The Cesky Fousek is also known as the Czech Coarse-haired Pointer, the Czech Wire-haired Pointer, and the Slovakian Wire-haired Pointer. It belongs to the same family as the Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and the Rough-coated Bohemian Pointer. The medium-sized Cesky Fousek is a wire-haired pointer with a regal appearance.

They are versatile hunting dogs capable of hunting in any setting and are frequently employed for tracking large game and duck hunting. Although this breed is renowned for being a champion hunting partner, they also make excellent family companions.

If you are considering becoming a pet parent to a Cesky Fousek, look no further. In this article, we’ll explore the breed more in-depth to help you decide whether they’re right for you.

Breed Overview

The Cesky Fousek is a medium-sized water dog that was created for strength and durability.  It has been described as a handsome breed with a distinctive appearance, distinguished by elegant facial features that are typical of the wire-haired breeds. They are a devoted companion who enjoys spending many hours in the field by their owner’s side. The Cesky Fousek is a patient and skilled hunter and can cover large regions in a short amount of time.

Contrary to many other variations of sports and hunting hounds, this breed’s intelligence typically translates into obedience rather than stubbornness, making training relatively simple.

Cesky Fousek Puppies

The Cesky Fousek is closely protected by breeders who are deeply concerned about maintaining genetic diversity and forbid any uncontrolled breeding. Finding a trustworthy breeder may be more challenging, and acquiring a puppy will take time.

Most breeders require an info request form to determine if potential owners are a good fit for their pups. Some breeders also only sell their litter to hunters, who are required to train their dogs and take them in for testing for the Natural Ability and Intermediate Hunting Dog Test.

You will need to complete a puppy request form, and you will likely be put on a waiting list once you are approved. Most people receive a puppy within 6 to 8 months.

However, there may still be a chance that you may find a Cesky Fousek at your local shelter or rescue center. However, the wait may be longer, and there is a good chance the dog may be older or a crossbreed rather than a purebred.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cesky Fousek

The Cesky Fousek is happy and friendly, with a cheerful and vivacious personality. They serve as both a loyal companion and a watchdog for their owner. They are fiercely devoted and, if required, can quickly turn into guard dogs. The Cesky Fousek is a friendly canine and a good playmate and protector for children.

For this breed to remain happy, they must constantly be around their owners; if this essential requirement is not met, they can experience separation anxiety. They are smart, energetic, and very eager to please.

The Cesky Fousek makes a highly agreeable family friend if exercised daily and provided consistent leadership. They nonetheless make excellent all-around companions and sporting dogs. They are relatively easy to train and have all the qualities a hunting partner requires.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Cesky Fousek is good for children because they are playful, lively, and loving towards them. They thrive best with a big yard and with an active family, and apartment living is not recommended. Although they’re excellent dogs for families, they thrive with active owners who enjoy spending time outside.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

As long as your Cesky Fousek is raised with other pets from the beginning, they are generally friendly to other dogs and most other pets.  Due to the breed’s high prey drive, they should always be kept on a leash when being walked and should be watched around smaller animals.

Things to Know When Owning a Cesky Fousek

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

All dogs are unique and require a well-balanced diet to maintain their health. Their diet should suit their breed, size, age, metabolism, and activity levels.

The Cesky Fousek is a very energetic dog that requires a high-protein diet. A combination of high-quality, well-balanced dry and wet food is an excellent choice. While your veterinarian is the best source for advice and recommendation, any food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) will suffice.

Exercise 🐕

The Cesky Fousek breed was bred for long days of intense exercise and work; therefore, appropriate exercise is crucial to keep them happy and healthy. Only active families should consider adopting a Cesky Fousek due to their demand for physical activity.

They are a good fit for owners who frequently jog or walk and have plenty of time to play with their pups. The Cesky Fousek may become bored and anxious and engage in disruptive behavior to express themselves if they do not have enough physical stimulation and social interaction.

They often require two rounds of exercise every day, totaling at least 60 minutes. They thrive when they can run at full speed in a big yard, dog park, or open field.

