stabyhoun breed was officially acknowledged in Holland. The Ameri-Can Stabyhoun Association (ASA) is the North American breed group with direct links to the original Dutch Staby and Wetterhoun Association founded in Holland in 1947.

Stabys, as they are affectionately known, are a versatile breed that was originally used as both a watchdog and hunter.  Historically, Dutch farmers, who could generally only afford a single dog, tended to own Stabys because of their tolerance toward livestock, friendliness with children and ability to protect the property without having to worry about viciousness.  Hunters appreciate their soft-mouthed retriever and pointer capabilities both on land and in water.  They are sharp-eyed, have a good sense of smell, working both fast and efficiently.  Stabyhouns are obedient, gentle and patient dogs, with a strong desire to please.  They are happiest when in the company of their owner. Highly intelligent and easily trained, Stabys need consistency, as they may occasionally be willful and stubborn.  They are active dogs, but calm indoors, providing they have a moderate amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation to satisfy their need to have a function or purpose.  Anya´s owners, John and Linda Dammeyer, like to think of their 2-year old female as a combination of many traits. “Anya can be everything from an independent pointer on the trail of a mole, rabbit or deer to a couch-potato/lap dog all within minutes.  She is alert to all changes in her environment, loves all animals and people and herds us to be together!” Increasingly Stabys are being used as companion dogs, particularly for people who like to be out-of-doors.  As well as their hunting and watchdog capabilities, they also make excellent agility dogs and are easily trained to play fly ball or Frisbee.  

Physically, Stabys are a medium sized breed, with males ideally being 21 inches tall at the withers and typically weighing around 55 lbs.  Their coat is long and sleek, except at the hind end where it may wave.  The fur on the head is short, while on the back of the forelegs and breeches it tends to be bushy as opposed to feathered.  The ears are trowel shaped with feathering.  Stabyhouns are generally black or brown with white markings.  Sometimes spots and/or roan are mixed with the white areas.  Most Stabys have a solid black or brown head. Their sleek coats repel dirt with brushing only required on a weekly basis, except during their twice-yearly sheds.  The average life expectancy is about 13 - 14 years.

Given the rarity of the breed - there are only about 5000 worldwide - the breeding of Stabyhouns is carefully regulated.  Great care is being taken to ensure temperament and health standards are maintained.  Because of the limited gene pool, the Ameri-Can Stabyhoun Association has set strict standards regarding the breeding of related dogs. As John explains, “We are very careful in our Association to maintain healthy, happy dogs with loving temperaments because owning a well adjusted pet comes first for our members.  Before we are allowed to breed, our dogs are evaluated for conformation and temperament by both our Breed Advisory Committee and an FCI Judge qualified specifically for the Stabyhoun breed.  The hips and elbows must be checked for signs of dysplasia and any health risks in the line are researched.  The appropriate mate must be a good complement physically and have no similar health risks.  With a limited gene pool, the breeders are lucky to have such great resources available to help us with these decisions.”

Individuals seeking a puppy will be directed to the ASA where the request will be processed.  At this point, the Association is generally looking for owners who are willing to further the development of the breed and work with their Stabys.   The cost of the puppies is in line with other purebred breeds, but patience is essential as it can take up to a year to receive a puppy.  But it will be worth the wait.





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