Stabijhoun
Breed Description

The Stabijhoun, also spelled Stabyhoun, carries several names that reflect its Frisian heritage and versatile nature. In its native Netherlands, this breed is affectionately known as the Stabij or simply Staby, nicknames that have followed the breed as it has spread to other countries. The formal Dutch name Stabijhoun is derived from the Frisian phrase sta mij bij meaning stand by me, combined with houn, which is the Frisian word for dog pronounced as hoon. This etymology perfectly captures the breed's essential character as a loyal, devoted companion that remains steadfastly by its owner's side through all circumstances. The name reflects centuries of partnership between these dogs and the Frisian farmers who depended upon them for countless tasks.

The breed is also referred to as the Frisian Pointer, acknowledging both its geographic origins in the Friesland province of the Netherlands and its primary function as a pointing gun dog. Some breed enthusiasts and registries use the anglicized spelling Stabyhoun, which has become the standard in English-speaking countries and is the spelling preferred by the United Kennel Club. The FCI officially recognizes the breed as the Stabijhoun under Standard Number 222, while accepting Stabyhoun as a valid alternate spelling. This variation in spelling can sometimes cause confusion among newcomers to the breed, but both spellings refer to the same rare and wonderful Dutch breed that has captured hearts across the globe.

Within the Netherlands, the Stabijhoun is considered a national treasure, one of the few remaining authentic Dutch breeds that has maintained its original form and function for centuries. The Dutch take great pride in this heritage, viewing the breed as an important piece of their cultural history that connects modern generations to their agricultural past. The breed is protected through careful breeding programs overseen by the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Stabij- en Wetterhounen (NVSW), the Dutch parent club established in 1947. This organization maintains strict breeding standards and approves all matings worldwide to preserve the genetic health and breed characteristics of this rare dog, ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy these remarkable companions.

The breed's rarity outside the Netherlands has led to a small but dedicated international following of passionate enthusiasts. Breed clubs have formed in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and North America to promote and protect the Stabijhoun and educate potential owners about this exceptional breed. The UK Stabyhoun and Wetterhoun Association and the Ameri-Can Stabyhoun Association work closely with the Dutch parent club to ensure that breeding practices abroad maintain the same high standards that have preserved the breed for generations. Despite being relatively unknown to the general public, the Stabijhoun has earned recognition from major kennel organizations worldwide and continues to gain admirers who discover this versatile, intelligent, and devoted companion through word of mouth and dedicated breed promotion efforts.

The Stabijhoun's recognition by kennel clubs reflects its journey from a regional Dutch farm dog to an internationally appreciated breed, though it remains quite rare outside its homeland. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) classifies the Stabijhoun in Group 7, Pointing Dogs, specifically in Section 1.2 as a Continental Pointing Dog of the Spaniel type, under Standard Number 222. The FCI standard, developed in close cooperation with the Dutch breed club, serves as the definitive reference for the breed's physical characteristics and temperament requirements worldwide.

The United Kennel Club (UKC) granted official recognition to the Stabyhoun on January 1, 1996, placing the breed in their Gun Dog Group. The UKC standard closely mirrors the FCI standard and recognizes the breed's versatility as both a pointing dog and a soft-mouthed retriever. This recognition has helped establish the breed in North America, where UKC shows and events have provided opportunities for Stabijhoun owners to exhibit their dogs and demonstrate the breed's working capabilities.

In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has included the Stabyhoun in their Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program since 2006. The FSS is a registration service for purebred dogs that are not yet fully recognized by the AKC, allowing the breed to build a population base and demonstrate adherence to breed standards before potential full recognition. Dogs registered with the FSS can participate in certain AKC companion events and performance activities, though they cannot compete in AKC conformation shows. The Ameri-Can Stabyhoun Association serves as the primary breed club for North American enthusiasts and works toward eventual full AKC recognition.

The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom does not currently recognize the Stabijhoun, though the breed has an active and growing presence in Britain through the UK Stabyhoun and Wetterhoun Association. Dogs in the UK can be registered on the Kennel Club's Activity Register, which allows them to participate in various KC-sanctioned activities and events while awaiting potential future recognition. The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) similarly does not yet recognize the breed, though Canadian enthusiasts can import and breed Stabijhouns under the guidance of international breed organizations.

