Frisian Stabyhoun kennel fan'e Sudewyn

De kennel name: Friesland meets Brabant

To a Frisian breed, a Frisian name is appropriate. Friesland is a province in the Northern part of the Netherlands, but we live in Brabant, a province in the southern part of the Netherlands. We wanted our kennel name to somehow show where the roots lie of the puppies born with us. I think we succeeded by choosing for fan'e Sudewyn, a Frisian name which is translated in English as of the south wind.

How we work

We think it's important to know all that there is to know about breeding, so that's what we've been trying to accomplish since early 2004. I took courses in breeding and canine knowledge, and I am a certified show judge for the Stabyhoun and the Wetterhoun. The hunger for even more knowledge is insatiable so we keep on studying genetics, the breed, and other related subjects. Our kennel is acknowledged by the NVSW, the Dutch breed association.

In breeding, we follow strict rules set by the Dutch Stabyhoun Association. Among other things, that implies:

• both parents are of sound health and have been tested on Hip Dysplasia and Cerebral Dysfunction
• both parents have a good character and behaviour
• both parents meet the official breed standard and are considered representative
• the combination of parents is thoroughly reviewed on inbreeding percentage, hereditary issues, and other possible problems
• the puppies will be titer-tested and when necessary vaccinated
• the puppies will be treated for worms and will be given the European passport for companion animals.
• the puppies will be micro-chipped and for each, an official FCI pedigree-certificate will be issued
• the litter will be visited and checked by both the Dutch Kennel club and the Dutch Stabyhoun Association
• a contract of agreement (issued by the Dutch Stabyhoun Association) will be drawn which specifies the rights and obligations of both the future owner and the breeder.

In addition, we state that:

• the health and well-being of the bitch and the puppies will always come first
• the puppies will be born and raised in our home
• we will spend a great amount of attention and time on socialising the puppies with all kinds of domestic and less common situations and noises.

A dog will be living with you for a significant part of your life, and you will be the most significant thing in its life. It is therefore of great importance to you both that your characters and lifestyle match. For instance, a somewhat timid dog needs a gentle leader, such a dog would not prosper and could even cause problems in a busy and turbulent household. In contrast, an audacious dog with a dominant personality is better off with someone who's got the ability to be firm and consequent, and a person like that would probably not be very happy with a submissive and abashed dog. You need to know what to expect. In other words: choosing a Stabyhoun is more than just counting spots.

During the 8 weeks the puppies are with us, we shall observe them carefully and consider which character suits which future owner best. Of course, there will be deliberation with the future owners, but the final decision is ours. From experience I can tell you that ultimately, it doesn't matter how your doggy looks, within 2 weeks it's definitely the sweetest, most beautiful and wonderful dog you have ever known!
And that's the way it should be.