The Czech Fousek: Characteristics and Personality
The Český Fousek, also known as Czech Fousek and Griffon, is a member of the family of wire-haired dogs. This is a loyal and friendly dog breed in general, and is nicknamed “gun dog supreme“. It’s a highly prized breed.
This breed is native to the former principality of Bohemia, the current Czech Republic, and most people think it’s a French breed. There are many references to Bohemian hunting dogs, generally assumed to be Fousek ancestors, in documents dating from the fourteenth century.
The political turmoil of the early twentieth century was particularly violent in Eastern Europe. It was nearly fatal for the Czech Fousek. As the war developed throughout the region, the reproduction of this breed came to a halt. At the end of the war in 1918, the Austro-Hungarian Empire ceased to exist and a new nation, Czechoslovakia, was proclaimed. However, the Czech Fousek was on the verge of extinction.
There are few specimens of this breed today, but people seek their qualities as pointers and retrievers all the same. Their loyalty and versatility make them even more popular among their admirers.
This dog breed was immensely popular in France; people loved their acute nose and their cautiousness as hunters.
By 1887 the Fousek was already a standard and stable breed. It was inevitable that this breed would become widely popular, even though it decreased during World War II. Fortunately for their fans, the Český Fousek recovered its rightful place in the sports hunting scene immediately after the war.
Features of the Czech Fousek
The most characteristic features of the Český Fousek are, without a doubt, their beard and mustache. In addition, their nearly perfect shape and size make them ideal as pointers and retrievers.
Their body is slightly longer and not too tall; it can adapt to almost any type of terrain. However, their strength and endurance are this breed’s most outstanding characteristics.
Also, their rough, kind-of-curly-but-not-really fur withstands working on any terrain. It usually has an outer, medium gray color coat that’s long and straight with brown markings.
On the contrary, the inner layer of the coat is thick, soft and delicate. It offers protection in swampy places and even protects the animal from the cold. The movements of this breed are fast and efficient.
Personality and temperament
The Český Fousek is a versatile animal that’s affable as a pet and yet fierce as a hunting dog. They’re quite loyal as family pets – friendly and always willing to please. In addition, they play well with other pets and dogs, even if they’re strangers.
These dogs have several skills that make them rather popular. They’re fantastic field dogs, and expert retrievers and pointers, well-equipped to hunt in forests and in swamps all the same. In addition, they can follow instructions from a human hunter while, at the same time, remaining independent.
This dog is also very effective hunting for rats and mice inside the house. Please note that the Fousek needs a strong owner and is not fit to live in reduced spaces. In contrast, they require large living quarters and plenty of opportunities to exercise.
Care and health of the Fousek
The Český Fousek loves most forms of exercise, running in the field in particular, as well as jumping around and jogging. They need a daily exercise routine in order to drain some of their energy.
To avoid ear problems, you should clean their ears regularly. In addition, to maintain their overall health, the hair of the ear canal region must also be removed regularly.
Brush the hair of a Fousek one or even twice a week. In addition to this, try to remove all of their loose hair at least twice a year.
This dog breed can live outdoors as long as they have access to a warm shelter. In general, they have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years and are rarely ailed by any major diseases.
However, they may be afflicted by some health conditions such as canine hip dysplasia, external otitis, ectropion, and entropion. To identify these problems at an early stage, have them regularly evaluated by a veterinarian.
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- Moravčíková, N., Kasarda, R., Kukučková, V., & Trakovická, A. (2016). The canine melanophilin gene polymorphisms in Slovakian Rough-haired Pointer. Acta Fytotechnica et Zootechnica, 19(5).
- Beccaglia, M., Ronchese, M., Grieco, V., Parma, P., & Luvoni, G. C. (2012). XX/XY chimaerism/mosaicism in a phenotypically female Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog. In International Symposium on Canine and Feline Reproduction.