The Nederlandse Vereniging voor Stabij- en Wetterhounen (NVSW), established in 1947, remains the definitive authority on breed standards and breeding practices. This Dutch parent club works collaboratively with international breed organizations to maintain genetic diversity and health within the global Stabijhoun population. Unlike many breeds where national clubs operate independently, the NVSW approves or advises on all breeding decisions worldwide, reflecting the serious commitment to preserving this rare breed. The club maintains detailed records on every Stabijhoun, tracking health, lineage, and breeding history to make informed decisions about maintaining genetic diversity in a population that numbers only a few thousand dogs worldwide.

Breed standards across all organizations emphasize the Stabijhoun's functional design as a versatile working dog. The standard describes a powerful but balanced pointing dog, slightly longer than tall, with a distinctive medium-length coat featuring feathering that gives the impression of being long-haired without the grooming demands typically associated with such coats. Sexual dimorphism is clearly expected, with males appearing distinctly masculine and females showing refined femininity in their features.

The Stabijhoun presents a picture of functional elegance, a powerfully built pointing dog whose every physical characteristic reflects centuries of development as a versatile working companion. This medium-sized breed stands approximately 19 to 21 inches at the shoulder, with males typically measuring 50 to 53 centimeters and females ranging from 48 to 50 centimeters, with a tolerance of 2 centimeters above or below these ideal measurements. Weight ranges from 40 to 60 pounds, with males typically weighing 22 to 27 kilograms and females falling between 18 and 23 kilograms. The breed standard emphasizes that breed type is more important than exact measurements, prioritizing proper structure and balance over arbitrary numbers.

The body structure of the Stabijhoun is distinctively rectangular, being slightly longer than tall when measured from the point of shoulder to the buttocks compared to height at the withers. This proportioning provides the endurance and efficiency needed for long days of work in the field. The topline is smooth and strong, flowing from well-laid-back withers through a straight, muscular back to a slightly sloping croup. The chest is deep, reaching to the elbows, and rather broad when viewed from the front, which positions the forelegs wide apart. Well-sprung ribs extend far back, providing excellent lung capacity for the sustained activity this breed was designed to perform.

The head of the Stabijhoun exhibits more length than width, creating a noble, intelligent expression that is unmistakably this breed. The skull is slightly rounded on top and sides without being broad or coarse. The stop is gradual, appearing more marked when viewed from the side due to well-developed brows. The muzzle is strong and wedge-shaped, tapering gradually to the nose without becoming snippy. The nasal bridge is straight and broad, and the nose itself is well-developed with wide-open nostrils, colored black in black-and-white dogs and brown in brown-and-white specimens.

The eyes are medium-sized and slightly rounded, set horizontally in the head with close-fitting lids that show no visible conjunctiva. Eye color corresponds to coat color, with dark brown eyes in black-and-white dogs and lighter brown eyes in brown-and-white individuals. The expression should always be gentle, friendly, and attentive, reflecting the breed's kind temperament. The ears are a distinctive feature of the breed, set in a line drawn from the nose tip through the inside corner of the eye. They are moderately long, reaching to the corner of the mouth, and shaped like a mason's trowel. The ear leather lies flat against the head without a fold at the base. A unique characteristic is the ear feathering pattern, which is quite long at the base and gradually decreases in length toward the tip, with the lower third covered in short hair.

The coat of the Stabijhoun is medium in length and straight, with a weather-resistant undercoat that protects the dog in the harsh Frisian climate. While the body coat is moderate in length, the feathering on the chest, collar, back of the forelegs, trousers, and tail creates the impression of a long-haired dog. The tail coat is particularly notable, being bushy rather than feathered, with long, dense hair that covers the entire tail to the tip without curls or waves. This self-cleaning coat repels dirt and water effectively, requiring surprisingly little maintenance for its apparent length.

Acceptable colors include black and white or brown and white, with the white portions potentially showing roaning or ticking. The head is typically solid colored with or without a blaze, and plates of color on the body are acceptable. Saddle markings are tolerated, but tan markings or tricolor patterns are disqualifying faults. The most common presentation is black and white with a solid black head and white-tipped tail, though brown and white specimens, while less common, are equally valued.

