The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Slovak Wirehaired Pointer descends from hunting dogs of the former Czechoslovakia. It comes from crosses between the German Wirehaired Pointer, the Weimaraner and the Czech Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Breeders were looking for the endurance and versatility needed for a reliable and high-performing hunting dog. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale definitively recognized the breed on 17 February 1982, and its official FCI standard currently in force was published on 6 January 1995.

Large and solidly built without heaviness, the Wire-haired Slovak Pointer shows harmonious proportions, a noble gait and a head carried high. Its body is well knit, with a straight back, a pronounced withers, a broad croup, a long oval chest and a moderately tucked-up belly. Its elongated, lean head has almond-shaped eyes of amber colour, azure in the puppy, and rounded ears set above eye level. Its harsh, straight, close-lying coat measures about 4 cm, with a longer, softer moustache under the muzzle and a fine undercoat that sheds in summer. The coat is grey, i.e. sand shaded with brown, more or less light, with or without white markings on the limbs and on the chest. The tail, of medium thickness and set high, is carried low at rest and horizontally in action.

Obedient, intelligent, determined and attached to its owner, the Slovak Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile pointing dog capable of working in open country, in the woods and in water. It proves effective in tracking and retrieving wounded game, while also being a very good companion for the family. Its hunting instinct is very pronounced and its temperament retains a degree of independence.

Very energetic, this dog needs plenty of exercise, long daily walks and opportunities to run freely in large secure open spaces. It particularly enjoys tracking activities. More comfortable in the countryside than in the city, it can adapt to an urban environment if it has a large fenced garden and frequent outings. A hunting dog above all, it is particularly suited to hunters and active households.

Docile and intelligent, the Slovak Wirehaired Pointer does not present any major difficulty when its training combines firmness, gentleness and consistency. Early learning of recall is essential due to its strong hunting instinct. Regular and motivating exercises help to channel its energy and maintain its cooperation.

The maintenance budget mainly depends on the quality of the diet, the level of activity, veterinary follow-up and the replacement of accessories intended for outings. The purchase price is most often between 700 and 1 200 euros, the breed remaining uncommon in France.

The Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer is generally robust, hardy and rarely ill. Its double coat allows it to withstand cold and bad weather well. Targeted monitoring remains recommended for the joints, eyes and neurological disorders reported in the breed.

The Wirehaired Slovak Pointer needs a high-quality, balanced, nutrient-rich diet, adapted to its age, size and level of exercise.

The breed is also known under the names Slovensky hrubosrsty Stavac and Wire-haired Slovakian Pointing Griffon. It bears the FCI standard number 320 and belongs to group 7 of pointing dogs. Its definitive recognition by the FCI dates from 1982.