A baby boom in Stabyhouns:
She looks every inch the proud mother - but Rikje's pups are no common-or-garden litter.
The 10 new arrivals are the first Stabyhouns to be born in the UK- and have at a stroke doubled the British population of one of the rarest dog breeds in the world.
Before Rikje, 5, gave birth there were just seven Stabyhouns living here.
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Also known as the Frisian Pointer or Friese Stabij and is classed as a spaniel-type pointer.
Thought to be so rare because it is an all-rounder breed but not an expert at any particular skill and so not as sought-after, Ms Savage said. It is also a relatively new breed, only established officially in 1942.
Has a gentle nature similar to Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Spaniels and Duck Tolling Retrievers.
Described as a ‘national treasure’ in the Netherlands, where the breed originates.
The breed is found in the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, America and most recently in the UK.
The dog is either black and white or brown and white.
Their life expectancy is 13 to 14 years.
To stop inbreeding, associations including The Dutch Association for Stabyhouns and Wetterhouns, keep breeding to a minimum, carefully considering pairings before allowing matings.
Descriptions of the Stabyhoun date back to the early 1800s when it was described as a gundog. It was used to hunt foxes, small game and birds and was known for its mole catching skills.
Traditionally the dogs were owner only by farmers, used for hunting and as guard dogs.
They are becoming increasingly popular in Europe and North America.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2416060/Now-thats-baby-boom-Just-litter-10-rare-Stabyhoun-puppies-DOUBLED-British-population-breed.html#ixzz2eYsW2DNh
Never heard of them before. At least they are careful about inbreeding.
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