Cesky Fousek
12-15 yrs
49-62 lbs
23-24"
Czech Republic

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Cesky Fousek

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Cesky Fousek

49-62 lbs

23-24"

Czech Republic

Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon, Rough-coated Bohemian Pointer, Barbu tchèque

As far as sporting and gun dogs go, the Český Fousek ranks with the best of the bunch in just about every way. They have a distinct appearance reminiscent of a German Wire-haired Pointer, a look that includes a multi-colored wire-haired coat along with a mustache and beard. But of course, looks aren't all they have to offer, as their sporting abilities are even more attractive. They are known to be exceptionally versatile, able to traverse various climates and terrains for game both big and small, with equal effectiveness and tenacity. Unlike many other varieties of sporting and scent hounds, this intelligent breed doesn't translate its smarts into stubbornness, it tends to translate into obedience, making it quite easy to train - it takes direction well and is always eager to please. This easy-going nature also translates into the home, as Český Fouseks are known to be extremely friendly, affectionate, and playful dogs. They are usually relaxed with strangers and do very well with children and other dogs. Again unlike many other hunting breeds, Český Fouseks don't possess an overwhelming prey drive and are able to discern context to some degree, so they are much more likely to peacefully coexist with other non-canine animals in the home, especially if thoroughly socialized early on. If there is one downfall, it is that they need an absolute ton of exercise, meaning they are best suited for thoroughly active families and those that have a large yard or space to run. Because they are so social and possess such high energy levels, being left alone can cause them anxiety and lead to destructive behaviors. But for any responsible owner who is willing to meet their daily exercise requirements, this breed easily makes one of the best companion and sporting dogs around.

                
                Purpose
              
Hunting, Guardian, Companion

                Date of Origin
              
Ancient Times

                Ancestry
              
Bohemian Dog and Native Eastern European Pointers

Cesky Fousek Health

Average Size

Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 62-75 lbs

Height: 23-24 inches Weight: 49-62 lbs

Major Concerns

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

Alopecia

Occasional Diagnoses

Ear Infections

Occasional Tests

X-Rays
Physical Examination
Ear Examination
Blood Analysis

Cesky Fousek Breed History

The Český Fousek is believed to be an ancient dog, first setting its roots centuries ago in the time of the Kingdom of Bohemia. Ancient pictures from this era depict a dog very similar to it, and by the Middle Ages, a wire-haired breed known as the Bohemian Water Dog had been established. The breed was officially acknowledged in a letter from Emperor Charles IV in which he referred to a dog called Canis Bohemicus, considered the only wire-haired hunting dog in Europe and therefore the most logical predecessor of other European wirehairs, including the Český Fousek. Dogs from this era were documented numerous times throughout history, but never truly attributed a name until 1883 when hunter and author Josef Cerny referred to them as "Český Ohar" in his six-volume hunting handbook. Fousek, derived from "fousy" and meaning facial hair, was later attached after a group of hunters formed a club titled "Society for Rough-Haired Pointer-Cesky Fousek-of the Czech kingdom based in Pisek," thus eventually combining the two. The breed's popularity rose until they were the most popular wirehaired pointing dog in the region but unfortunately, their numbers plummeted during World War I, only to be revived from near-extinction in 1924 by a group aimed at doing exactly that. A breeding program and standard were developed by 1939, only to be again decimated by another world war. This time around, the breed was highly inbred until other similar breeds could be leaned on until numbers began to rise, at which point stricter breeding guidelines were put in place. In 1957, Czechoslovakia joined the Federation Cynologique Internationale and a new breed standard was written and approved in 1958. In 1964, the breed was finally recognized by the FCI and in 1996 by the United Kennel Club. Their popularity in the region remains quite high, but they've also spread to Western Europe and even New Zealand and continue to climb in popularity due to their top notch versatility and adaptability and exceptional temperament.

