So you think you want to get a Staby?……… you may want to think again.
The Stabyhoun – A Loving Companion with a “Willful Nature”.
This list of top 8 reasons has been compiled to show why a Staby may not be the best choice for you . . .
read it carefully and try to imagine living with one in your home:
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 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. If you don’t have time to exercise your Staby, get a cat or better yet, get a goldfish.
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.