The Stabijhoun traces its origins to the Frisian forest region of the northeastern Netherlands, where it developed over centuries as the indispensable working companion of small farmers and day laborers. The earliest written references to the breed appear in Dutch literature from the early 1800s, in the works of Frisian writers such as Joost Halbertsma, Waling Dijkstra, and Nynke fan Hichtum, who documented the dogs that were constant fixtures on Frisian farms. However, the breed's actual origins likely extend much further back, with the Stabijhoun's ancestors probably arriving during the Spanish Occupation of the Netherlands between 1568 and 1648.

The breed is believed to descend from spaniels brought north during this tumultuous period of Dutch history. Genetic and historical evidence suggests a close relationship between the Stabijhoun, the Small Munsterlander, and the Drentsche Patrijshond, breeds that share similar origins and developed in neighboring regions. These common ancestors were gradually shaped by the specific needs of their Frisian owners into the distinctive breed we know today as the Stabijhoun.

Unlike many hunting breeds that were developed for and by the nobility, the Stabijhoun was distinctly a dog of the common people. Small farmers and tenant workers who could afford only one dog needed that single animal to perform multiple roles around the farm. The Stabijhoun rose to meet this challenge with remarkable versatility. These dogs served as pointing dogs and retrievers during hunting season, pursuing game birds, hares, and foxes across the Frisian countryside. Their soft mouth made them excellent retrievers capable of returning game undamaged, and their love of water made them particularly useful for waterfowl hunting in the canal-rich Frisian landscape.

Beyond hunting, the Stabijhoun earned its keep year-round as a farm worker. The breed became legendary for its ability to catch moles, a valuable skill that brought significant income to poor farmers. Moleskins were prized for lining the wrists of sleeves and other garments, and a skilled Stabijhoun could catch moles and other vermin with efficiency that no trap could match. The dogs would be transported by bicycle in baskets to work distant fields, then set about their task with quiet determination. The Stabijhoun also proved adept at catching rats, polecats, and other pests that threatened stored grain and livestock.

The breed served additional roles as watchdog and even draft animal. Stabijhouns were known to guard the farmyard, alerting their owners to visitors and potential threats while keeping the property free of unwanted wildlife. Larger specimens were sometimes pressed into service pulling small carts, demonstrating the breed's strength despite its moderate size. This incredible versatility is reflected in the breed's name: sta mij bij means stand by me in Frisian, acknowledging the dog's role as an all-purpose helper that stood ready for whatever task was needed.

The early twentieth century brought challenges to the Stabijhoun's purity. During this period, the breed was frequently crossed with the Wetterhoun, another rare Frisian breed with a curlier coat and different hunting specialties. While this crossbreeding served practical purposes for farmers, it threatened to obscure the unique characteristics of both breeds. By the 1930s, concerned breed enthusiasts recognized that both the Stabijhoun and Wetterhoun risked losing their distinct identities entirely.

In 1938, a group of dedicated breed enthusiasts from the Kynologenclub Friesland began the crucial work of purifying and preserving both breeds. Led by notable figures including J. Bos, T. van Dijk, B. de Graaf, and W. Hoeksema, this effort sought to identify and breed only pure representatives of each type. Their work bore fruit in 1942 when both the Stabijhoun and Wetterhoun received official recognition from the Dutch Kennel Club. The first breed standard was dated February 10, 1944, establishing the characteristics that define the breed to this day.

The Nederlandse Vereniging voor Stabij- en Wetterhounen (NVSW) was established in 1947 to protect and promote both Frisian breeds. This parent club has maintained careful stewardship of the Stabijhoun ever since, tracking every dog, approving breeding decisions, and working to maintain genetic diversity within the small population. Their efforts have been remarkably successful; from near-extinction in the mid-twentieth century, the global Stabijhoun population has grown to several thousand dogs.

The breed remained almost exclusively in the Netherlands until the latter decades of the twentieth century. The first Stabijhouns arrived in the United States in 1994, and the breed has since established small but devoted followings in the UK, Scandinavia, and other parts of North America. International breed clubs work closely with the Dutch parent organization to ensure that breeding practices abroad maintain the same standards that have preserved this remarkable breed through centuries of history.

The Stabijhoun possesses a temperament that perfectly reflects its heritage as the loyal companion of Frisian farmers, combining gentle devotion with intelligent independence in a remarkably balanced personality. This breed forms exceptionally deep bonds with its family members, earning its name sta mij bij (stand by me) through unwavering loyalty and affection. Stabijhouns are often described as velcro dogs for their desire to remain close to their people, following family members from room to room and participating in all household activities. Yet this attachment never becomes cloying; the breed maintains the dignified self-possession that served it well during long hours of independent work.

