The Český Fousek is a Czech breed of versatile hunting dog that was traditionally and currently used to hunt, point, and retrieve.[1] The name is in Czech, in which český means Czech and fousek is derived from vousy (facial hair) or vousky (whiskers). While the name is used for both sexes, Český Fousek specifically refers to a male dog while the female is traditionally called Česká Fouska.[citation needed] The breed is part of the griffon hunting dog family and have the beard and moustache ("facial furnishings") common to wirehairs. There is a large difference in size between the females and males of this breed, with the weight difference being up to 11 kilograms (24 lb).

Český Fousek
Other namesBohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon
Rough-coated Bohemian Pointer
Barbu tchèque
OriginCzech Republic
Kennel club standards
Czech Kennel Club standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)

History

edit

The Český Fousek is a much newer wirehaired versatile hunting dog in relation to many other European or Continental breeds, with written standards first established in the nineteenth century and FCI recognition in 1964. The breed nearly became extinct in the 1920s, and was saved by dedicated breeders in Czech Republic by breeding with other versatile hunting breeds, such as the German Shorthaired Pointer and German Wirehaired Pointer. This caused problems for acceptance of the breed by the FCI as the German Kennel Club (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen) opposed it based on being nearly genetic identical to the Stichelhaar.[citation needed] Separately, this happened again in the US in the 1980s and 1990s with infusion of the Český Fousek into the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, causing a split among members and the forming of two new and separate clubs,[2] the Cesky Fousek North America (formerly Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Club of America) and the American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association.[3][4]

The Český Fousek was used in the creation of the foundation stock of the Slovak Rough-haired Pointer.[5][6]

Description

edit
 

Appearance

edit

A medium-sized breed with a coarse coat, the Český Fousek is an athletically built dog with a wiry, muscular body. Their most noticeable trait is their distinguishing facial fur. Their soft, bushy eyebrows, mustache, and beard are what make them so recognizable. Their velvety ears hang loosely to the side of their face, while their endearing almond-shaped eyes are deep-set and can be amber or brown in color.

Size

edit

Mid-sized dog. Height for males 60–66 centimetres (24–26 in), for females 58–62 centimetres (23–24 in). Weight for males 28–34 kilograms (62–75 lb), for females 22–28 kilograms (49–62 lb).

The Český fousek is known for its strong, sturdy build, which allows it to work effectively in various types of terrain. This breed is especially valued for its excellent hunting abilities, including pointing and retrieving in water and on land"Cesky Fousek". ifauna.cz. Retrieved 14 June 2024..

In addition to their physical attributes, the Český fousek is known for its loyal and adaptable temperament. They are highly trainable and work well with humans, making them excellent companions for hunters and families alike"Discover the Cesky Fousek: Rare Family Friendly Hunting Dog". ceskyfousekna.org. Retrieved 14 June 2024..

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Breed Standards : Cesky Fousek". ukcdogs.com. United Kennel Club. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  2. ^ "The Crisis in North America to Save the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and the Cesky Fousek (June 2020)". 8 June 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  3. ^ "Transition from Korthals Griffon to Bohemian Griffon". ceskyfousekna.org. 13 May 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  4. ^ "History". awpga.com. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  5. ^ "Slovensky hrubosrsty stavac - chovatelska stanica". danibull.sk. Danibull Kennel. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  6. ^ "Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Dog Breed Information". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
edit