Other names:
Cesky Fousek, Rough-coated Bohemian Fousek, Barbu tcheque
The ÄŒeský Fousek was originally bred in the Czech Republic (ÄŒeský means ‘Czech’). It is still used in Eastern Europe as a retriever and a pointer and it is especially suited to wetland hunting. The Fousek is rare outside of its native lands but its popularity as a companion dog is on the rise.
Key facts about the Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon
Life expectancy :
Between 11 and 13 years
Temperament :
Intelligent, Hunter
Size :
Medium
Type of coat :
Long
FCI Group
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon
Adult size
Female dog
Between 23 and 24 in
Male dog
Between 24 and 26 in
Weight
Female dog
Between 49 and 62 lb
Male dog
Between 62 and 75 lb
Coat colour
Often brown or roan (a faded mix of brown and white)
Type of coat
Mix of short and long.
Three types of coat adorn the Fousek: a soft, dense undercoat, a coarse topcoat and long, straight and coarse ‘guard hair’ (along the back and chest).
Eye colour
Dark amber to deep chestnut.
Description
A well-built and muscular but elegant-looking dog. The appearance is one of strength and stamina. The legs of the dog are generally straight and feathered and its feet are partially webbed. The head has a slight dome-shape; the ears are broad, set high on the skull and hang close to the cheek.
Temperament
Affectionate
An affectionate dog. Despite its hunting heritage it does not have an aggressive tilt.
Playful
Young at heart (the Fousek retains its puppy-like joie de vivre until the age of three), it will enjoy as much play as its owner can afford.
Calm
This dog is not prone to undue nervousness.
Intelligent
An intelligent dog is the Fousek; this dog has a thirst to learn.
Hunter
This breed has a natural hunting instinct but it is also a docile and gentle companion.
Fearful / wary of strangers
He is neither aggressive nor fearful and is not suspicious of strangers.
Independent
This dog is independent but it is not wilful; its independence begets little need for instruction. It is generally quick to obey.
Behaviour of the Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon
Tolerates solitude
Fouseks do not tolerate solitude. Separation anxiety is seen of dogs that are left alone for long periods of time.
Easy to train / obedience
The Fousek is easy to train. However training must be done properly and consistently; at all times the trainer must make an effort to hold the attention of the Fousek.
Barking
This dog tends to bark to excess; humane and considered correction may be needed to eradicate this behaviour.
Tendency to run away
A well-trained Fousek can be recalled.
Destructive
The Fousek is destructive if unhappy. It also has a tendency to dig into the ground.
Greedy / Gluttony
Fouseks need two meals a day of high-quality dog food, ideally formulated for active dogs. The breed is prone to obesity if fed too many treats or too much human food.
Guard dog
This breed is a good watchdog; it will alert you to there being someone near the house and will bark. Its ‘big dog’ bark has a tendency to ward off undesirable callers.
First dog
The Fousek is a suitable first dog due to its amenable nature and trainability. Inexperienced dog owners should be alert to the vital need to exercise this dog constantly in order to avoid it falling into a cycle of antisocial behaviour.
Lifestyle
Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon in a flat
Even a well-fenced shared garden is an insufficient provision for this dog. They can escape from confined gardens. Flat living is not for this dog.
Need for exercise / Sporty
The Fousek is an energetic dog. It requires upwards of 90 minutes exercise every day. If it is not exercised enough the dog’s behaviour will lean towards antisocial.
Travelling / easy to transport
Once trained, a Fousek is exceptionally obedient and comfortable with new experiences. It is a dog that thrives on adventure and travel.
Compatibility
Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and cats
It will not do to house this dog with a non-canine animal. There is a danger that the dog’s hunting heritage may displace its reasoning and goodwill.
Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and dogs
Generally speaking the Fousek gets along with other dogs.
Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and children
A Fousek is boisterous and energetic and it may accidentally knock over a small child (incidentally, do not berate the dog for doing this).
Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and the elderly
Because it is a dog that requires such a lot of exercise, owning a Fousek is not recommended for people of senior years.
Price
We do not have enough data to set an average price for a Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon. You’re also looking at between £180 to £210 per month to care for this dog.
Grooming
Brush the Fousek every day with a firm bristle brush. Bathe this dog only when necessary and then dry it thoroughly.
Shedding
The coat of the Fousek moults and may cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to dog hairs.
Nutrition of the Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon
The Fousek’s diet should consist of good amounts of protein and fat.
Health of the Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon
Life expectancy
11 to 13 years
Strong / robust
The Fousek is an active and adventurous dog that likes nothing better than a day of outdoor exploration.
Withstand heat
The warm and wiry coat of the Fousek makes this dog intolerant of hot temperatures. Make sure there is plenty of fresh water on hand for this dog at all times.
Withstand cold
Although the Fousek enjoys cold weather walks, it is susceptible to chills. Dry and warm up the dog thoroughly after a particularly wet walk.
Tendency to put on weight
If the Fousek is not exercised as regularly as it should be and is fed too much human or substandard food it will quickly become obese.
The facial furnishings of the Fousek are what give the dog its distinctive look. The feathering has the appearance of bushy eyebrows and a beard.
Origins and history
A popular Pointer dog for centuries, the Fousek almost became extinct in the First World War. Since the end of that conflict breeding has been reinstated and continues to this day. The popularity of the Fousek outside of its native lands continues to rise.
Names
Good names for a Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon: Drew, Loco, Spot, Xit