The dog breed that’s so rare there are only 6,000 of them in the world

A dog owner has shared their “very rare breed” with delighted members of the public.

The dog, Freya, is one of just 6,000 Stabyhouns in the world and has warmed people’s hearts. Dog lovers were delighted to see the breed, which has traits and characteristics “unlike any dog,” according to an online Stabyhoun community’s frequently asked questions page.

Freya has since been called the dog “one of the most beautiful in the world.” Freya and other Stabyhouns’ lineage can be traced back to the Netherlands’ Friesland province.

TikTok users adored the dog, with one writing: “What a beautiful dog!” Others said they felt inspired to get a Stabyhoun of their own.

However, those wanting a Stabyhoun as a pet would be hard-pressed to find one – and may also struggle with the demanding training the dog needs.

Andy, Freya’s owner, explained some of the quirks of his beloved breed. He wrote: “She’s a Stabyhoun, the breed is Dutch and often crossed with the Wetterhoun to create an all-round field dog. Over the years, the original breed almost disappeared.”

The breed can be tricky to look after for inexperienced pet owners. The StabyhounUK site warns those who have raised other breeds may also not be ready for the challenge of raising this stunning pet.

They wrote: “The Stabyhoun is extremely affectionate, loving and loyal. It is also highly intelligent and (sometimes) rather willful, so he needs a home with a family that has the time and patience to raise a happy, healthy and well-balanced dog. Training is key.

“In general, the juxtaposition of sensitivity and stubbornness makes the Stabij a more challenging breed than more biddable ones like Labradors and Golden Retrievers, and may be ill-suited to the complete novice (though, of course, every rule has its exceptions).

“Likewise, the Stabyhoun is not the ideal dog breed of choice for the experienced owner who believes that ‘If it worked for my Lab, it’ll work for my Stabyhoun.'”

Some were stunned to realise a Stabyhoun was in London, with one user saying they had only seen “drawings” before the TikTok post from @fabfreyastaby.

They wrote: “Wow a real one! Only seen pictures of them in books and by pictures I mean drawings! Lovely looking dog.”

For those wanting to buy a Stabyhoun for themselves, a puppy costs around £1,500. You may also have to pay costs on importing the dog from Denmark, as well as on shots and vaccinations before the trip is made.

The Stabyhoun website adds: “With such a rare breed it is difficult to predict and it sometimes depends on the time you apply and your plans for the dog. Waiting times change all the time depending on how many puppies are born in the UK, and how successful we are in obtaining puppies from abroad.

“These special puppies are typically, although not exclusively, allocated to their future families shortly after they born. If you are intent on owning a Stabij, we will do our utmost to make that happen!”