The Stabyhoun is mentioned in the early 19th century Frisian literature of Joost Halbertsma, Waling Dijkstra, and Nynke fan Hichtum.

Known for its calm disposition, the Stabij is a soft-mouthed retriever, a fine pointer, excellent tracker, and a good alert dog.

In order to optimise the traits of the working farm dog in earlier days, the Stabyhoun was often mixed with another old and rare Frisian breed, the Wetterhoun, whose rugged coats and huskier physiques made Stabijs more robust.

This breed has caught the attention of dog lovers in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and North America.

Apart from hunting, these dogs were used to guard property and to catch pests such as rats, moles, and polecats.

Due to the Stabij being a canine jack-of-all-trades, it has not attracted the attention of hobbyists looking to pursue a certain sport or activity.

It works very well in water, not shying away from frigid rivers or lakes, and is easily controlled over greater distances.

Despite its more modest build, it is a powerful and sturdy dog, with larger Stabyhouns historically used to pull dog-carts when need arose.

This breed is friendly, sensitive, intelligent, calm, patient, and biddable but may be stubborn on occasion.

Although a Stabyhoun can be very calm indoors, like all sporting breeds, it enjoys plenty of physical activity.

Sturdily built with a soft silky coat, the Stabyhoun is greater in length than height.

[4] Ticking and/or roaning in the white portions of the coat are acceptable, but tricolour is considered a fault.

Any curling of the coat suggests that cross-breeding has occurred in a dog's line and, for this reason, cannot be considered a purebred Stabyhoun.

A relatively healthy breed with no common health issues at present, the average life span of a Stabyhoun is 13-15 years.

[5] Diet, exercise, care, and environment are the factors that most impact the breed's health and lifespan.

Other conditions recorded are radius curvus, hereditary cataracts, steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA), and non-specific cancer.

Washing with harsh soaps and shampoos should be avoided whenever possible because they strip the coat of its natural oils and shine.

In an effort to control inbreeding, the association keeps breeding to a minimum and carefully considers prospective matches.

The hips of prospective mating pairs must be x-rayed (not below a FCI-C result), and the match between bitch and stud has to be approved by the Dutch Club's breeding committee.

A stud must be 18 months of age or older to breed, and it must have with the same show and hip results as its female mate.

Stud owners are expected to attend breeders' days so that the dogs may be evaluated and paired with potential mates.