Stabijhoun
Also known as Chien d'Arret Frison · Friesischer Vorstehhund · Perdiguero Frisón
The Netherlands, Continental Pointing Dogs
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 50–55 cm
- Weight
- 16–25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–15 yrs
- Friendly
- Calm
- Intelligent
- Sensitive
- Good with family
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
About the Stabijhoun
The Stabijhoun is a medium-sized pointing dog from Friesland in the north of the Netherlands, used as an all-round farm and hunting dog to point, retrieve and keep vermin down. It is sturdily built with a feathered coat and drop ears, usually black, brown or orange with white markings and sometimes a roan pattern.
Temperament
Friendly, calm and people-oriented, often good with children and other pets. It is intelligent and sensitive, and does best with gentle, consistent training.
Exercise
Needs daily walks and play, including off-lead time in safe areas and some mental work such as retrieving or scent games.
Grooming
Medium-length, slightly wavy coat with feathering; brush a couple of times a week, more in the moult.
Care & wellbeing
Check and clean the drop ears, particularly after wet walks. Keep weight healthy and nails trimmed. Ask a vet about breed-specific health testing, as it is a small breed population.
Daily needs at a glance
For a typical 20.5 kg adult- Water
- 820 ml–1.2 L
- a day
- Energy
- ≈ 1,080 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Exercise
- 60–90 min
- a day
- Grooming
- A brush once a week
Starting points from the same formulas as our calculators. Your pet's age, weight, activity and food all change the numbers. Work it out for your pet
Living with a Stabijhoun
Typical tendencies for the breed. Upbringing, training and the individual matter as much.
History
A Frisian all-round gundog from the north of the Netherlands, kept by farmers for pointing and retrieving, including from water, and for vermin control around the farm. It is friendly, steady and people-oriented.
Health
There's limited reliable published information on health issues in the Stabijhoun. Breed clubs and your vet are the best sources.
Not every Stabijhoun is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. Read about common conditions and when to see a vet.
Cost to keep
About average- Moderate food and insurance costs
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 13–15 year commitment
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Is a Stabijhoun right for you?
Could suit
- Owners who can manage a good walk or two each day
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
- Owners ready for a long commitment — often well into their teens
Not sure? Try the breed finder or read choosing the right dog breed.
Common questions
How big does a Stabijhoun get?
Adult Stabijhouns typically stand about 50–55 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 16–25 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Stabijhouns live?
Typically 13–15 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Stabijhoun need?
As a guide, around 60–90 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Stabijhoun need?
A brush once a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Stabijhouns easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Stabijhouns shed?
A moderate amount. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Stabijhouns good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Stabijhoun live in a flat?
It can work — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
Written by Petopedia as general guidance, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about health screening for this breed.
Breed details
- Country of origin
- The Netherlands
- Type
- Continental Pointing Dogs
- Internationally recognised
- 1960