The breed's gentleness is perhaps its most celebrated quality. Stabijhouns demonstrate remarkable patience, particularly with children, earning a reputation for tolerating the unpredictable behavior of youngsters with calm good humor. This patience extends to interactions with other animals, including the family's other pets. Their non-aggressive nature and generally friendly disposition make them excellent choices for multi-pet households, though their strong hunting instincts mean that small animals unfamiliar to them may trigger chase behavior.

Intelligence shines through in everything the Stabijhoun does. These dogs are quick learners who enjoy problem-solving and thrive when given tasks to accomplish. Their breeding as versatile farm dogs required them to assess situations independently and make decisions, traits that remain evident in the modern Stabijhoun. This intelligence can manifest as stubbornness when the dog disagrees with its handler's requests, making the Stabijhoun both engaging and occasionally challenging to train.

The breed's characteristic independence requires understanding and respect. Unlike breeds that live solely to please their owners, Stabijhouns maintain their own opinions and may choose to follow their own judgment if they perceive a better alternative to their handler's instructions. This is not defiance but rather the same independent thinking that made them such capable working dogs. Patient, consistent training that respects the dog's intelligence while maintaining clear boundaries produces the best results with this breed.

Sensitivity runs deep in the Stabijhoun temperament. These dogs are highly attuned to their owners' emotions and respond poorly to harsh corrections or raised voices. Negative training methods can cause a Stabijhoun to shut down emotionally, becoming withdrawn and unresponsive. Positive reinforcement methods that reward good behavior while calmly redirecting unwanted actions work far better with this sensitive breed. The Stabijhoun's desire to please is genuine, and they flourish under kind, consistent leadership.

With strangers, Stabijhouns typically display initial reserve without fearfulness or aggression. They prefer to assess unfamiliar people before offering friendship, warming up once they determine that visitors are welcomed by their family. This watchful nature makes them excellent alert dogs who will announce visitors with barking, though they are not aggressive guard dogs. Their territorial instincts are moderate, focused more on alerting their family to changes than on confronting perceived threats.

The Stabijhoun's calm indoor demeanor belies its active heritage. Given adequate exercise and mental stimulation, these dogs are remarkably peaceful housemates who settle easily and don't demand constant attention. However, inadequate outlets for their energy and intelligence can lead to undesirable behaviors. A bored Stabijhoun may become destructive or develop problem barking, particularly if left alone for extended periods. Their strong attachment to family can predispose them to separation anxiety if not properly conditioned to tolerate alone time.

Water holds special appeal for most Stabijhouns, reflecting their heritage as waterfowl retrievers. Many breed members will seek out any opportunity to swim and particularly enjoy games that combine retrieving with water work. This love of water should be considered when planning activities, as a nearby pond or lake will likely prove irresistible to the breed.

The Stabijhoun adapts remarkably well to family life, bringing the same versatility to the home environment that made it invaluable on Frisian farms for centuries. This breed thrives in households that can provide regular companionship, moderate space, and opportunities for both physical exercise and mental engagement. While not demanding in terms of living space requirements, Stabijhouns do need families who understand and appreciate their need for involvement in daily activities.

Families with children will find in the Stabijhoun an exceptionally tolerant and patient companion. The breed's legendary gentleness with youngsters has been documented throughout its history, and modern Stabijhouns continue to demonstrate remarkable forbearance with children's enthusiastic attentions. These dogs seem to understand the vulnerability of young children and adjust their behavior accordingly, becoming gentle playmates who will participate in games while avoiding rough behavior that might cause harm. Older children find willing companions for more active pursuits, as the Stabijhoun's energy and playfulness make it an excellent partner for outdoor adventures.

The breed generally coexists peacefully with other dogs, particularly when properly socialized from puppyhood. Their non-aggressive nature and general friendliness make them good candidates for multi-dog households. However, prospective owners should remember that the Stabijhoun was bred as a hunter and retains strong prey drive. While they typically learn to accept cats and other small pets when raised with them from puppyhood, unfamiliar small animals may trigger chase instincts. Careful introduction and supervision are essential when integrating a Stabijhoun into a home with existing small pets.

