Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer
Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers are skilled gun dogs and energetic companions. Their hard-working nature, eagerness to please, and happy demeanor make them a great choice for hunters and active families alike.
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Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Traits
General Appearance
Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers are medium-sized working dogs with a slightly rectangular shape and solid build.
Coat and Coloring
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer has a harsh, straight topcoat that's about an inch long and a short, fine undercoat that changes with the seasons.
This breed has adorable eyebrows and longer, softer hair on the lower part of the muzzle that forms a mustache. The ears have short and soft hair, the coat is gray (and may have white markings on the chest and legs), and the tail is well-furnished.
Distinctive Physical Traits
Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers have long, lean heads, rectangular skulls, a large, dark nose, and wedge-shaped, round-tipped ears. Their almond-shaped, amber eyes give an intelligent expression. And their tails sit relatively high and well-furnished, though not brush style.
Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Temperament
These energetic, happy dogs have an outgoing personality and a genuine desire to please their people. Though they're primarily working dogs, Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers make affectionate, fun-loving pets and eager adventure buddies.
Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer History
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer originated in the 1950s in what was then Czechoslovakia. After World War II, changes in how people hunted created a need for a new type of gun dog—one skilled at finding game, following scent trails, and retrieving. To produce such a dog, breeders crossed German Wirehaired Pointers, Weimaraners, and Czeskey Fouseks.
After registering the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer with the Slovakian Hunters Union, breeders continued to develop the line over the next few decades—intent on creating dogs with outstanding hunting abilities.
The UK Kennel Club registered the breed in 1998, and the United Kennel Club followed suit in 2006. In 2018, the American Kennel Club added the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer to their Foundation Stock Service Program.
Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Care
Nutrition
Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers thrive on a high-quality diet formulated for their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior). Working dogs will have higher calorie requirements. Your veterinarian can help you determine an appropriate daily calorie target based on your dog's lifestyle and activity level.
These dogs are very food-motivated and will do their best to convince you to give them extra treats and snacks. But remember that treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's daily calories.
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers are a low-maintenance breed. The occasional bath or wipe down with a damp cloth will keep them looking their best. During seasonal shedding periods, use a grooming mitt to efficiently remove loose hair.
Nail trims should also be part of any dog's grooming routine. If nails get too long, they can cause pain and potentially lead to problems running or walking. And just like humans, dogs need regular dental care. Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions in adult dogs. Left untreated, it can contribute to other serious issues. In addition to professional cleanings, establish an at-home program that includes regular teeth brushing and veterinarian-recommended dental chews.
Exercise
Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers are active, energetic breeds that need lots of exercise. In addition to daily walks, they enjoy hiking, jogging, and other outdoor activities. Due to the breed's strong hunting instincts, off-leash exercise should be limited to a fenced-in area. (Small neighborhood pets and critters will thank you.)
Training
These obedient, intelligent dogs are easy to train because they want to please their people. But they also get bored quickly. As such, they respond best to short, interactive training sessions, positive reinforcement, and a firm but gentle approach.
Additionally, socializing your pup when they're young will help them develop into a well-mannered adult dog.
Breed Group
Sporting
The sporting group breeds are incredibly diverse in personality and appearance, but can be characterized as very sturdy. They were developed to work closely with people and in general have a very responsive nature and high intelligence.
