Stabij
Breed Description

The Stabij is known by several regional variations and translations of its name, reflecting its deep Frisian heritage. Within its homeland of the Netherlands, the breed goes by Stabijhoun or Stabyhoun, with the full Frisian name being Fryske Stabij. English-speaking countries commonly refer to the breed as the Friesian Pointer or Frisian Pointer, emphasizing its pointing abilities and geographic origin. Some enthusiasts simply call it the Dutch Stabyhoun, highlighting its status as a national treasure of the Netherlands. The informal nickname Beike appears in historical Frisian texts from the nineteenth century, where early writers described these long-haired piebald dogs. Stabij represents the most commonly used shortened form of the name, particularly popular among breed enthusiasts and owners worldwide.

The Stabij presents a sturdily built, functional appearance that immediately reveals its working heritage. This medium-sized pointing dog is slightly longer than tall, creating a balanced rectangular profile that speaks to endurance rather than speed. Neither too coarse nor too refined, the Stabij maintains the perfect middle ground between robustness and elegance. The breed's most distinctive feature is its sleek, semi-long coat that gives an impression of being longhaired without excessive length. The hair on the ears follows a unique pattern, starting long at the top and gradually shortening toward the lower third where it becomes quite short. The ears themselves are shaped like a mason's trowel, a breed-specific characteristic. Bushy hair adorns the back of both front and hind legs, as well as the tail, but this should never appear as feathering.

The head is chiseled and longer than wide, with a slightly domed skull and moderate stop. The muzzle tapers gradually to a wide nose with open nostrils. The skin fits tightly without dewlap or pendulous lips, giving the face a clean, dry appearance. Sexual dimorphism is clearly evident, with males appearing distinctly masculine and females noticeably feminine. The expression should always convey gentleness and intelligence. The coat colors reflect the breed's heritage, with black and white being most common, typically featuring a solid black head and white-tipped tail. Brown and white specimens are less common but seen in the Netherlands, while orange and white has become increasingly rare. Ticking and roaning in the white portions are acceptable, but tricolor is considered a serious fault. The overall impression is of a powerful, harmonious sporting dog built for long days in demanding terrain.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC recognizes the Stabij through its Foundation Stock Service program since 2006. The breed is working toward full AKC recognition in the Sporting Group. According to the AKC, the Stabij is an obedient, gentle, and patient dog, deeply fond of family and wanting to please owners. As both a soft-mouthed retriever and pointer, the breed is particularly useful for hunting ducks and upland birds. The breed standard emphasizes that despite occasional willfulness by nature, Stabyhouns respond well to training and demonstrate excellent work ethic in field and water. The AKC notes the breed's calm indoor demeanor combined with high outdoor activity needs.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

FCI Standard Number 222, published November 3, 2014, classifies the Stabij in Group 7, Pointing Dogs, Section 1.2, Continental Pointing Dogs, Spaniel Type. The FCI standard describes a functional and powerfully built pointing dog with body slightly longer than height at withers. Overall picture should be neither too robust nor too fine. Skin fits tightly. Feathering on chest, collar, forelegs, trousers and tail gives impression of longhaired appearance, but coat must not be excessively long. Sexual dimorphism must be unmistakable. Ideal height for males is 50-53 centimeters at withers, females 48-50 centimeters, with 2 centimeters above or below allowed. Males weigh 22-27 kilograms, females 18-23 kilograms. Breed type takes precedence over exact measurements. The Stabij is described as very versatile with reputation as mole and polecat catcher. Temperamentally, the breed is affectionate but can be headstrong, requiring patience and consistent education. In house or yard, the breed is quiet but vigilant. With strangers or unfamiliar situations, the Stabij may be reserved initially but should never be fearful.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC does not currently recognize the Stabij as a registered breed. Breed enthusiasts seeking UKC recognition would need to follow the organization's procedures for new breed admission, which includes demonstrating sufficient population numbers and established breed standards.

Other Organizations

The Nederlandse Vereniging voor Stabij en Wetterhounen (NVSW), established in 1947, serves as the primary breed organization and maintains the original breed standard approved by the Dutch Kennel Club in 1942. The first standard was dated February 10, 1944. The NVSW represents the interests of the Frisian breeds and works closely with international associations. The Ameri-Can Stabyhoun Association, founded in 2006 as a non-profit, represents Stabij owners and breeders in the United States and Canada. It operates as a wholly-recognized partner of the NVSW, maintaining the highest breeding standards of the purebred Stabij. The UK Stabyhoun Association manages imports and breeding in England, Wales, and Scotland under NVSW approval. All breeding requires approval from breed advisory committees who carefully research and approve pairings to control inbreeding in this rare population. Current worldwide population exceeds 7,000 dogs.

