Slovak Rough Haired Pointer - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin
This is still relatively young dog breed, developed in 1950s in Czechoslovakia. The main breeder who developed this breed is Mr. Koloman Slimak, who also developed another Slovak breed, the Slovak Kopov. Mr. Slimak wanted to create excellent hunting dog which will be able to track, point and retrieve all kinds of game, and today, we can say, that he was definitely succesfull, because the Slovak Rough haired Pointer is just amazingly versatile hunting breed.
2) Ancestry
The breed was developed from several other hunting breeds. The main ancestors are German Wirehaired Pointer, Cesky Fousek, also known as Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and Weimaraner. Pudelpointer might also played a smaller role in the breeds development. The breed was finally officially recognized by the FCI in 1982.
3) Hunting
As you probably already know, the main purpose and utilization of this breed is hunting. Throughout their all short history, they were always used for this purpose. A versatile dog like the SRHP is a real asset to any hunter, as they are capable of doing almost any kind of hunting work, either on land or in the water and they are capable of hunting all kinds of game, from birds and hares to large game, such as deer. They are naturally good trackers with excellent sense of smell, amazing stamina, thick coat that is protecting them from harsh weather and from heavy undegrowth and soft mouth, amazing for retrieving the game. As you can see, this is truly just incredibly good hunting breed.
4) Companion
Of course, these dogs are not only hunters and workers, but also very good lively and loyal companion dogs. It is important to say, that these dogs are definitely not for everyone, as they have rather higher energy level and they just need to have some kind of job in their life. If its not hunting, than you must také your dog on several daily longer walks a day accompanied with some task oriented puzzle games, fun training sessions, dog sport or just anything that will occupy them not only physically, but also mentally. If you can provide them with enough physical and mental exercise, than you will have very good playful, affectionate, curious and fun loving companion, that is always ready for any outdoor adventure with you.
5) Size
The Slovak Rough Haired Pointer has similar body and size to the breeds, from which it was developed, which are Cesky Fousek, Weimaraner and German Wirehaired Pointer. It is a pretty big dog, with average height between 57-68 cm, which is 22-27 inch and weight is usually between 55-76 lbs, which is 25-35 kg. Females are naturally slightly smaller than males.
6) Coat
The Slovak Rough Haired Pointers coat is a dense doublecoat, which is enabling the dog working and hunting even in harsh climate for all day long. The coat is wire, or broken, and typical sign of this breed is beard and moustache on its face. The color of the coat is ranging from silver to gray.
7) Maintenance
Speaking of the coat, it is important to mention the maintenance and grooming as well. These dogs do require some brushing to keep the lovely coat in best condition, but it is nothing terrible. Other than the brushing, they do not need any grooming. Frequent bathing is not necessary as well. Just like with any other breed, you should also regularly check their eyes, ears, nails and teeth and clean them or clip them if needed.
8) Living with
You already know, that if you want to live with this breed, you will need to provide them with enough exercise. It is also important to say, that they are not the best partners for other smaller household pets, as they will most likely try to chase them and hunt them, especially if not socialized together from the puppyhood. On the other hand, they can happily live with other dogs in the household. These dogs are also good playful partners for kids, but of course, you should never leave any dog breed, with a very young child unsupervised.
9) Name
The Slovak Rough haired Pointer is sometimes named as Slovak Wirehaired Pointer, Slovak Pointing Griffon, Slovak Wirehaired Pointing Dog or as Slovak Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, but all these names are describing the same breed. In its home country, Slovakia, the breed is known as Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavač.
10) Health
There are not many information or studies about the Slovak Rough Haired Pointer health, but it seems that it is rather healthy dog breed, that is not suffering much from any genetic health issues. The one problem, that is common for almost all the larger breeds, is hip dysplasia and joint problems in general. Just like any other breed, they may also suffer from eye problems, allergies or infections. The average lifespan is quite good, and it is around 14 years.