The Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: temperament, price, health, and breeders

Originating from former Czechoslovakia, the Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has been known since the Middle Ages and was widely распространed there before the First World War. The conflict brought the breed to the brink of extinction, but a few passionate breeders managed to preserve a sufficient population to ensure its revival. A club devoted to wirehaired pointing dogs was founded in 1924 and a first standard was published in 1931. The official standard was established in 1958. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale definitively recognized the breed on 21 May 1963 under number 245. It remains today one of the most widely used hunting dogs in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia.

The Czech Wirehaired Pointer is a medium-sized hunting dog, strong, solidly built and of noble appearance. Its long, dry and rather narrow head has almond-shaped eyes, well set, dark amber to brown-chestnut in color, as well as ears set high and lying close to the head. Its back is short and stocky, its loin relatively broad, its chest oval and developed and its belly slightly tucked up. Its harsh, dense and lying coat generally measures 3 to 4 cm, with a soft and short undercoat that protects it from moisture. Longer bristles appear notably on the forechest, the back, the groin and the shoulders. The coat can be dark roan with or without brown markings, or brown with or without markings on the forechest and on the lower parts of the limbs.

Versatile hunting dog with an assertive temperament, the Czech Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is very attached to its owner, affectionate and relatively docile. It is sociable, generally very good with children and able to work on varied game and terrain. Its hunting instinct is powerful and its bite toward pests can be pronounced, which requires careful socialization with small animals.

Active, hardy and eager to work, the Czech Wirehaired Pointer needs long outings, sustained exercise and activities that engage its sense of smell. A simple daily walk is not enough. It thrives more in a house with a large fenced garden than in an apartment, provided that access to the outdoors never replaces activities shared with its owner.

The Czech Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is fairly easy to train despite its strong character. It is rather obedient and likes to please its owner. A consistent method combining calm firmness, rewards, games and attention helps develop its recall, self-control and abilities as a hunting dog or companion dog. Recall training should start early due to its chasing instinct.

The purchase price varies depending on the lineage, the reputation of the kennel, health guarantees, whether intended for hunting or companionship, and the rarity of litters. You must also anticipate the costs of equipment, veterinary prevention, food, and activities.

The Czech Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally robust and resilient. Its dense undercoat protects it well from cold and moisture, but its drooping ears require rigorous monitoring in order to limit the risk of otitis. Regular activity, an appropriate diet and preventive veterinary follow-up contribute to maintaining its condition.

The diet must cover the needs of an athletic dog without promoting overweight. The ration depends on weight, age, work intensity, body condition, sterilization and the energy density of the food.

The breed is also known under the names Czech Pointing Griffon and Cesky Fousek. The breed is also known under the name Slovak Wirehaired Pointing Dog. Recognized by the FCI under number 245, it belongs to group 7 of pointing dogs and was saved from extinction after the First World War by a small number of breeders.