Official ICCF Breed Description

Brief Historical Background

The Stabyhoun is an ancient Dutch working and hunting breed that developed in the province of Friesland in the 17th–18th centuries. Its ancestors are believed to be local farm dogs crossed with French pointing breeds. Originally, the Stabyhoun served as a versatile helper used for hunting birds and small game, guarding farms, and controlling vermin. Thanks to its calm temperament, high intelligence, and stable character, the breed became firmly integrated into rural Dutch households. Systematic breed development began in the first half of the 20th century, when the first standards were established and key working qualities were fixed. Today, the Stabyhoun remains a rare but highly valued breed, preserving its historical functionality and unique national character.

General Appearance

The Stabyhoun is a harmoniously built, medium-sized multipurpose dog with a strong but not coarse body and clearly defined functional qualities. The format is slightly elongated, with smooth and balanced lines. The head is dry, proportional, and softly contoured; the ears are medium-length, hanging, and close-fitting. The chest is deep, the back firm, the loin strong, and the croup slightly sloping. The limbs are straight and parallel, with well-defined angulation but without excessive heaviness. The coat is of medium length, slightly wavy, with denser feathering on the ears and tail. Movement is free, even, and confident, giving the dog a composed working appearance. Overall, the breed conveys an impression of a calm, energetic, and reliable working companion.

Important Proportions

The Stabyhoun is defined by balanced proportions ensuring stability, agility, and working efficiency. The body is slightly elongated: body length exceeds height at withers by approximately 10%. The head is well balanced in relation to the body; skull and muzzle are of similar length, emphasizing the breed’s versatile type. Chest depth is about half the dog’s height, ensuring good ventilation and endurance during long work. Limbs are proportionally developed; the shoulder and upper arm form correct angles for smooth drive and easy movement. The tail is moderately long, with a natural curve that supports body balance. All proportions aim to provide maximum functionality without excessive heaviness or lightness.

Behavior and Temperament

The Stabyhoun has a balanced, calm, and patient temperament, combining natural gentleness with strong working motivation. It is deeply attached to the family, attentive, sensitive, and interacts well with children and other animals. The breed is highly trainable, intelligent, and capable of adapting quickly to tasks of varying difficulty. At work, the Stabyhoun is persistent, focused, and demonstrates a strong hunting instinct and confidence in challenging environments. At the same time, it is not prone to aggression or excessive excitability, making it an ideal multipurpose helper. The breed combines friendliness, independence, and natural caution, which manifests only in protective situations.

Head

The Stabyhoun’s head is proportional and dry, with smooth, soft lines highlighting moderate skull and muzzle length. The skull is slightly rounded and of medium width; the stop is moderately expressed without sharp transitions. The muzzle is straight, narrowing slightly toward the nose but not pointed. Lips are tight, dry, and non-pendulous. The nose is well developed, with color depending on coat color; nostrils are wide and open. The cheekbones are smooth and not massive. The bite is correct scissor type, with strong, fully developed teeth. The ears are medium-length, set slightly above eye level, hanging close to the cheeks, and covered with longer, soft hair. The head expression is friendly, attentive, and calm, reflecting the breed’s working nature.

Facial Region

The facial region forms a soft, kind expression combining attentiveness and calmness. The muzzle is of medium length, well filled, with a straight bridge. Lips are dry and neat, not forming wrinkles. The nose is large with open nostrils; pigmentation matches coat color. The jaws are strong and symmetrical with a scissor bite. Cheeks are moderately defined and gently transition to the muzzle without adding coarseness. Whiskers and vibrissae are naturally developed. The area under the eyes is well formed without looseness. Skin on the muzzle is tight, emphasizing harmonious lines. Overall, the facial region supports the breed’s multipurpose type, combining working character, kindness, and natural expressiveness.