The Stabij originates from Friesland, a province in the northern Netherlands, with roots specifically in the forested regions of eastern and southeastern Friesland. The breed has been documented in Dutch literature since the early 1800s, appearing in the works of Frisian writers Joost Halbertsma, Waling Dijkstra, and Nynke fan Hichtum. These nineteenth-century texts described the Bijke as a long-haired piebald dog, often called a child's friend and praised as a good hunting dog. The name Stabij derives from the Dutch phrase sta mij bij, meaning stand by me, with houn being the Frisian word for dog pronounced hoon. This name perfectly captures the breed's essential character as a versatile companion that literally stands by its owner through all tasks.

The Stabij was historically the dog of the common people rather than nobility. Small landowners, day laborers, and dairy farmers relied on these versatile dogs because their limited means allowed for only one dog that had to perform multiple functions. The breed served as an all-around farm dog, hunting foxes, birds, rats, moles, and polecats. Stabyhouns excelled as mole catchers, a talent that made them particularly valuable to poorer farmers since moleskins fetched good money as linings for sleeves and other items. The dogs were often carried in baskets on bicycles to cover long distances to hunting grounds. Larger Stabyhouns historically pulled milk carts on farms, demonstrating the breed's strength and willingness to work.

Throughout the early twentieth century, the Stabij was frequently crossbred with another Frisian breed, the Wetterhoun, threatening the unique characteristics of both breeds. In 1938, a dedicated group from the Kynologenclub Friesland began efforts to purify the two breeds and establish distinct breed standards. Key figures in this preservation effort included J. Bos, T. van Dijk, B. de Graaf, and W. Hoeksema. Their work culminated in official recognition of both breeds in 1942, with the first Stabij standard dated February 10, 1944. The Nederlandse Vereniging voor Stabij en Wetterhounen was established in 1947 to represent the interests of these Frisian breeds.

The breed remained virtually unknown outside Friesland until the 1960s, when it began gaining recognition throughout the Netherlands. The first Stabyhouns did not leave the Netherlands until the 2000s, with the initial litter recorded in the United States in 1994. The breed entered the AKC Foundation Stock Service in 2006. Despite growing popularity across Europe and North America, the Stabij remains one of the rarest breeds in the world, considered a Dutch national treasure. As of recent estimates, the worldwide population numbers only a few thousand dogs. Careful breeding practices remain essential, with all matings requiring approval from breed advisory committees. The limited population and careful genetic management mean that breeding is kept to a minimum, with bitches permitted no more than five litters in their lifetime. Breeders are commonly hobby breeders who keep prices affordable to maintain the breed's connection to its humble farmer origins. This conscious effort to preserve the Stabij's working versatility and gentle temperament ensures that the breed remains true to its historical roots as a stand-by-me dog for everyday people.

The Stabij functions as a versatile gundog and all-around working companion, maintaining the same multi-purpose capabilities that made it indispensable to Frisian farmers for centuries. As a pointing dog classified in FCI Group 7, the Stabij demonstrates the ability to locate game, assume a standing point to indicate the quarry's location, and remain motionless until released. The breed works as both a soft-mouthed retriever and pointer with strong tracking abilities, particularly excelling at hunting ducks and upland birds. Water work represents one of the breed's greatest strengths, as Stabyhouns do not shy away from frigid rivers or lakes and are easily controlled over greater distances. The breed retrieves any game alive and undamaged, demonstrating the gentle mouth essential for bird hunting.

Beyond hunting, the Stabij historically served critical pest control functions on farms. The breed's reputation as an exceptional mole catcher made it particularly valuable, with dogs capable of standing perfectly still above molehills before striking with arrow-like precision. Stabyhouns also excelled at catching rats, polecats, and other farmyard pests, keeping properties free from vermin. This talent for standing motionless extended to their hunting work, where they could be taken into the field for hours, waiting steadily and calmly for the shot. The breed's versatility as a jack-of-all-trades meant it attracted farmers and laborers rather than specialized sportsmen, as a single dog could fulfill multiple essential roles.

