GROUP 3 (GUNDOGS)

Background
The Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer was developed by crossing the foundation breed, the Cesky Fousek (Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon), with the Weimaraner. The aim was to have the colour of the Weimaraner blended with the wiry coat of this pointer, complete with moustache, beard and eyebrows. There has been some input too from the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Pudelpointer.

The breed creator, Koloman Slimak, wanted a dog willing to work over all terrain, tracking, pointing and retrieving over land and water, a biddable dog that was easy to train and would not range too far.

The first Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer came to Australia in 2018 and it is a rare breed in this country.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.

The average life span is 10 to 12 years. 

Temperament
The breed has a laid back and affectionate temperament. They are sociable dogs that will do best when fully integrated into the family. They are quite soft in nature and easily offended and do not respond to rough handling. They are generally happy to meet strangers. They are also very energetic dogs who will be restless and destructive if they do not get enough daily exercise.

General Breed Description
With a body type much like those breeds from which its foundation stock was derived, the Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer has an intelligent, alert expression. The coat is of moderate length which is a "rough" or "broken" coat, with harsh, wiry hair and whiskers. They boast impressive wiry whiskers on the face, creating a beard, moustache, and eyebrows. They have almond-shaped eyes with an intelligent expression and love to be with people. They have an extremely strong sense of smell and love to hunt, point and retrieve, but can also be easily trained to stay close. Like other gundogs, they can compete in a variety of dog sports such as Obedience and Tracking.

The basic colour is grey, with varying lighter and darker shadings, with or without white patches or ticking

Coat and Care Requirements
Ideally, the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer has a harsh, wiry topcoat which does not require much care. However, the breed is still a work in progress, and some may lack the wiry coat. For those that have the sleek coat of the Weimaraner, wiping them down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Others have far more coat which needs regular stripping and brushing to keep neat. The longer beards, eyebrows and moustaches require some cleaning to remove unwanted residue.  Toenails should be regularly trimmed, and ears cleaned at least weekly with a cotton ball.

Size
Height: Males 62 to 68cms, Females 57 to 64cms.

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about the breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. These may include Hip Dysplasia (HD) and Skin Allergies.

Suitability
The Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer is a working breed that is energetic and active and needs constant exercise. They suit active families, runners, hunters, trackers and those people who want a devoted dog. They are best suited to a country lifestyle where they can have some big runs before curling up on the couch. They are very agile and will often spend time balancing on their hind legs or climbing, so need to be kept in properly fenced locations. They generally get on well with other dogs and are extremely people orientated. They need mental stimulation and to be kept busy as they can be destructive if left alone.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/217