Breed History:

The Slovak Roughhaired Pointer, or Slovenský Hrubosrstý Stavač, is a relatively modern gundog breed developed in Slovakia after World War II. Breeders aimed to create a versatile hunting dog that could perform tracking, pointing, and retrieving duties in both forest and field, across land and water.

The breed was created by crossing the German Wirehaired Pointer, Cesky Fousek, and Weimaraner. The goal was to combine intelligence, durability, and a wirehaired coat suited to harsh Central European climates. Its Weimaraner lineage also gives it a distinctive silver-grey colouration, unique among rough-coated gundogs.

Officially recognised in 1985 by the Slovak Cynological Union and by the FCI in 2006, the breed is still relatively rare and primarily used by Slovakian hunters.

Size: Medium to Large

Life Expectancy: 12–14 years

Breed Appearance:

The Slovak Roughhaired Pointer has a strong, athletic frame covered in a harsh, dense, weather-resistant coat. Its most distinctive feature is its ash-gray to silver-gray coloring, a trait influenced by its Weimaraner ancestry.

It has a broad head, beard and eyebrows, drop ears, and amber or light eyes. The tail is typically carried horizontally or docked (where permitted by law). Its expression is alert but calm, reflecting both intelligence and sensitivity.

Breed Type – Versatile Gundog:

This breed was specifically developed to be a multipurpose hunting dog that performs pointing, flushing, and retrieving duties equally well. It excels in dense forests, rocky terrain, and water environments.

It is known for being deliberate and steady in the field, with a strong scenting ability and natural retrieve instinct, making it ideal for both professional hunters and enthusiasts.

Training:

Intelligent, eager, but sensitive and independent:

• Learns quickly with positive reinforcement

• Needs early socialization and gentle consistency

• Harsh correction can lead to timidity or stubbornness

• Excels in scent-based work, field tasks, and retrieval training

• Develops a strong bond with its primary handler

Not difficult to train but best handled by calm, confident owners.

Health & Care:

A generally robust and healthy breed, but may be prone to:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

• Ear infections due to floppy ears and swimming

• Eye issues (rare)

• Bloat (gastric torsion)

Routine health screenings, ear cleaning, and joint support are essential, especially for active working dogs.

Living Conditions:

Best suited to active rural or suburban homes:

• Requires daily outdoor activity and space to roam

• Can adapt to indoor living if well-exercised and mentally engaged

• Not ideal for apartment life or sedentary households

• Good with children and other dogs if socialized early

• Strongly bonded to family, dislikes long isolation

Exercise:

High activity needs:

• Needs 1.5–2 hours of exercise per day

• Enjoys hunting, swimming, long walks, and nose work

• Boredom can lead to chewing or restlessness

• Ideal for active families or hunters

Mental challenges are just as important as physical ones.

Grooming:

Low to moderate grooming:

• Brush 1–2 times per week to prevent matting

• Minimal trimming—natural coat is low maintenance

• Clean ears regularly to prevent infections

• Maintain nail trimming and dental hygiene

• Bathe only when dirty—the coat resists grime and moisture

Sheds moderately and is easy to maintain overall.

Advantages:

• Highly versatile hunting dog for land and water

• Intelligent, loyal, and trainable

• Distinctive appearance with unique gray coat

• Calm, steady temperament with good home manners

• Low grooming needs

• Strong bond with family

Disadvantages:

• Needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation

• Sensitive to harsh training

• Rare—hard to find outside Slovakia or central Europe

• May develop separation anxiety if left alone often

• Not ideal for apartment living

• Can become bored or destructive if underworked