Modern Stabyhouns continue to work in various capacities while increasingly serving as family companions. The breed participates successfully in dog agility, obedience trials, tracking, field trials, flyball, endurance events, and frisbee competitions. Their intelligence, speed, flexibility, and eagerness to please make them ideally suited for multiple dog sports. Some owners prefer their Stabyhouns over other highly regarded agility breeds. The breed's natural watchdog abilities remain evident, as Stabyhouns guard properties and announce visitors, though they welcome guests friendly after the initial alert. The powerful build allows larger specimens to pull carts when needed, though this function is rarely required today. Despite the breed's modest size compared to some gundogs, the Stabij possesses power and stamina, with wide chest areas and substantial paws making it well-suited for navigating rugged and demanding terrain. The breed demonstrates best endurance at moderate pace rather than explosive speed, built for marathon work sessions rather than short bursts. This combination of traits maintains the Stabij's relevance as both a competent working dog and devoted family companion, true to the stand-by-me spirit embodied in its name.

The Stabij displays a unique behavioral profile that balances independence with devotion, creating a thoughtful companion that thinks for itself while remaining deeply bonded to family. The breed's independent nature, often called stubbornness or cockiness by some, actually represents a deliberately bred trait from the days when farmers needed dogs capable of working autonomously. This independence means the Stabij likes to go its own way and make decisions, requiring owners who understand that confident guidance rather than harsh correction produces the best results. Without proper, consistent leadership, a Stabij can develop into a difficult and unstable dog, but with appropriate training, the breed becomes an adorable companion and great friend for life.

Temperamentally, Stabyhouns are affectionate dogs that can also be quite headstrong, making patience and consistent education essential. The breed is gentle, obedient, and patient when properly trained, deeply fond of family and wanting to please owners. However, occasional willfulness emerges, particularly in adolescence. The Stabij demonstrates remarkable sensitivity and emotional intelligence, reading owners' moods and responding with empathy. This sensitivity can manifest as a velcro dog tendency, where the breed follows family members closely and may develop separation anxiety if not properly conditioned to alone time. The breed's thoughtful, less hectic nature distinguishes it from more intense pointing breeds, making it suitable for families seeking a calmer companion.

In the home environment, Stabyhouns exhibit a calm but vigilant demeanor. The breed remains quiet indoors as long as exercise needs are met, settling peacefully after outdoor activities. This indoor calmness contrasts sharply with the breed's outdoor behavior, where Stabyhouns become keen, active, and enthusiastic participants in any activity. With strangers or in unfamiliar situations, the Stabij may be reserved initially but should never be fearful. Proper socialization prevents excessive reserve and ensures the dog welcomes guests appropriately after announcing their arrival. The breed's watchdog instincts remain strong, with Stabyhouns barking to alert that something is happening, though they are not aggressive.

The Stabij's inquisitive nature represents both an endearing quality and a management consideration. These dogs explore their environment thoroughly, investigating anything new or interesting. This curiosity can lead them into predicaments where they expect their owner to provide assistance, making supervision important. The breed's intelligence shines through in training situations, where Stabyhouns learn quickly and enjoy having jobs to do. They respond best to positive, consistent training methods, as harsh training or yelling causes them to shut down emotionally. Early training for good recall proves essential given the breed's tendency to investigate interesting scents or sights. The prey drive can be high, particularly toward small animals, reflecting the breed's hunting heritage. With children, Stabyhouns display exceptional patience and gentleness, even with young toddlers, cementing their reputation as child's friends that originated in nineteenth-century Friesland. This combination of thoughtfulness, sensitivity, independence, and affection creates a unique behavioral package that rewards owners who invest in proper training and socialization.

The Stabij functions exceptionally well as a family companion, bringing together the ideal combination of affection, patience, and activity that makes it suitable for households with children and active lifestyles. The breed's historical role as a child's friend, documented in nineteenth-century Frisian literature, remains evident in modern Stabyhouns. These dogs display remarkable tolerance and gentleness with young children, maintaining patience even during the unpredictable movements and sounds of toddlers. The breed's playful nature makes it an enthusiastic participant in family activities, whether playing fetch, swimming, or hiking. However, this enthusiasm outdoors pairs with a calm indoor demeanor, allowing the Stabij to settle peacefully during family downtime after sufficient exercise.

Within the family structure, Stabyhouns form deep bonds with all household members while often selecting one person as their primary attachment figure. This devotion manifests as the velcro dog tendency, where the breed follows its favorite person from room to room, always wanting to be nearby. This behavior reflects the stand-by-me heritage embedded in the breed's name. The emotional sensitivity means Stabyhouns pick up on family tensions or upset, often responding by offering comfort or displaying concern. Owners report that their dogs seem to sense when someone is sad or distressed, approaching gently to provide companionship.