Eyes

The Stabyhoun’s eyes are medium-sized, oval, and slightly slanted, giving a soft and attentive expression. Color is typically dark brown, though lighter shades may occur in dogs with matching coat colors, without disrupting overall harmony. The expression is lively, intelligent, and calm, reflecting the breed’s balanced temperament. Eyelids are dry, tight-fitting, with even pigmentation matching coat tone. Roundness, protrusion, or looseness around the eyes are unacceptable. Sclera should be minimally visible; mucous membranes must be clean. The eyes must emphasize the breed’s working purpose while preserving its friendly, good-natured, focused expression and natural stress-resistance.

Ears

The ears are hanging, medium-length, set slightly above the eyes, and lie close to the cheeks. They are paddle-shaped, with slightly rounded tips. The ears are covered with soft, longer hair forming light feathering without excessive fullness. The ears should move naturally, contributing to expression without being overly mobile or pressed tightly against the head. Unacceptable are ears that are too short, long, high-set, or excessively wide. Close fit is important for maintaining the breed’s typical head silhouette. Overall, the ears enhance the breed’s soft, attentive expression and create a balanced outline of the head.

Neck

The neck is of medium length, strong, dry, and smoothly connected to the withers and head. The topline of the neck is gently arched, emphasizing balance and harmony. Musculature is moderately developed without coarseness or excess mass. Skin is tight without dewlap. The neck must allow free head movement and stability during work in the field; therefore, correct angulation and sufficient length are essential. A neck that is too short or long disrupts body balance and overall functionality. During movement, the neck is carried naturally, stretching forward during searching and staying stable when transitioning to trot or gallop. The neck supports the breed’s working nature and balanced structure.

Body

The body is slightly elongated, harmonious, with smooth lines and clear functional qualities. The withers are moderately pronounced and transition into a firm, straight back. The loin is strong, short, and well-muscled, without dips. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows; ribs are moderately arched, providing optimal room for respiration during long work. The croup is slightly sloping, wide, and strong, supporting proper drive. The abdomen is tucked up without excessive dryness. Skin is tight without loose folds. All elements of the body must reflect the breed’s working nature: stability, endurance, and ability for prolonged activity in the field, while maintaining soft lines and natural form.

Tail

The tail is of medium length, set at the level of the topline, and carried naturally as a continuation of the body. At rest, it is lowered or slightly curved; in motion, it rises to topline level but does not exceed it, without excessive curls or abrupt elevation. The tail has longer hair forming characteristic feathering without excessive density. The tail is important for balance during work, supporting stability in movement. Unacceptable are tails that are too short, high-set, broken, or excessively curved. The tail must appear natural, proportional, and reinforce the overall harmony of the breed.

Exterior Description

Forelimbs

The forelimbs are straight, parallel, of moderate length, with well-developed but not coarse musculature. Shoulder blades are long, sloping, and tight-fitting, ensuring correct shoulder angulation and free range of motion. The upper arm is of sufficient length, forming a smooth working angle with the forearm. Elbows point straight back, never turned inward or outward. The forearms are straight and strong; the pasterns are slightly sloping and flexible. Feet are compact and round with tight toes and firm pads. Nails are strong and match coat color. The forelimbs must provide stability, endurance, and precision of movement, emphasizing the working and versatile nature of the breed.

Hindlimbs

The hindlimbs are strong, moderately wide-set, parallel, with well-developed but not coarse musculature. Thighs are long and well filled, providing powerful drive. The knee joints have correct angulation without excessive straightness or over-angulation. The lower legs are sufficiently long with dry musculature; hock joints are strong, low-set, enhancing stability and agility. The metatarsals are vertical without deviation. Feet are oval, compact, with thick pads and tight toes. The hindlimbs must ensure smooth, balanced propulsion for long work in the field, maintaining body stability and balance. Improper angulation or joint weakness is unacceptable.

