Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer

Other names: Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac, Slovensky Hrubosrsky (Ohar), Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Slovak Rough-haired Pointer

Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer

Originating from the Czech Republic and a very recent addition to canine breeds in the UK. The Slovak Rough-haired Pointer is a large dog built to point, hunt and retrieve game. This versatile, strong gun-dog was created by crossing a Weimaraner, the Český Fousek and the German wirehaired pointer. 

Key facts about the Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Intelligent Hunter

Size :

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Origins and history

This hunting dog breed was established during the 1950’s by crossing German Wirehaired Pointers, Weimaraners, and the Cesky Fousek (also known as the Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon). The breed was developed by Kolomon Slimak, who required a breed with great stamina, who would be able to track game, point and retrieve on both land and in water. The resulting Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer certainly meets this criteria with a range of prey birds, hares and even deer. 

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 7 - Pointing Dogs

Section

Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs

Physical characteristics of the Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer

Adult size

Female : Between 22 and 25 in

Male : Between 24 and 27 in

Weight

Female : Between 55 and 66 lb

Male : Between 55 and 66 lb

Coat colour

Type of coat

Eye colour

Brown

Description

This large, elegant gun-dog always has a coat of steely-grey colour. The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer has an elegant, but sturdy frame and is medium to large in size. It has a deep chest and strong shoulders, together with straight, long legs that carry the dog over many difficult terrains. This dog has a rectangular-shaped head which is quite broad, with ears that fold over and hang by the dog’s cheeks. 

Good to know

Because the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer is a relatively new breed, everything about the breed, from its appearance to its behaviour, is still in the development stages. While every dog is different and unique, this is even more true of this particular breed. 

Temperament

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    Affectionate

    The Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer isn’t generally kept as a pet in a home environment, but they are very loyal dogs, affectionate too, that have an eagerness to please. 

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    Playful

    This breed makes good friends with children, enjoying messing around and playing games with them.

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    Calm

    Although the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer is a very energetic dog in the hunting field, when at home he has a laid back attitude. This very calm dog makes a superb companion.

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    Intelligent

    Like many other working dogs, the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer has a very high level of intelligence, making him easy to train.

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    Hunter

    The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer excels in an active environment, as a sporting companion or a working dog for a gun-dog enthusiast. He is very capable of working over any terrain and conditions, be it on water or land. 

  • 66%

    Fearful / wary of strangers

    Although this dog is very focused and biddable when out working, at home he has rather strange social habits, and doesn’t really accept strangers into his environment.

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    Independent

    The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer is a relatively independent breed, who forms a loving bond with their owner and family. 

    Behaviour of the Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer

    • 66%

      Tolerates solitude

      You will find that this breed doesn’t tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. However, as with many other large dog breeds, due to his endurance and stamina, he needs to be exercised frequently. 

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      Easy to train / obedience

      This breed is well known for being easy to train. This means that housetraining and training to recall should not be difficult. 

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      Barking

      The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer isn’t known to be an excessive barker.

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      Tendency to run away

      As a working and hunting dog, the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer needs an enormous amount of daily exercise. It is also advisable to keep him in a large, fenced outside area, to keep him secure. 

    • 66%

      Destructive

      This large, energetic canine certainly needs a good work out each day. If not, behavioural problems are sure to arise. 

    • 66%

      Greedy / Gluttony

      As a breed with a huge amount of stamina and energy, he needs to be fed several times each day. Because of this, he is a greedy dog, always looking for snacks and treats too. 

    • 66%

      Guard dog

      Although the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer is a large, imposing-sized dog, this breed is not usually kept for security purposes. 

    • 66%

      First dog

      Certainly, the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer will make an ideal first-time pet, purely because he is a quick learner and easy to train. However, his large size and need for lots of exercise may make him unsuitable for many smaller family homes. 

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      Lifestyle

      • 33%

        Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer in a flat

        Certainly due to the size and energy levels of this breed, he is not suitable for living in a flat or small house. Likewise, he needs a large living and outside space to meet his needs. 

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        Need for exercise / Sporty

        The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer is principally a working breed, and as such needs a definite active lifestyle. A minimum of one to two hours of daily walking is advised. 

      • 33%

        Travelling / easy to transport

        It certainly won’t be easy to take this dog onto public transport, although he will travel in the rear of a car on route to the hunting field for a limited period of time. 

        Compatibility

        • 100%

          Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer and cats

          The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer is known for his natural scenting ability, so care needs to be taken when he is around cats and other small animals.

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          Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer and dogs

          You should have no issues with the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer and other dogs in the same household. This is especially true if the dogs are socialised together from a young age. 

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          Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer and children

          This breed will enjoy being around children, taking part in their games and activities. However, because of its large build and stamina, younger children should be supervised when nearby. 

        • 66%

          Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer and the elderly

          This dog thrives on being active and has great stamina. Probably not best suited to an elderly owner as he’s certainly not a couch potato. 

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          Price

          Your initial purchase price to buy a Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer puppy will be between £700 to £1000. It is also crucial to consider ongoing monthly costs, which can be quite expensive for an active, large dog. Taking into account food bills, veterinary costs, and insurance, you would need to budget between £80 to £120 each month. 

          Grooming

          The rough coat of the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer needs weekly brushing to keep it in good condition. This dog does not require professional grooming or trimming at the salon. 

          Shedding

          The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer does not shed hair.

          Nutrition of the Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer

          A high-quality, nutrient rich dog food should be offered, compatible with working dog breeds. Offer at least 2 meals each day, of a complete, dry dog foodstuff.

          Health of the Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer

          Life expectancy

          A fairly healthy breed, however this dog is noted for suffering from hip dysplasia and bloat. Its average life expectancy is 11 to 13 years.

          Strong / robust

          This dog must be strong, fit and capable of working over many terrains, including in woodland and water, as he is tasked to search for and carry game.

          Withstand heat

          As this dog is expected to work in all seasons, and in many different environments, he is capable of working in all weathers, including higher temperatures. 

          Withstand cold

          The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer’s coarse double coat gives him protection against the elements when out working, especially when hunting through the undergrowth. Likewise, he is happy swimming in cooler water. 

          Tendency to put on weight

          As a vigorous, active dog, he doesn’t put weight on easily. However, in his senior years when he isn’t working, he has a tendency to gain weight.

          Common illnesses

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