Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer

This exuberant and robust pointer has the typically rather aristocratic pointer demeanor tempered by their scruffy rough coat, giving them a rakish air and charm. Ideal owners will have gundog experience, and should be involved in appropriate gundog sports or similar activities or spend a significant amount of time out walking the countryside. You’ll need to enjoy training, be prepared to be patient and thoughtful with this sensitive breed and happy to go at their pace. Suited to homes with older teens who can get involved in training, or the child-free home.

Country of Origin: Czech Republic

A relatively modern breed the Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer was created by gundog specialist Koloman Slimak by crossbreeding Czech Pointers, German Wire-Haired Pointers, Pudelpointer and the Cesky Fousek and later, the Weimaraner.

Slimaks intention was to create a versatile working dog with great stamina, that could track, point and retrieve on land and in water, and be suitable for working with a range of prey from birds and small game such as hares, to larger game such as deer.

They were recognised by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1983 and recognised in the UK where they were included in the Gundog group on the Import Register in 1997. Only a few exist in the UK and they are mainly working gundogs rather than pets.

Two hours a day, ideally more – this is a breed that is always on the go and needs to be kept busy mentally and physically. Ideally suited to someone who enjoys dog sports, particularly gundog activities, and who spends a lot of time outdoors each day. They will be a happy couch-potato, but only after a hard day’s work. Bored, lonely or under-exercised, this breed is likely to be unhappy and destructive.

Although the Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer does not require a large house, a secure garden is important as this is a dog that wants to be out in all weathers. Somewhere to warm up and dry off a muddy wet dog will be also necessary. Ideally suited to the rural or semi- rural home.

The Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer needs to have a balanced diet including all the main nutrient groups and a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed your pet at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food.

The Slovakian Rough Haired Pointers harsh, rough coat is easily groomed several times a week with a proper thorough groom weekly, and the occasional hand-stripping to improve coat quality a couple of times a year. Check paws and ears for debris gathered on walks, beards and moustaches may need cleaning after each meal.

Quick to learn and so easy to train but always remember that quick learners like the Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer are also quick to learn the wrong things and pick up bad habits and unwanted behaviours. Trainers must be consistent, and training must be on-going during the dog’s life. Better suited to those who understand this gundog breed’s role in the field and the jobs they are bred to do. They respond well to positive reinforcement, and can achieve high levels of obedience with the right approach.

Early socialisation with children, other pets, livestock and visitors is vital, and consider a rock-solid recall a priority goal.

An active and fun dog for the outdoor enthusiast and for families already experienced in gundog training and behaviour. Better suited to older children and teens who can get involved in training – the walking and training requirements of this breed may rule out families with very young children.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.