Gait and Movement

Movement is free, even, energetic, with good reach and strong drive. At the trot, the dog shows stability, smoothness, and correct limb coordination without crossing, throwing, or lateral sway. The back remains firm and stable, with an undisturbed topline. During searching movement, the dog extends its neck forward while preserving rhythm and endurance. The gallop is soft, balanced, and controlled. The gait must reflect the breed’s working nature—the ability to move over varied terrain for long periods while maintaining tempo and precision. Any stiffness, short stride, imbalance, or poor coordination is considered a fault and reduces functionality.

Coat

The coat is of medium length, dense, slightly wavy or straight, and close-lying, providing protection from moisture and cold. The outer coat is resilient, with a soft but dense undercoat, enabling prolonged field work. Feathering appears on the ears, chest, belly, backs of limbs, and tail, but not excessively. The coat must maintain a natural appearance, clean and glossy, reflecting health. Unacceptable are overly curly, too soft, sparse, or weak coats. The coat structure must highlight the breed’s versatility—combining working practicality, climatic resilience, and neat appearance.

Acceptable Colors

Traditional colors include combinations of white with brown or white with black. The most common patterns are patched and mantel, with white as the base and colored areas forming characteristic markings. Spots of various shapes and intensities are permitted but should be symmetrical and balanced. Pigmentation of the nose and eyelids must match coat color. Unacceptable are overly diluted, washed-out, or uneven shades, as well as colors outside the traditional combinations. Color must emphasize the breed’s clean lines and harmonious silhouette.

Size

The Stabyhoun is a medium-sized breed with functional working proportions. Males typically stand 50–53 cm at the withers; females 47–50 cm, while maintaining proportional balance and structure. Weight ranges from 15–25 kg depending on sex, body format, and condition. What matters most is not the exact weight but the harmony between mass and height—enabling stamina, agility, and efficient long-term work. Excessive heaviness or lightness is a fault, as it compromises the breed’s versatility and working qualities.

Faults

Faults include structural or behavioral traits that diminish functionality or violate breed type. These include weak musculature, soft back, narrow chest, incorrect limb angulation, looseness, or excessive heaviness. Loose eyelids, light eyes, coarse or overly soft coat, lack of feathering or overly heavy feathering are also undesirable. Irregular movement, short stride, stiffness, or instability reduce working ability. Behavioral faults include excessive shyness, aggression, nervousness, or lack of stability under stress—all contradict the breed’s historical purpose and temperament.

Disqualification

Disqualifying faults include any traits that severely violate breed type, health, or ICCF standard. These include unprovoked aggression, extreme fearfulness, inability to control behavior; atypical body structure, severe proportional deviations, pronounced coarseness or weakness; congenital defects of spine or limbs; incorrect bite, multiple missing teeth; partial or complete depigmentation of nose or eyelids. Also disqualifying are atypical colors, coat defects, significant bald patches, unnatural tail carriage. Any defects that impede normal work or movement result in mandatory disqualification.

Important Notes

When working with the Stabyhoun, it is important to consider its versatility and historical orientation toward farm and hunting tasks. The breed requires sufficient physical exercise, mental stimulation, and stable emotional engagement with the owner. Regular outdoor activity is essential. Coat care is simple but requires periodic brushing to maintain coat structure. In show evaluation, the expert must consider balance, harmony of lines, and the calm, attentive expression. Acceptable variations in color or feathering must remain within standard limits. Deviations that reduce functionality must be evaluated strictly.

Conclusion

The Stabyhoun is a rare but valuable multipurpose breed that has preserved its historical working qualities and soft, balanced temperament. Within the ICCF system, participation in shows and breeding is possible only with official documentation confirming origin, conformity to the standard, and absence of disqualifying faults. The breed demonstrates endurance, intelligence, and friendliness, making it suitable for both active work and family life. Proper selection, adherence to the standard, and responsible breeding help preserve the unique type of the Stabyhoun. With correct care and upbringing, this dog becomes a reliable, calm, and loyal companion in any conditions.