Puppies
Looking To Get A Staby?
Here Are Our Things To Consider
These dogs are beautiful, loyal, and the truest companion with nothing but love to give. While they are fantastic and a great dog, we want to make sure you are prepared and know what all comes with being a Staby owner. Here are 8 reasons NOT to get a Staby and if this fits your lifestyle:
1. Their Stubbornness. Stabys have an independent streak that is part of the original trait bred into them. They will suddenly turn a deaf ear to your calls and be deeply absorbed in their own world. The Staby may wander off to chew some grass (they do resemble cows after all!) and make a mental choice to ignore their boss. Making yourself a strong consistent owner is a necessity with a Staby. They will also shut down with harsh treatment, so a soft but firm touch is the way to go.
2. Their desire to dig. The softness that makes the Staby coat so wonderful to hug and pet and snuggle against, but also makes it shed dirt and sand and leaves and twigs almost instantly. The Staby loves to dig and get involved in projects, so although most dirt will fall off when the dog shakes, you’ll be surprised how much also stays on the dog and comes inside..
3. Their Closeness. The word Stabyhoun is derived from the Frisian words “sta-me-bij” meaning “stand by me”. So call them Velcro or call them clingy – just be sure they will be resting a head on your feet nearly always. The Staby is a breed of dog that likes to be wherever you are. They will follow you around the house and be happy as long as they are in the same room as you. This shadowing is a quality that most owners find endearing. If you think it would drive you nuts having a Staby following you into the bathroom, look elsewhere. This same quality is what also makes the Staby ill-suited as a kennel dog or as dog a that is left alone for long periods of time for that matter.
4. Their Intelligence. Stabys are smart dogs. They do very well in obedience and agility and learn new tricks with ease but a word of caution, living with a thinking dog means that if you don’t keep his or her mind engaged your Staby will find a way to think up his or her own fun. What they come up with may not be your idea of fun. To have a well-mannered pet you need to invest the time training, socializing and working with your dog on a regular basis and provide consistent leadership. You can literally watch their minds at work!
5. Their exercise needs. Stabys are sporting dogs. In general they are easy to live with in the house as they are not a hyper dog nor do they run around constantly looking for something to do. A Staby will happily lay around waiting for you to get off your duff and go for a walk, hike, swim, training, hunting etc. The thing is they will behave in this easy happy manner as long as their exercise requirements are met. If you don’t meet their needs you are setting yourself up to live with a dog that barks a lot, chews things they aren’t supposed to, destroys your personal property and is a general nuisance.
6. Their hunting instinct. Being a sporting dog that was for many years selected for its ability to find and retrieve game, many Stabys have still retained an innate desire to chase small, quick moving animals such as squirrels and rabbits and, yes if not socialized to them, even cats. Having a dog with a strong recall is always an asset but especially in a dog that may find taking off after squirrels during your walk way more rewarding than staying with you.
7. Their sensitivity. Really, Stabys can be sensitive individuals. They are a happy dog and they want everyone around them to be happy too. They will get stressed out in a home with a lot of yelling and fighting and they will shut down on you if your training methods are harsh. A soft but firm hand is what is best suited to the Staby. They will thrive with positive training techniques that reward rather than punish behaviors.
8. Their shedding. Stabys shed in the same way as a lab or golden sheds because they have fur. You will run the risk of hugging a Staby and coming away covered in dog fur. It will come out when you brush them. It will also come off the dog in little tufts when the dog scratches itself or moves about. These little tufts will form tumbleweeds of hair that will gather in the corners of your room and under furniture. Whether dark or light carpets, their fur will stand out nicely. If you elect to spay or neuter, you will need brush your dog on a regular basis or those hairs that fall out will quickly become tangled in the dog’s coat, forming thick mats.
Take your time to research the breed and decide if a Stabyhoun is the right fit for you. Although we think they are most definitely the best, they may not be the dog for everyone. If you think this breed is the perfect match for you, then apply here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Goal
Our association takes an intermediary role in the purchase and sale of Stabyhoun pups bred by our members. We are equally dedicated to the welfare of the puppies, breeders, and interested new owners. Therefore the association has established the Puppy Mediation, under the responsibility of the Breeders Advisory Committee and in close contact with the Board of the ASA. The ASA only mediates the pups who are bred according to the requirements of the breeding rules of both our Code of Ethics and the regulations of the Dutch Stabijhoun and Wetterhoun Association (NVSW), our “Mother” Club. These puppies will have a pedigree certificate from the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
Who are the breeders approved by the ASA and where are they located?
Our Breeders breed to the highest standards as set forth by the ASA in conjunction with the NVSW of Holland. All our breeders strictly adhere to the ASA Code of Ethics with the goals of maintaining the health, temperament, working ability and conformation of the Stabyhoun as written in the Dutch Breed Standard. Our breeders are located all across North America and they all work in unison to fill the demand.
Why do I see litters advertised elsewhere with puppies that are still for sale?
Unfortunately, there are several disreputable “breeders” around, especially in Michigan and upstate NY, who are selling puppies bred without any health checks on the parents prior to the mating. Some of these owners are even mating mother to son and selling them as “purebred” Stabyhoun. Be aware of this — there is no “bargain” when it comes to breeding with good healthy hips, elbows, eyes and heart. Ask if the parents have a pedigree and health certifications!
Getting on the puppy waiting list?
Once you are interested in a Staby pup and have filled out the questionnaire and received confirmation from the Puppy Intermediary that you are placed on the list, you will be asked to drop us a note quarterly to let us know that you are still interested in our breed. This is important as many people will decide to get a different breed and if we don’t know that we cannot safely breed our future litters. We do not advertise for purebred pedigreed Stabyhoun or Friese Stabij puppies. If you see such an ad, it is most likely going to be from a mix breed or a non-pedigreed dog.
So please do stay in touch! We will try to arrange for you to meet Stabys in your area and to spend time learning more about the breed from several owners within 3-4 months of applying. The questionnaire can be found by clicking here — Prospective Owner Questionnaire
What may affect the waiting period?
Litters in North America are still quite rare! Often, if you are flexible about sex and location, the wait may be shortened, but typically it takes one year to get your puppy. Breeding homes with families that are interested in supporting our Association come first. Pet homes are important too, and our breeders will be very careful to choose homes where their pups will be trained, exercised, and seldom left alone.
If you are called by the breeder, you may have only a week to let them know if you are ready, due to the time constraints once pups are born. If you are called that a puppy is available for you and the timing is not correct, fear not. You will remain on the list and we will check again with the next opportunity!
We do work in conjunction with the foreign Stabij clubs and occasionally import pups to expand our gene pool. If you are interested in this possibility, which is for intact pups only, you should make that option known to the Puppy Intermediary also. If you can travel abroad to pick up your very own puppy and help us to expand the gene pool, let us help you find the right pup to import.
I filled out an application to adopt a Staby puppy but only received a vague acknowledgement. Why?
After submitting your puppy application, the first communication you will receive will be to let you know that your application has been received and is “ in our system” for consideration by breeders who may be planning upcoming litters. You have essentially been placed on our waitlist and as litters become available you will receive updates letting you know of this activity. Once a litter is in work, the breeders will begin the process of searching for great homes for their prospective puppies. Half of each litter is kept intact for the future, and the other half goes to people of the breeder’s choice.
Communicate with Us
To keep the waiting list up to date, we ask you to check in with the Puppy Intermediary quarterly. Do you have additional preferences? Would you like to come to our occasional gatherings? If so, please let us know. It is better for everyone if the waiting list is as current as possible.
You must be logged in to post a comment.