The Stabyhoun is a moderately long-haired dog with a longish shape and a characteristic long tail reaching the heels and with the outermost part bending slightly upwards.

It is a dog that expresses dignity and holds a great deal of strength and staying power.

The Stabyhoun is a medium size dog; the ideal height is 53 cm for the dog and 50 cm for the bitch.
The most common colour is black/white, but also brown/white or orange/white colours can be seen. In any case the colour may be mouldy.

The Stabyhoun originates mainly from the Frisian woods, i.e. the east and south-east part of Friesland. The dogs were used as watchdogs, mole and polecat catchers, however, mainly for hunting.
The Stabyhoun is a standing but also an allround sporting dog. It is an excellent swimmer and can thus retrieve the game over large areas in the water.

Within many fields it has lots of staying power, and the Stabyhoun is therefore an execellent sporting dog, provided proper training is given.

These qualities are also important if you wish to keep the Staybyhoun as a family dog. It also means that these dogs need regular exercising, so therefore - if you wish to have a lap dog, do not chose a Stabyhoun.
As is the case for many sporting dogs the Stabyhoun also has an open and cheerful mind.The dog is lively without being nervous or noisy. The Stabyhoun is a clever and obedient companion, but also a devoted and reliable family dog.

As watchdog it is very attentive, however, certainly not aggressive, as even strangers are met with a curious cheerfulnes, and for children's families the Stabyhoun is a devoted play mate.
Its cheerful and lively character becomes most explicit if the owner is ready to communicate and enjoys contact with the dog.

The Stabyhoun is an amiable dog and, in short, a lovely dog for the whole family.