Cesky Fousek Breed Appearance

The Český Fousek has a very distinct look, descended from ancient wire-haired Pointers. It has a double coat consisting of a short, soft, dense undercoat and a long, course and wiry outer coat, each of which ranges between shades of brown and gray. It has a noble, powerful and muscular look that implies its strength, endurance and versatility whether in fields, woods, or water. Its head is long and somewhat narrow with a muzzle longer than the skull that slightly tapers to a broad, dark brown nose. They posses deep-set, football-shaped eyes that are amber to dark brown in color and high-set, tapered, folded ears. They have straight front legs and well-muscled shoulders that help form a slight slope toward the angled hindquarters, terminating in a tail that is generally docked to 3/5 of its natural length. Their chests are deep and well-developed and even stick out if looking from the side. They have compact but well-arched toes complete with webbing to help them swim.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Amber

Nose Color Possibilities

Brown

Coat Color Possibilities

Gray

Brown

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Cesky Fousek Breed Maintenance

Český Fouseks are considered low maintenance dogs. They are only moderate shedders and need just one or two brushes a week with a firm bristle brush to keep their coats free of loose hair, dirt and burs. They rarely need bathing unless they get into something offensive, but otherwise only need an occasional wipe down with a cloth to help distribute their natural oils - something too-frequent bathing can disrupt. Because they are often used in or around water, they should be thoroughly dried when wet, especially if it's cold, to prevent them from catching a chill and their ears should also be dried and checked to make sure there is no excessive moisture buildup that could cause ear infections. Their nails should be checked and trimmed if they're not wearing down on their own naturally and their teeth should be brushed once a week if possible.

Brushes for Cesky Fousek

Pin Brush

Comb

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Cesky Fousek Temperament

Especially in the category of sporting and hunting dogs, there are few that can truly compare in terms of overall temperament. In the field, Český Fouseks are known to be tenacious trackers that have equal parts drive and patience. Especially when thoroughly trained, they take orders extremely well and are always eager to please their owners, doing whatever they are asked with little hesitation. In the home, despite their high energy levels, they are generally calm and well-behaved. They are highly-social animals that usually love their family members equally, but do sometimes hold a special place for whoever spends the most time training them. Even without thorough training and socialization but especially with, they do quite well with strangers, tend to love children and other dogs, and are much less aggressive with non-canine animals in the home. They are eternally loyal and will quickly turn into guard dogs if it is asked of them. They do have one major downfall, however. Because they are so social, they generally do not do well being left alone, especially if they've not received a good amount of exercise, and tend to get anxious and destructive when that's the case. But given the small number of other issues, they still make exceptional all-around companions and sporting dogs alike.

Cesky Fousek Activity Requirements

Český Fouseks are undoubtedly high-energy dogs that take a considerable amount of exercise to tire them out. They were bred for endurance and strength, so going on a short walk every day will be a far cry from giving them the necessary amount. They usually need two rounds of exercise daily, totaling over 60 minutes at least, and generally do best when they can hit full speed while chasing something, in a large yard, dog park, or open field. They are able to suit smaller living situations if they live with an extremely active family that is able to take them on daily runs, and still usually have some energy after a few miles. To get the best out of their regular behavior, owners should plan on giving them the equivalent of around 18 to 20 miles of exercise a week.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
20 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Cesky Fousek

Similarly Sized Breeds to Cesky Fousek

Cesky Fousek Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
4 cups
Daily Cost
$2.00 - $2.50
Monthly Cost
$60.00 - $80.00

Cesky Fousek Height & Weight

6 Months

                  Height: 18.0 inches
                  Weight: 48.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 16.5 inches
                  Weight: 39.5 lbs
                
12 Months

                  Height: 21.5 inches
                  Weight: 58.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 20.0 inches
                  Weight: 47.5 lbs
                
18 Months

                  Height: 25.0 inches
                  Weight: 68.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 23.5 inches
                  Weight: 55.5 lbs

Written by a Puggle lover Jonathan Powell

Published: 02/14/2018, edited: 02/24/2021

Cesky Fousek Owner Experiences

Baxter

3 Years

2 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Hiking

swimming

Loveable, Loyal, loves to hike in all terrain, lots of energy but will settle when needed

4 years, 9 months ago

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