GROUP 4 (GUNDOGS)

History

The breed was established by crossing German Wirehaired Pointers, Weimaraners, and the Cesky Fousek (also known as the Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon). The breed has had slight input from the German Wirehaired Pointer and Pudelpointer as well. The developer, Koloman Slimak, wanted a dog with great stamina which would track, point, retrieve in water or land, and be suitable for a range of prey from birds, hares and other small animals, and large game up to the size of deer.^1.

First introduced into the United Kingdom in 1997, they were featured in a "meet the breed" segment of the 2007 broadcast of the famed Crufts dog show in Britain. 2.

Appearance

With a body type much like the three breeds from which its foundation stock was derived, the SRHP has an intelligent, alert expression and a "rough" or "broken" coat, with harsh, wiry hair and whiskers ("facial furnishings" or, informally, "moustaches") like those of the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Cesky Fousek. The coat is of moderate length in any shade between a tweedy gray-brown and the classic pewter-silver coat of the Weimeraner. The eyes may range from the deep amber of the German Wirehaired Pointer to the light shades seen in the Weimaraner. 3.

The FCI has developed a detailed standard which states the eyes of juveniles may be "azure" but those of adults must be amber. White is permitted on the chest and feet. Lighter and darker shades of gray are permitted throughout the coat, even to the point of speckling.  3.

Dog of moderate strength, working type, but with nobleness in his lines. The basic colour of the coat is called “grey” and the hair is harsh (hard). He must be fit and able to work on the plain, in the woods and in the water and especially to work after the shooting, searching and retrieving wounded game. He is obedient and easy to train. 4.

Shape : The ratio of length of the body to the height at the withers must be of
10 : 9 in the males and of 10 : 8 in the females.
Unique type: It is desirable that the dog be solidly built, but not of a heavy type. 4.

Hair: Undercoat : down short and fine. Normally looses it in the summer. Topcoat about 4 cm long, harsh, straight and flat. 4.

At the lower part of the muzzle, the hair is longer and softer, forming a moustache. Above the eyes, the hair is more marked and laying obliquely. The forehead and the occiput are covered with short harsh hair. The hair on the leathers is short and soft. The tail is very hairy. 4.

The basic colour is brown shaded sable (said “grey”) with varying lighter and darker shadings without white markings, or with white markings on the legs, and on the chest. Also “grey” with more or less large markings, eventually speckled. 4.

Sizes

Height at the withers: Dogs - 62 to 68 cms, Bitches - 57 to 64 cms 4.

Temperament & Suitability

Slovakian Rough Haired Pointers have a laid back and affectionate temperament. They are sociable dogs who will do best when fully integrated into the family. Generally happy to meet strangers and should get on fine with other pets - especially if raised with them. These are also very energetic dogs who will be restless and destructive if they don't get enough daily exercise.

Not for the faint hearted, the Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer is an active dog that needs constant exercise. It would suit an active family, but probably best if it can be taken to work with a family member if they have an outside job. It likes to be outside and given the chance to run around and be close to its owner. They are good with children and other dogs if socialised early on and are usually accepting of strangers, if they are used to visitors popping in.

Training should be started early as they are an intelligent breed and their natural ability to retrieve is evident from puppyhood. Using play, games and positive reinforcement for training is ideal; these are affectionate dogs and will want to please you. They dislike harsh words and can be quite sensitive at times, so consistent and kind training is the key. They do well in competitions such as obedience, agility and retrieval and this also has the added benefit of keeping them well exercised which some owners will struggle to do. Once they are walked, they are calm in the house and will happily curl up at your feet (or on your lap) and sleep. Recall is normally excellent once trained.

They need plenty of daily walks and the chance to burn off energy. A one to two hour walk a day should be sufficient, but they will take whatever you will give them. They will gladly trot along next to you on a bike or a jog and enjoy the close company. SWHPs are active and need to receive their walks. They easily become bored and can be destructive in the home if not worn out; a tired dog is a happy dog! They enjoy swimming and this is another good way to tire them out. It is worth remembering that this breed was bred to hunt, so only walk them in a safe area until they are well trained; if they spot something in the distance, they are more likely to stand and 'point' to it and less likely to give chase, but all dogs vary!

Their dense coat needs regular brushing to get rid of debris, but is generally quite easy to keep clean. 5.

Health

They suffer few health issues, but sometimes Canine Hip Dysplasia is seen as well as allergies.
Life expectancy is from 9 to 15 years. 5.

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer and have decided this is the dog for you, or you would like more information, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References:

1. Slovak Rough Haired Pointer history. Archived 2007-08-12 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed May 28, 2007
2. Dog Shows and Competitions: Crufts Dog Show 2007 May 28, 2007 on Animal Planet cable channel in the U.S.
3. FCI Group 7 Breed Listing.Accessed May 28, 2007.
4. DOGS AUSTRALIA Breed Standard
5. www.omlet.co.uk

      Image: worlddogshow