Training 🎾

Given that the Cesky Fousek is a natural hunter, has a pleasant demeanor, and is eager to please their owner, they are typically easy to train. The Cesky Fousek is a hardworking breed that will obey their owner’s orders without question, no matter how demanding they may be.

Training should be done with firmness and in a calm manner, and the trainer needs to be confident and consistent. To keep your Cesky Fousek interested and prevent boredom, the training sessions should be brief. You can split their training into two or three sessions a day. Your Cesky Fousek will develop into a perfect hunting partner and a devoted and caring companion if the training is started early.

Grooming ✂️

The Cesky Fousek is a low-maintenance pet when it comes to grooming. They have a short coat that sheds moderately, requiring daily brushing to remove loose hair. Their coat is naturally waterproof, so unless absolutely required, your dog shouldn’t be bathed since it could remove the oils that contribute to the fur’s weatherproofing ability. You can use a damp cloth or pet-safe wet wipe between baths to keep the coat clean and distribute the natural oils.

Their toenails need to be checked for trimming, but they typically wear down on their own. Because they have floppy ears, they should be dried thoroughly after swimming or bathing to prevent moisture buildup, and they should be checked regularly for any signs of infection. Their teeth should be brushed regularly, and they should be provided with dental chews to prevent plaque buildup that can eventually lead to dental issues.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The Cesky Fousek has a lifespan of 12–15 years. They have undergone years of careful breeding to guarantee their health and hunting ability and have become a relatively healthy and strong breed. However, they are known to be predisposed to a few health issues that every potential owner should be aware of.

As with all breeds, it is important to stay on schedule with routine vaccinations and annual veterinary checkups to ensure your dog is healthy. Regular check-ins with your veterinarian can help detect any signs of illness so you can provide the best care and treatment going forward. Your Cesky Fousek should also be given regular vet-approved tick, flea, and worm preventatives.

Male vs Female

The males and females of the medium-sized Cesky Fousek breed are noticeably different sizes.  The females measure 23–24 inches at the withers and weigh 49-62 pounds, while the males stand 24–26 inches at the withers and weigh roughly 62-75 pounds.

While males are considered more stubborn and females relatively quiet and calm, their temperament will be determined chiefly by their upbringing, environment, and history. It is helpful to talk to the breeder about their litter’s general temperament and ask for advice regarding which sex to choose.

It is also important to remember that a spayed or neutered dog will act differently than an intact canine. An intact male often displays sexual behaviors such as mounting, spraying, and wandering to find a female. They can also become quite territorial. Intact females will also experience a heat cycle every 6 months, and you will need to ensure that no intact males are around.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Cesky Fousek

1. The Cesky Fousek Is an Ancient Dog

The Cesky Fousek is one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe, and with records dating back centuries, the Cesky Fousek has been referred to as an ancient breed. The Karlstejn Castle has the first documentation of a hunting dog known as a “Fousci” (bearded/whiskered) from the reign of Charles IV of the Holy Roman Empire (1316–1378).

2. There is Meaning in Its Name

Sometime in the late 1800s, the breed’s name was chosen, with Cesky denoting Czech and Fousek being a derived word from “fousy,” which means “whiskers” or “rough hair.”

3. The Cesky Fousek Came Close to Extinction

The Cesky Fousek has twice been threatened with extinction by war. The breed was overshadowed in both great wars.  Given the limited genetic pool, acceptance of crossbreeding well into the 1950s posed an additional threat to breed integrity. The Cesky was not truly protected or promoted until after the conclusion of World War II. At the time of the breed’s rejuvenation, the objective was to maintain their exceptional hunting skills.

Summing Up

The Cesky Fousek is an all-around peaceful housemate and a loving, devoted companion to their family. They are cheerful and energetic and are constantly looking to please their owner.  The Cesky Fousek can develop into the ideal family pet and a dependable and trusted hunting partner with the right care, but they require a lot of exercise and consistent and firm training.

If you think the Cesky Fousek fits your lifestyle and you’re interested in finding one, the sooner you start your search, the better, as acquiring one of these beautiful dogs can be a lengthy and sometimes difficult process.

• See also: My Dog Snapped At Me: 3 Possible Reasons

Featured Image Credit: Jan Danek jdm.foto, Shutterstock