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.

If you want to learn about other pointer breeds, check out our page "Different Pointer Dog Breeds".

Size: Medium to Large

Life Expectancy: 12–14 years

Breed Appearance:

The Slovak Roughhaired Pointer is a strong, athletic, and well-balanced dog with a rugged yet elegant appearance.

The breed commonly features:

• Broad, slightly rounded head
• Strong, moderately long muzzle
• Amber to light brown expressive eyes
• Medium-length, pendant ears
• Deep, well-developed chest
• Strong, muscular neck
• Straight, sturdy limbs
• Medium-length tail carried level or slightly raised

Its harsh, wiry outer coat and dense undercoat provide excellent protection against harsh weather, water, and rough vegetation.

Common coat colour includes:

• Grey in various shades (light silver-grey to dark grey), often with white markings or ticking

The breed's bushy eyebrows, beard, and moustache create a distinctive, alert expression.

Breed Type – Sporting / Pointing Dog:

The Slovak Roughhaired Pointer is an intelligent, energetic, and highly versatile sporting dog.

It is known for being:

• Loyal
• Intelligent
• Affectionate
• Energetic
• Courageous
• Eager to please

The breed forms strong bonds with its family and is generally excellent with children and other dogs when properly socialised. It thrives on close companionship and purposeful work.

Training:

The Slovak Roughhaired Pointer is highly intelligent and eager to learn.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation
• Positive reinforcement methods
• Basic obedience training
• Recall training
• Field work
• Retrieving exercises
• Water-retrieving practice

The breed excels in:

• Pointing
• Retrieving
• Tracking
• Blood trailing
• Field trials
• Search and rescue
• Obedience

Consistent, reward-based training helps develop a reliable and confident working companion.

Health & Care:

The Slovak Roughhaired Pointer is generally healthy but may be prone to several health concerns, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
• Allergies
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Ear infections

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Slovak Roughhaired Pointer thrives in active homes where it has plenty of space and opportunities for exercise.

Ideal environments include:

• Houses with large, securely fenced yards
• Rural or suburban homes
• Active families
• Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts
• Homes with access to forests, fields, lakes, or hiking trails

The breed prefers living indoors with its family and is not well suited to apartment living unless its high exercise requirements are consistently met.

Exercise:

The Slovak Roughhaired Pointer has very high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Long daily walks
• Running
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Retrieving games
• Field work
• Scent work
• Mental enrichment activities

At least 2 hours of daily exercise is recommended to keep the breed physically fit and mentally stimulated.

Grooming:

The wiry coat requires moderate maintenance.

• Brushing two to three times per week
• Occasional hand-stripping to maintain coat texture
• Occasional bathing
• Regular ear cleaning
• Nail trimming
• Routine dental care

The breed sheds lightly to moderately throughout the year.

Advantages:

• Loyal and affectionate family companion
• Outstanding pointing, tracking, and retrieving abilities
• Highly intelligent and eager to train
• Hardy and versatile working breed
• Weather-resistant coat suitable for harsh conditions
• Excellent with children and other dogs

Disadvantages:

• Requires extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation
• Strong hunting instinct may lead to chasing wildlife
• Needs regular coat maintenance
• Can become destructive if bored or under-exercised
• Prone to ear infections due to pendant ears
• Not well suited to inactive households or apartment living without sufficient exercise