Český Fousek

The Český fousek is the Czech wirehaired pointer — a versatile gun dog rebuilt from near-extinction twice in one century.

History

It is an old Bohemian pointing breed, described from the nineteenth century, that was almost wiped out by the First World War. Czech breeders reconstructed it in the 1920s from the few remaining dogs and German wirehaired stock, and had to do much the same again after the Second. It is bred to hunting tests rather than to appearance, and remains the Czech Republic's main gun dog.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm, biddable and closely attached to its handler, gentle at home and thorough in the field, with a strong instinct to track wounded game.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and real hunting work. It trains willingly for an owner it works with. The harsh wire coat with its beard needs brushing and occasional stripping.

Health

Generally sound, with hip dysplasia and ear infections among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.