Slovak Rough-Haired Pointer: Everything You Need to Know

The Slovak Rough-Haired Pointer is a versatile hunting dog that originated in Slovakia.

They are a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 55-70 pounds.

This breed is known for its intelligence, athleticism, and strong prey drive.

They excel in hunting small and large game, including birds, rabbits, and deer.

Their thick, rough coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

The Slovak Rough-haired Pointer has a fascinating history. This breed was developed by Koloman Slimak through crossbreeding German Wirehaired Pointers, Weimaraners, and Cesky Fouseks.

The breed's origins date back to after World War II, making it a relatively modern breed.

The Slovak Rough-haired Pointer was created to be a versatile working dog with great stamina, capable of tracking, pointing, and retrieving on land and in water. This breed excels in tasks involving a range of prey, from birds and small game like hares to larger game like deer.

The breed was recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1983.

Koloman Slimak's vision for the breed was a dog that could handle various hunting tasks with ease.

A unique perspective: Slovensky Cuvac

The Slovak Rough-haired Pointer has a distinctive appearance, with a body type similar to its foundation breeds. Its coat is rough and wiry, with harsh hair and whiskers.

The coat can be any shade between a tweedy gray-brown and a pewter-silver color, with lighter and darker shades of gray allowed throughout. The eyes may range from deep amber to light shades.

The breed's physical characteristics are well-defined, with a straight back and a height at the withers of 62-68 cm (24-27 in) for males and 57-64 cm (22-25 in) for females.

The SRHP has an intelligent, alert expression and a "rough" or "broken" coat with harsh, wiry hair and whiskers.

The coat can be any shade between tweedy gray-brown and pewter-silver, and it's of moderate length.

The eyes can range from deep amber to light shades, with a specific rule stating that juveniles may have "azure" eyes but adults must have amber eyes.

White is permitted on the chest and feet, and lighter and darker shades of gray are allowed throughout the coat, even with speckling.

A dark nose, eyelids, and pads of the feet are required, along with a scissors bite and a moderately sloped stop of about 45°.

The tail is docked at 50% of its natural length, and dewclaws are removed.

Males should be between 62-68 cm (24-27 in) at the withers, while females should be between 57-64 cm (22-25 in).

The ratio of body length to height at the withers is 10:9 for males and 10:8 for females.

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers typically measure 22.5 to 26.5 inches at the shoulder.

The average weight of a Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer is between 50 to 65 pounds.

Females are generally slightly smaller than males, but individual dogs may vary in size.

The Slovak Rough-haired Pointer is a bold and intelligent breed that thrives on physical and mental stimulation.

They have a high energy level and are perfect companions for outdoor activities like jogging or hiking. With proper training and socialization, they can form strong bonds with their human family.

This breed is relatively easy to train as long as you understand how to motivate them using positive reinforcement. Harsh handling will only result in a shut down and unhappy dog.

Slovak Rough-haired Pointers are highly alert and have a strong protective instinct, making them excellent watchdogs. They quickly alert their owners to any potential threats or unusual activities.

They are friendly and exuberant, but also quite sensitive, so they need to be handled with care and consistency. With consistent training and early socialization, they get along well with visitors, other dogs, and children.

Their high energy level means they need to be working or resting most of the day, and they're more suited to someone with an outdoor lifestyle or job where the dog can accompany them.

Take a look at this: How Much Exercise Do Labrador Retrievers Need

Their coat is wiry and dense, requiring minimal grooming. Regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping are sufficient to keep their coat in good condition.

This breed thrives in a home with a safely fenced yard for outdoor play, as they need ample exercise and playtime. Plan for at least an hour of daily exercise and play, if not more.

Brushing their teeth regularly is essential to prevent tartar buildup, and checking their nails monthly will help keep them in good shape.

To keep your Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer or Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer in top shape, a balanced diet is essential. They require a constant supply of fresh water.

Their medium size and high energy levels mean they need to watch their weight, so regular exercise is a must.

Offering measured meals twice a day rather than free-feeding can help prevent overeating.

As your dog ages, their dietary needs will change, so consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.

Regular body condition scores will help you keep your dog in ideal shape.

For your interest: Will Shiba Inu Ever Reach 1 Cent

Their coat is wiry and dense, requiring minimal grooming. Regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping are sufficient to keep their coat in good condition.

Brushing their coat once or twice a week should suffice, making it a great choice for busy owners.

The Slovak Rough-haired Pointer is a wonderful breed, but like all dogs, they do require some special care when it comes to their health and grooming.

These dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as ear infections, hip dysplasia, and allergies.

Regular ear cleaning and hygiene can help prevent ear infections, which can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or foreign objects trapped in the ear canal.

Hip dysplasia is an orthopedic condition that affects the hip joint, leading to instability and joint degeneration, and can result in pain, lameness, and reduced mobility in affected dogs.

Allergies in dogs can manifest as skin, food, or environmental allergies, and proper diagnosis by a veterinarian is essential to develop an effective treatment plan.

Discover more: German Shorthaired Pointer Allergies

To breed healthy dogs, it's essential to use DNA tests, screening schemes, and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help identify potential health issues.

Their 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.

Regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping are sufficient to keep their wiry and dense coat in good condition.

Here are some common health issues that Slovak Rough-haired Pointers may be prone to: