Slovakian Wire-Haired Pointing Dog
Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac, Ohar
The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer was created in the 1950s with the goal of developing a versatile hunting dog adept at tracking, pointing, and retrieving in both terrestrial and aquatic settings. Breeders successfully achieved this objective, resulting in a breed renowned for its strong work ethic and eagerness to please, which simplifies the training process. This breed is distinguished by its impressive stamina, enabling it to work for extended periods, and it flourishes in rural settings where it has plenty of room to explore and engage in physical activities. These dogs are not inclined to be sedentary; they have a high energy level that necessitates regular exercise to maintain their happiness. Without adequate physical activity, they may become discontented. However, after a vigorous run or a hunting outing, they transform into joyful companions who relish spending time with their families. Their strong need for companionship can lead to anxiety if they are left alone for long durations. Maintaining an active lifestyle for the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer is crucial, as insufficient daily exercise can result in behavioral problems. Generally, they are friendly and well-tempered, particularly with children, but their lively nature means they should be monitored around younger kids.
Breed Origin
The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer is a relatively new dog breed that originated in the mid-1950s, created to fulfill the need for a versatile gundog skilled in multiple roles. Hunters desired a single canine capable of tracking, pointing, and retrieving game, which eliminated the necessity for several specialized breeds. Following World War II, Koloman Slimak took on the task of developing this distinctive breed, with the goal of producing a dog that possessed remarkable stamina, enabling it to accompany its owner in the field while effectively tracking, pointing, and retrieving a wide range of game, from birds to deer. To establish this breed, Slimak crossed the German Wirehaired Pointer with the Czech Pointer, also known as the Cesky Fousek. Subsequently, Weimaraner genetics were introduced, which contributed to the breed's signature coat colors of icy grey and grey roan that we recognize today. The first Slovakian Rough-haired Pointers arrived in the UK during the late 1990s. In recent years, additional bloodlines from Weimaraners and Pudlepointers have been integrated to further enhance the breed's traits. As a result, the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer is a robust, spirited, and energetic dog with a strong work ethic, thriving in dynamic environments. Whether acting as a gundog for hunting enthusiasts or a sporting companion in family settings, this breed thrives on physical activity and finds fulfillment after a day of work, whether that involves hunting or keeping pace with runners and cyclists.
Breed Appearance
The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer is characterized by a strong yet elegant build, typically classified as medium to large in size. Its body is slightly longer than its height at the withers, featuring powerful shoulders and a deep chest that support a muscular neck. The dog’s sturdy, straight legs offer both flexibility and stability on uneven terrain. Its back is long, straight, and well-muscled. This attractive breed has a broad, rectangular head with a long muzzle that ends in a scissors bite. The ears are wide at the base and gracefully fold down along the cheeks. Its almond-shaped eyes, usually amber and set deep in the skull, express a curious and friendly nature. While puppies may have bluish eyes, this color typically changes as they mature. The coat is made up of a dense double layer, with the outer layer being wiry and straight. The UK Kennel Club recognizes two colors for registration: Grey and Grey Roan, both variations of the silvery shade inherited from their ancestor, the Weimaraner.
Care Routine
The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer requires a weekly brushing to keep its striking, wiry double coat in top condition. With a dense undercoat and an outer layer that typically reaches around 1.5 inches, this breed does not necessitate professional grooming for clipping or trimming. Baths are generally rare; a simple wipe with a soft, damp cloth is usually adequate. However, if your dog has been out hunting and becomes muddy, a quick bath may be warranted. When bathing, it’s best to use a gentle dog shampoo to protect their coat and reduce the likelihood of skin allergies, to which this breed can be prone. Additionally, due to their long, floppy ears, it’s important to regularly inspect the insides to catch any potential infections early. Dental hygiene is also vital; many dogs are used to having their teeth brushed from an early age. After a day spent hunting, this breed enjoys the attention and will likely appreciate a soothing grooming session, which can be wrapped up with a nail trim if necessary.
Behavior & Temperament
With its unique whiskered visage, warm and expressive eyes, and impressive build, the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer radiates elegance and nobility. This breed is celebrated for its eagerness to please and its quick adaptability to training. Deeply loyal and devoted to their families, these dogs thrive on affection and positive reinforcement. Although primarily bred for work, they can easily transition into loving family pets, especially in households that maintain an active lifestyle. They tend to be less active only after a long day of hunting. These dogs are known for their remarkable stamina and take great joy in participating in family activities. They form strong bonds with their owners and may suffer from anxiety if left alone for long periods. While they are ideally suited for rural settings where they can run and explore freely, they can also adapt to urban life, provided they have access to a large yard and receive daily vigorous exercise, such as an hour-long run. Though relatively new to the wider dog community and not widely recognized beyond Slovakia, the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer is distinguished by its excellent temperament and strong work ethic. Keeping them engaged helps direct their energy in a positive way, and with proper training and socialization from an early age, they can develop into not only affectionate companions but also skilled and high-performing gundogs.
Play & Exercise
Initially developed as a working dog, the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer thrives on ample physical activity. To ensure their happiness, this breed needs a daily walking routine of at least one to one and a half hours. They enjoy the freedom to run and engage in playful pursuits. Their desire to please makes training relatively straightforward, as they respond positively to encouragement, including praise and the occasional treat. These dogs make wonderful companions for children, delighting in playful interactions. However, their size and bursts of energy can lead to accidental knocks on smaller kids, so it's crucial to supervise playtime. Providing plenty of exercise opportunities is essential, whether through fetching, running, exploring, or enjoying time by the water or at the beach. For the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer, a well-exercised dog is a truly happy dog. They are ideal partners for runners or cyclists, brimming with energy. With their striking appearance, affection, and loyalty, these dogs flourish with physical activity. If your lifestyle is more sedentary, it's important to consider whether you can meet the activity needs of this breed to keep them content and healthy.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
3.0 Cups
Daily Activity
80 Minutes
Average Lifespan
12 Years
Origin
1950's
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Large
Origin Country
Czechoslovakia
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Wiry
Register
Your kids have been begging for a pet forever, and you've recently decided that it's time for your family to get a new addition -- a dog! While everyone is excited for the new arrival, you're wondering if you need to have a dog license. How much does it cost? Is it required? Where do you get one?
Member Clubs
PETINNATE
Gun Dog
AKC
Foundation Stock Service
UKC
Gun Dog
Height & Weight
Weight
64 lbs (29 kg)Male: 66 lbs (30 kg) , Female: 63 lbs (29 kg)
Height
25 inches (64 sm)Male: 26 inches (66 sm) , Female: 24 inches (61 sm)
6 Months
15 lbs ( m 15 lbs, f 15 lbs )
11 inches ( m 11 inches, f 11 inches )
12 Months
31 lbs ( m 31 lbs, f 31 lbs )
16 inches ( m 16 inches, f 16 inches )
18 Months
60 lbs ( m 60 lbs, f 60 lbs )
23 inches ( m 23 inches, f 23 inches )
Eye Colors
Blue
Amber
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
Gray
