Stabyhoun A Fine Retriever

There may be fewer than 4,000 in existence today which makes them all the more precious a breed. Wilful by nature yet gentle and obedient, Stabyhouns make great retrievers who love the water

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Their abilities go beyond retrieving game to being all-round gun dogs who would assist hunters in their tasks. Today, this rare breed makes an excellent guard dog, and is also great at catching vermin like moles and rats. Their professional characteristics apart, the Stabyhoun is a lovable companion to have by your side, on those cold Frisian nights.

ORIGIN: If you were going out on a hunt in the Friesland province of The Netherlands, you had to take your Stabij with you! Originally developed here, in the 19th century, they were praised for their mole and rat hunting skills, as a watchdog and as a pest exterminator around the family home, and as a hunting dog for game and upland birds like wild hare, rabbits, ducks, pheasant and quail. Though they've been around since that long, it was only as late as 1942 that the Stabyhoun received official breed recognition by the Dutch Kennel Club. During the hunting season, the breed was used as an allround gun dog, with fine pointing and retrieving skills, which hold them in good stead even today. The Stabyhoun remains a competent hunter, though their numbers have reduced. That said, the breed has garnered attention from dog enthusiasts in the UK, Scandinavia and North America.