The Cesky Fousek, also known under the names of Rough-Coated Bohemian Pointer, Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer and Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, is a Czech breed of hunting dogs related to the Setters from the Continental Europe. The first written records about this breed date from the 19th century, although the dog is believed to be of ancient origin. In the 1920s, necessary measures were taken to prevent its extinction, by breeding with German Wirehaired Pointers.
The dogs are medium sized, wirehaired pointers that have a strong, tight body. The mustache and the sideburns give the head a rectangular shape. They have a narrow head with bristly eyebrows and a long neck. The ears are very close to the head, offering a sharp sense of hearing.
The coat comes in different lengths and colors. The undercoat is soft and thick, the top coat is longer and coarse and the guard hair, around the back, abdomen and chest is harsh and straight. The most frequent combination of colors is red with black and white, with or without spots, but also brown specimens with a white chest. The coat has to be brushed occasionally, removing the hair from ears and pads. These dogs must be bathed only when necessary. The Cesky Fousek dog is an average shedder. The most common health problem of this breed is the hair loss in some parts of the body.
Significant differences can be noticed in the size of males and females. A male weighs 61-75 pounds (28-34 kilograms), while a female weighs 8-61 pounds (22-28 kilograms). The height of males is of 60-66 cm, while a females height is 58-62 cm. The female is called differently: Cesky Fouska.
These dogs are very devoted, loyal and eager to please. Friendly with strangers and protective with the family members, they get along with children very well, as long as they are not disturbed or annoyed by them. They adapt easily to any environment and can be raised near other dogs or small animals. Their hunting instinct might be the cause in their problem with cats. A solution would be to raise them together since puppyhood.
These dogs are intelligent, obedient and very alert. They require plenty of physical exercise to consume their excess energy. That is the reason why they are not recommended for apartment life. Indoors, they are very calm, while outside they can be very active and tenacious. A large yard and an active owner that jogs or hikes would be the perfect match. The Cesky Fouseks can also be trained for field and water sports.
This breed needs a varied training, to avoid becoming disobedient when doing the same things constantly. The training has to be done in a calm, but firm and confident manner, because, without exercise or consistent authority, the dog may become fidgety and destructive.
Noble and gentle animals, amazing hunting partners, but, at the same time, lovely pets, the Cesky Fousek dogs may be the ideal companions for many types of owners and families.
