Cesky Fousek

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Cesky Fousek is a versatile gun dog that is of a Czech origin. The dogs were used in the creation of the foundation stock of the Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer. Pronounced as 'ches-key – fow-sek', the Cesky Fousek is also known to be called as Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Czech Coarsehaired Pointer, Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer and Rough-coated Bohemian Pointer. The females are called Ceska Fouska.

The dogs are wire haired, have a beard and mustache common to the wire haired breed. They have almond-shaped, amber colored eyes. These dogs are thought to be an ancient breed which nearly went extinct in the 1920s.

As the dog is highly energetic, they need abundant exercise and a securely fenced large yard. The breed is very intelligent and eager to please making them fairly easy to train. Grooming and maintenance for the dog is also easy. Given that the dog seems to be easy to own for it's ease of maintenance and intelligence, the dog is still not for the inexperienced owner for it's high requirement for exercise will mean requiring more time from the owner.

Color

The dog's coat color is reddish with White and Black (sometimes with patches) or can be solid Brown with the chest White.

Coat

This dog's fur has a first coating, 5 centimeters short, fluffy and soft. It has a protection hair coating of 3-5 centimeters in length, harsh and hard. The chest, belly, back line and shoulders have a 5-8 centimeter longer hair that is harsh and smooth. The longer hair at the dog's snout makes appear like the dog's beard and mustache.

Personality

These dogs are highly energetic and are very willing to please their owners. The dog is cheerful, playful, curious and very intelligent. They are loyal and protective dogs that they love all of their family member s equally. As very affectionate dogs, they do not like being away from their family. These very active dogs require plenty of exercise and interaction. The dog should never be left alone for extended periods of time as they can become destructive and timid. These dogs are very suitable as a companion especially when they were properly trained and socialized since puppy hood. The dog has strong hunting instincts and they are bred and trained to work. As hunting dogs, they will follow an interesting scent that will come their way and they cannot be trusted alone with small animals. If properly socialized with other house pets, these dogs should get along fine with them. Wonderful hunting partners, these dogs are very noble, gentle, calm and easy to train. They like to bark but they are often reserved with strangers.

Care

The Cesky Fousek's short-hair coat is easy to groom and maintain. Brushing it regularly with a firm bristle brush should be done to keep it looking at its best. Bathing should be done only when necessary to avoid losing the natural oils that help make the coat weather proof. Using a chamois or clean cloth to rub the dog down will leave the coat looking great. The dog's feet should be checked regularly after the dog has been outdoors. Dry off the dog thoroughly after bathing or swimming to prevent the dog from chilling. The dog's ears should be checked regularly as well to prevent dirt or infections. This dog sheds moderately. The breed is known to be generally healthy and free from any genetic diseases. Given proper nutrition and care, sufficient exercise and regular visits to the vet, these dogs can live up to 12-15 years on the average.

Training

These hunting dogs are highly trainable because of their submissive and intelligent nature. As a highly energetic and highly intelligent dog, the training should be challenging for the dog's mental and physical capabilities by making it consequent and varied. Otherwise, the dog may become bored.

Activity

These very energetic and tireless dogs need plenty and plenty of exercise to drain their energy. Even the most active family may not be able to keep up with this highly active dog. These dogs should never be taken as house pets unless they would be able to provide the dog with sufficient exercise. They are wonderful companions for highly active persons who love to hike or jog. They need a daily, long brisk walk if they will not be able to hike or jog. The dog should be made to heel beside or behind the handler of the lead to emphasize in the dog's mind that the leader leads the way and that the humans are the leaders. Dogs that do not get sufficient exercise can become restless and destructive. The Cesky Fousek is a dog that is not recommended for apartment or small space living. They will do best with a large backyard and an athletic family. A 6-foot high secured fence is necessary to keep them inside the yard as these dogs are fairly easy to become bored. Boredom for this dog can lead to the dog becoming escape artists. They can be fine in most climates.