Housing requirements for the Stabijhoun are moderate compared to many sporting breeds. While they certainly appreciate access to a securely fenced yard where they can play and explore, they are not among the breeds that absolutely require large properties. The Stabijhoun's calm indoor demeanor means they can adapt to smaller living spaces provided they receive adequate daily exercise. What they cannot tolerate is isolation from their family; these dogs need to live inside as integral family members, not relegated to a backyard or kennel.

The breed's attachment to family makes them poor candidates for households where they would be left alone for extended periods. Stabijhouns may develop separation anxiety if regularly isolated, resulting in destructive behavior, excessive barking, or depression. Families where at least one member works from home or has flexible schedules are ideal for this breed. If the family must leave the dog during work hours, arrangements for midday visits, doggy daycare, or a canine companion can help prevent the stress of prolonged isolation.

The Stabijhoun's watchdog capabilities add a layer of security to family life without the liability concerns associated with more aggressive guard breeds. These dogs will alert their families to visitors, unusual sounds, and changes in the environment with appropriate barking, then typically welcome guests warmly once the family indicates acceptance. Their territorial instincts are moderate and focused on alerting rather than confronting, making them suitable for neighborhoods where aggressive behavior would be problematic.

Climate considerations favor the Stabijhoun in moderate to cool environments. Their weather-resistant double coat provides excellent protection against cold and wet conditions, reflecting their origins in the often harsh Frisian climate. However, this same coat can make them uncomfortable in very hot climates. Owners in warm regions should provide access to air conditioning, shade, and water, limiting vigorous exercise to cooler parts of the day.

The breed's moderate grooming needs make them manageable for most families. Despite their feathered appearance, Stabijhouns possess self-cleaning coats that repel dirt and require only weekly brushing under normal circumstances. During seasonal shedding periods, more frequent brushing helps manage the increased hair loss. This relatively low-maintenance coat makes the breed accessible to families who appreciate their beautiful appearance but cannot commit to the extensive grooming some long-coated breeds require.

Training a Stabijhoun requires understanding and working with the breed's unique combination of intelligence, sensitivity, and independence. These dogs possess the mental capacity to learn virtually anything asked of them, but their approach to training differs from more bidable breeds. Success comes to owners who respect the Stabijhoun's thinking nature while maintaining consistent, patient leadership throughout the training process.

The breed's sensitivity demands positive reinforcement methods exclusively. Harsh corrections, raised voices, or physical punishment will cause a Stabijhoun to shut down emotionally, becoming withdrawn and unresponsive rather than compliant. These dogs are genuinely eager to please their owners but will become confused and stressed by negative approaches. Reward-based training using treats, toys, and praise effectively motivates Stabijhouns while preserving the trust essential to the handler-dog relationship.

Early socialization ranks among the most important aspects of raising a well-adjusted Stabijhoun. While the breed is not aggressive or fearful by nature, their tendency toward initial reserve with strangers can become problematic shyness without proper exposure to varied people, places, and situations during puppyhood. Puppy kindergarten classes, regular trips to dog-friendly locations, and positive encounters with diverse individuals all contribute to developing the confident, friendly adult temperament that is the breed's hallmark.

The Stabijhoun's independent nature requires handlers to approach training as a partnership rather than a dictatorship. These dogs think for themselves and may choose their own course of action if they perceive it as more sensible than their handler's request. This isn't defiance but the same independent thinking that made them capable farm workers for centuries. Successful training involves convincing the Stabijhoun that cooperation serves their interests, using motivation and engagement rather than compulsion.

Consistency proves essential with this breed. Stabijhouns are quick to identify inconsistencies in rules and will exploit them. A behavior permitted sometimes but forbidden at others confuses and frustrates these intelligent dogs. All family members must enforce the same rules using the same commands to prevent the confusion that undermines training progress. Clear, consistent expectations help the Stabijhoun understand what is required and enable them to meet those expectations reliably.

Exercise requirements for the Stabijhoun are moderate to high, reflecting their heritage as active working dogs. Daily exercise totaling at least an hour provides a foundation for physical health and mental well-being. This exercise can take many forms, including walks, hiking, swimming, and interactive games. The breed particularly enjoys activities that engage their natural hunting instincts, such as retrieving games and scent work. Swimming often ranks as a favorite activity, given the breed's water-loving nature.

Mental stimulation matters as much as physical exercise for this intelligent breed. A physically tired but mentally bored Stabijhoun may still develop problem behaviors out of frustration. Puzzle toys, training sessions, scent games, and other mentally engaging activities should complement physical exercise. Many Stabijhouns excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, tracking, and field work, which provide excellent combinations of physical and mental challenges.

The breed's hunting heritage makes recall training particularly important. Their prey drive may cause them to pursue interesting scents or small animals with single-minded focus, potentially ignoring their owner's calls. Building a reliable recall requires extensive positive reinforcement training, ideally beginning in puppyhood and reinforced throughout the dog's life. Until recall is thoroughly proofed, exercising Stabijhouns off-leash in unsecured areas presents risks.

Housetraining typically proceeds smoothly with Stabijhouns given consistent schedules and adequate opportunities to eliminate outdoors. Their intelligence and desire to please make them quick to understand what is expected. Crate training assists with housetraining and provides a safe, comfortable space where the dog can rest. Most Stabijhouns come to view their crate as a den and will retreat there voluntarily.

The Stabijhoun enjoys generally robust health, benefiting from centuries of selection for working ability rather than extreme physical characteristics. With proper care and attention to breed-specific health concerns, these dogs typically live 13 to 15 years, providing their families with many years of loyal companionship.

Responsible breeders conduct these tests and share results openly. With the careful attention to health that characterizes the international Stabijhoun breeding community, this breed continues to maintain its reputation for robust good health, allowing these devoted companions to share long, active lives with their families.

The Stabijhoun's coat, while appearing high-maintenance due to its feathering and bushy tail, actually requires surprisingly little grooming thanks to its unique self-cleaning properties. This coat evolved to handle the wet, muddy conditions of the Frisian landscape, and modern Stabijhouns retain the ability to shed dirt and debris naturally as their coat dries. Understanding and working with these characteristics makes coat care straightforward for most owners.

Weekly brushing forms the foundation of Stabijhoun coat care. A thorough session with a slicker brush or pin brush removes loose hair, prevents mats from forming in the feathering, and distributes natural skin oils throughout the coat. Particular attention should be paid to the areas behind the ears, the chest feathering, the trousers (feathering on the back legs), and the tail, where the longer hair is most prone to tangling. During shedding season, which occurs twice yearly, more frequent brushing may be needed to manage the increased hair loss.

Bathing should be infrequent, reserved for occasions when the dog becomes truly dirty or develops an odor. The Stabijhoun's coat naturally repels water and dirt, and excessive bathing strips the protective oils that give the coat its self-cleaning properties. When bathing is necessary, use a mild dog shampoo and ensure thorough rinsing and drying, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. Many owners find that their Stabijhoun goes months between baths with no ill effects.

The ears require regular attention to prevent problems common in dogs with pendant ears. The ear leather lies flat against the head, potentially trapping moisture and debris that can lead to infections. Weekly ear checks should include looking for redness, unusual odor, or discharge that might indicate developing problems. Clean the outer ear with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner as needed, but avoid inserting anything into the ear canal. The distinctive feathering at the top of the ears should be kept untangled and clean.

Nail care follows standard recommendations for most dogs. Nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent them from becoming too long, which can cause discomfort and affect the dog's gait. The frequency of trimming depends on the individual dog's activity level and the surfaces they walk on; dogs that regularly walk on hard surfaces may naturally wear their nails down, while those exercising primarily on soft ground will need more frequent trims. Many Stabijhouns dislike nail trims, making early conditioning to accept the process particularly important.

Dental hygiene deserves attention for long-term health. Regular tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste helps prevent periodontal disease, which can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Daily brushing is ideal, though even a few times weekly provides significant benefits. Dental chews and toys can supplement brushing but should not replace it entirely. Professional dental cleanings may be recommended periodically based on individual accumulation of tartar.

The feet and footpads should be checked regularly for injuries, foreign objects lodged between the toes, and excessive hair growth between the pads. Some owners trim the hair between the foot pads to prevent debris accumulation and improve traction, particularly for dogs that will be working or competing in performance events. The interdigital areas should be examined for signs of irritation or infection, as some Stabijhouns experience paw sensitivities.

Seasonal coat changes require additional attention. During spring and fall shedding periods, the undercoat comes out in significant quantities, and daily brushing may be needed to manage the loose hair. A deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help remove the dead undercoat more efficiently than regular brushing alone. This seasonal maintenance prevents mats from forming as the dead coat becomes trapped beneath the newer growth.