Integration with other pets generally proceeds smoothly when proper socialization occurs early. Stabyhouns typically get along well with other dogs, enjoying canine companionship and play. The breed learns to respect older, grumpier dogs while maintaining appropriate social boundaries. With cats and smaller household pets, individual prey drive varies, making early introduction and consistent training important. Some Stabyhouns accept cats as family members while others maintain a higher chase response. The breed's intelligence allows it to learn household rules about which animals are family versus prey.

The Stabij thrives in families that provide both mental stimulation and physical exercise. These dogs require moderate daily exercise to prevent boredom-related behaviors like excessive barking or destructiveness. Families who enjoy outdoor activities find the Stabij an ideal companion for hiking, swimming, camping, and other adventures. The breed's endurance makes it capable of accompanying family members on long outings. However, Stabyhouns also appreciate having jobs to do, whether that means learning tricks, participating in dog sports, or engaging in training sessions. The breed's eagerness to please and high trainability make it responsive to family members of various ages participating in training, though consistency among all family members prevents confusion.

Prospective families should understand that the Stabij's independent streak requires patient, confident leadership. This is not a breed for owners seeking instant obedience without effort. The sensitive nature means harsh corrections damage the relationship, while positive reinforcement builds a strong working partnership. Families willing to invest time in early socialization and consistent training will be rewarded with a loyal, loving companion that truly stands by them through all of life's moments. The breed's relative rarity means families may wait for puppies and should work only with approved breeders who follow strict breeding guidelines to preserve the health and temperament of this national treasure.

The Stabij is fortunate to be a relatively healthy breed despite its small worldwide population, with careful breeding practices maintaining genetic health across generations. The breed's average lifespan of thirteen to fifteen years reflects generally good health, with diet, exercise, care, and environment significantly impacting longevity. However, as with all purebred dogs, certain hereditary conditions appear in the population and require monitoring. Breed organizations including the NVSW and Ameri-Can Stabyhoun Association maintain strict breeding regulations to minimize health issues while preserving genetic diversity. All prospective breeding pairs must undergo health testing, and matches between dogs require approval from breed advisory committees who carefully consider genetic backgrounds. Openness about health problems within the breed remains crucial to ongoing preservation efforts.

Hip dysplasia represents a developmental disorder of the hip joints caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms include difficulty rising from lying down and lameness in the hindquarters. The condition can be assessed through radiographic evaluation, with ratings ranging from A (excellent) to E (severe). In the Stabij population, approximately two percent of dogs worldwide have been reported with moderate to severe hip dysplasia, though clinical signs requiring surgery appear only rarely. Another three to four percent show mild changes. Current breeding policy requires hip radiographs for all breeding animals, with only dogs scoring FCI-C or better eligible for breeding programs. Results must be approved by breed committees before mating occurs.

Elbow dysplasia, a collective term for three types of developmental elbow joint issues, occurs in Stabyhouns at a rate of three to four cases per year on average. This condition causes lameness in the front legs and can be diagnosed through radiographic examination. In the United States and Canada, ninety-one percent of radiographed dogs show normal elbows, with only small percentages showing grades one or two. Dogs suffering from elbow dysplasia often require surgery, though early intervention provides good prognosis. Breeding regulations require elbow radiographs, with proven sufferers and carriers excluded from breeding programs. Close relatives of affected dogs cannot be combined with other dogs having sufferers in their direct lineage.

Von Willebrand Disease Type 1 has been documented in only one Stabij worldwide, leading most breed organizations to discontinue routine testing since eliminating carriers would remove valuable genetic material from the already limited population. If the condition becomes more prevalent, more accurate testing methods would need development. Other health problems appear sporadically but cannot always be determined as isolated cases versus genetically caused conditions. Breed organizations emphasize that reporting all health issues to breed advisors remains essential for gathering data to protect the breed long-term. No amount of health testing provides guarantees of a long, healthy life free from illness, as much remains dependent on chance factors beyond genetic control. However, the careful management of the breeding population through mandatory testing and breeding committee approval has successfully maintained the Stabij as one of the healthier rare breeds.

If you're looking to adopt a Stabij, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting. Given the rarity of the Stabij breed, rescues specifically needing rehoming are uncommon. Most breed organizations maintain waiting lists of approved homes for any dogs requiring placement.

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Stabij waiting for their forever homes.