Not many breeds can claim to have ears shaped like a shovel, but the Stabyhoun does. From the breed standard: “The ears are moderately long and have the form of a mason’s trowel.”

A small point of interest in a breed that has endured from the time its ancestors, spanjoel (or spaniels) came during the Spanish occupation to the north of Friesland. This was not a dog of the aristocracy or royals, but of the small farmer, day laborer, and “little guy.” These people could afford only one dog, and the Stabyhoun could be all things to one owner: Excellent tracker, watchdog, hunter, companion, and terror to vermin. Its name, “Staby,” from the Frisian words “sta-me-bij” means “stand by me” (the last part, “houn,” Frisian for dog) , speaks of a dog that likes to be wherever his person is. Think “velcro” dog.

For all that, there are eight reasons not to get a Stabyhoun as put forward by the Ameri-Can Stabyhoun Association and you can read that list here. We see the list as an honest evaluation of who should not own a Staby, and as such, a way to protect a breed.