Slovakisk ruhåret pointer hund

Et nærbillede af en slovakisk råhåret pointer's utroligt grove, ubehøvlede pels

Et nærbillede af en slovakisk råhåret pointer's vidunderlige skæg

En sund voksen voksen slovakisk råhåret pointer, der leger udenfor i det våde vejr

History

The Slovak Rough Haired Pointer originates from Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia) and is a relatively new breed. It was developed in the 1950's using the Cesky Fousak, German Wire Haired Pointer, Weimaraner and possibly the Pudelpointer to produce a working dog with Hunt, Point and Retrieve abilities as well as general working traits. The SRHP was unknown in the rest of the World until the 1990's when Czechoslovakia split and the breed made it's way to the United Kingdom. It was recognise by the Kennel Club as HPR sub group of hunting dog.

Behaviour

Not for the faint hearted, the SWHP is an active dog that needs constant exercise. It would suit an active family, but probably best if it can be taken to work with a family member if they have an outside job. It likes to be outside and given the chance to run around and be close to it's owner. They are good with children and other dogs is socialised early on and are usually accepting of strangers, if they are used to visitors popping in.

Training should be started early as they are an intelligent breed and their natural ability to retrieve is evident from puppyhood. Using play, games and positive reinforcement for training is ideal; these are affectionate dogs and will want to please you. They dislike harsh words and can be quite sensitive at times, so consistent and kind training is the key. They do well in competitions such as obedience, agility and retrieval and this also has the added benefit of keeping them well exercised which some owners will struggle to do. Once they are walked, they are calm in the house and will happily curl up at your feet (or on your lap) and sleep. Recall is normally excellent once trained.

They need plenty of daily walks and the chance to burn off energy. A 1-2 hour walk a day should be sufficient, but they will take whatever you will give them. They will gladly trot along next to you on a bike or a jog and enjoy the close company. SWHPs are active and need to receive their walks. They easily become bored and can be destructive in the home if not worn out; a tired dog is a happy dog! They enjoy swimming and this is another good way to tire them out. It is worth remembering that this breed was bred to hunt, so only walk them in a safe area until they are well trained; if they spot something in the distance, they are more likely to stand and 'point' to it and less likely to give chase, but all dogs vary!

Their dense coat needs regular brushing to get rid of debris, but is generally quite easy to keep clean.

They suffer few health issues, but sometimes Canine Hip Dysplasia is seen.

Temperament

Slovakian Rough Haired Pointers have a laid back and affectionate temperament. They are sociable dogs who will do best when fully integrated into the family. Generally happy to meet strangers and should get on fine with other pets - especially if raised with them. These are also very energetic dogs who will be restless and destructive if they don't get enough daily exercise.