Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog Basics
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog is a Slovakian breed known by many names in English. Though his name is very similar to that of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, they are two separate breeds created for a similar purpose. This breed was developed to track, point, and retrieve in any terrain, suitable for a wide range of prey and for having excellent stamina. Though he is not typically kept as a family pet, the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog can adapt to family life if his exercise needs are met.
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog is a Slovakian breed known by many names in English.
Origin
The Slovakian Wire-Haired Pointing Dog is a Slovakian breed developed in the aftermath of World War II. Bred from a crossing of Weimaraners, German Wirehaired Pointers, and Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, these dogs were developed by Koloman Slimak for stamina and versatility. He wanted a dog that could track, point, and retrieve on both land and water, while also being suitable for a range of prey from small animals like birds and hare to larger game such as deer. The breed was accepted by the FCI in 1985 and is currently a member of the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service.
Pedigree
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog was developed by crossing Weimaraners, German Wirehaired Pointers, and Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.
Food/Diet
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog is a large-breed dog because he weighs over 50 pounds at maturity, but he is at the lower end of the size spectrum for this category. Because he is a large breed, however, he should be fed a high-quality adult diet formulated for breeds of his size. This breed may also do well with an active or working breed formula, considering that large-breed dog foods tend to be lower in fat to control calories, but these dogs need extra energy to sustain them in the field.
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog is an intelligent and trainable breed that is very eager to please.
Training
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog is an intelligent and trainable breed that is very eager to please. These dogs learn quickly, and they become very dedicated to their owners and to their jobs. This breed has excellent stamina and is a hardworking breed – they will not be content to live the life of a couch potato. They may do best with an experienced dog owner, but they are by no means stubborn or difficult to train. They simply require a lot of time and attention.
Weight
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog is a large-breed dog that standing 22.5 to 26.5 inches tall and weighs 50 to 65 pounds at maturity. Females of the breed are slightly smaller than males.
Temperament/Behavior
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog has a noble appearance and he is generally very even-tempered. These dogs are very intelligent and eager to work – they also form strong bonds with their owner and love the work they do. This breed is primarily a hunting breed but can be adapted to family life, considering that his exercise needs are met. These dogs do well with children and they love to play. They do not, however, tend to do well when left alone for long periods of time.
Common Health Problems
Generally speaking, the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog is a healthy breed. Like all dogs, however, they are prone to certain health problems which may include hip dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, eye problems, and atopic dermatitis. They are also prone to field injuries.
Life Expectancy
The average lifespan for the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog is 12 to 15 years.
Exercise Requirements
As a hunting breed developed for great stamina, the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog has very high needs for exercise. This breed requires at least an hour of vigorous exercise on a daily basis and will do well with an outdoor fenced area in which to run.
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog has a noble appearance and he is generally very even-tempered.
Recognized Clubs
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog is not yet accepted by the AKC but has been admitted into the Foundation Stock Service as the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer. The breed is recognized, however, by the FCI as a Continental Pointing Dog.
Coat
As the name would suggest, the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog has a rough coat. The coat is dense with double-layered, the undercoat being soft and the outercoat being wiry in texture and straight. There are two acceptable colors for the breed – grey and grey roan. Both are a variation on the silver color for which their ancestor the Weimaraner is known.
Puppies
The average litter size for the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Dog is 3 to 6 puppies. As a large breed, these dogs should be fed a large-breed puppy recipe for the first 12 months to prevent them from growing too quickly. This breed should be started with training and socialization at an early age not because they are difficult to handle, but to control their energy and to prepare them for working in the field.
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