Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer
sloh-VAK-ee-an ruff-haired POYNT-er
Slovakia· Western Slovakia
The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer, also known as the Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac, is a wire-coated grey pointing breed developed to hunt, point and retrieve across varied terrain.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush, hand-stripping twice yearly
Coat length
Medium, wiry
Sheds
Low
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Large, secure
Where it comes from
Origins of the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer
Bred in the 1950s and 60s from German Wirehaired Pointer, Cesky Fousek and Weimaraner stock, this dog was designed for Slovak hunters who needed one animal capable of working forest, field and marsh alike. The wiry coat protects against thorn scrub and cold water, while the grey colouring echoes its Weimaraner ancestry.
- Region
- Western Slovakia
- Climate it was bred for
- Continental, cold winters and warm summers, mixed forest and farmland
- Original job
- Versatile hunting, pointing and retrieving over land and water
The long read
About the breed
Its working brief shaped a dog of considerable stamina, a keen nose and a bold, independent streak needed to track wounded game or work water undisturbed by cold. The wiry double coat and thick eyebrows and beard give protection from undergrowth and weather.
Living with one means committing to daily vigorous exercise and mental engagement; these are working gundogs first, and an under-exercised individual becomes restless and destructive. They are typically affectionate and loyal with their family but reserved with strangers, and get on well with children raised alongside them.
The breed remains rare outside Slovakia and the Czech Republic, kept mostly by active hunters and field-trial enthusiasts, though a small international following values its versatility and striking grey wire coat.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1950s
Development begins
Slovak breeders crossed German Wirehaired Pointers, Cesky Fouseks and Weimaraners to create a versatile grey wirehaired gundog.
1963
Breed standard fixed
The type was stabilised and a formal standard drawn up in Czechoslovakia.
1975
FCI recognition
The breed gained provisional then full recognition from the FCI.
1990s
Wider European interest
Hunters beyond Slovakia and the Czech Republic began importing the breed for versatile field work.
2000s
Continued rarity
The breed remains numerically small but is actively maintained by dedicated hunting kennels across central Europe.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Rectangular and muscular with a level topline, deep chest and moderately tucked-up belly.
- coat
- Harsh, wiry double coat with a dense undercoat, longer eyebrows, beard and moustache.
- ears
- Set high, hanging close to the head, moderately long and rounded at the tip.
- eyes
- Ring-shaped, ranging from yellow to dark brown, with bushy eyebrows.
- head
- Long and dry, with a slightly domed skull, well-defined stop and strong straight muzzle finished with a grey or brown nose.
- size
- Dogs 62-68cm, bitches 57-64cm
- colour
- Grey in all shades, sometimes with a light brown tinge on the head and ears.
- temperament
- Bold, biddable and eager to work, reserved with strangers but affectionate and loyal with family.
- general appearance
- A medium-large, strongly built wirehaired pointing dog, noble in bearing with a rectangular outline and clear grey colouring.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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Made for the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer Mug
Ceramic mug with the Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Drying Towel Robe
Microfibre robe that soaks up a wet-walk shake.
Fits any dog
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