Cesky Fousek

The Cesky Fousek (Český Fousek) is a Czech hunting dog, used both in the past and today to hunt, point and retrieve. It belongs to the griffon family of wire-haired gundogs. Český means Czech, and fousek comes from the Czech words for facial hair or whiskers. Strictly the name applies to a male; a female is traditionally called a Česká Fouska.

History

Written standards for the breed were first set down in the nineteenth century. In the 1920s it came close to extinction, and Czech breeders saved it by crossing in other versatile hunting breeds such as the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Wirehaired Pointer.

That history made international acceptance difficult. The German kennel club opposed recognition on the grounds that the breed was genetically almost identical to the Stichelhaar, and the FCI did not recognise it until 1964.

A similar dispute arose in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s, when Cesky Fousek blood was introduced into the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Members split into two separate clubs: Cesky Fousek North America, formerly the Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Club of America, and the American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association.

The Cesky Fousek was also part of the foundation stock of the Slovak Rough-haired Pointer.

Appearance

This is a medium-sized, athletic dog with a wiry, muscular body and a coarse coat. Its bushy eyebrows, moustache and beard are its most recognizable feature. The ears hang loosely beside the face, and the deep-set, almond-shaped eyes are amber or brown.

Males and females differ a good deal in size. Males stand 60–66 cm (24–26 in) and weigh 28–34 kg (62–75 lb); females stand 58–62 cm (23–24 in) and weigh 22–28 kg (49–62 lb). The sturdy build lets the dog work over many kinds of ground.

Temperament

The Cesky Fousek is loyal and adaptable. It is highly trainable and works closely with people, which suits it to life with hunters and with families.

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