Stabyhoun

This Dutch gun dog is used for pointing, flushing and retrieving game. It is of ancient origin. The Stabyhoun is known to have an even, friendly temperament.

A general-purpose Dutch gun dog which is used for pointing, flushing and retrieving from both water and land. Nearer home it acts as a mole-catcher, a farm guard and a household pet. In the past it has also been employed as a draught dog. It is known colloquially as the Bijke.

This ancient breed has a long, slightly wavy coat that is basically white but with large black, brown or tan patches. The long, undocked tail is heavily feathered. The Stabyhoun comes from the district of Friesland, in north-west Holland, where it has been active since the 17th century.

In recent years Dutch breeders have made a concerted effort to protect this long-established, indigenous breed and have introduced strict breeding programmes to ensure its future.

In personality the Stabyhoun has been described as the perfect domestic companion, being affectionate, calm, good-natured, reliable, and excellent with children. Despite this, it remains an uncommon breed even in its homeland and is rarely encountered outside it.

In recent years Dutch breeders have made a concerted effort to protect this long-established, indigenous breed and have introduced strict breeding programmes to ensure its future.

The ideal height of the Stabyhoun at the withers is 21 inches/53 cm for males and 19 1/2 inches/50 cm for females. The body should be fairly broad in front, rectangular, well muscled and with strong bone. The head should be strong with rounded, not pronounced cheeks, and not too long in the muzzle. The coat should be soft, long on body and usually slightly wavy. It should be white with large patches and ticking in black, brown or tan.