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Slovak Rough-haired Pointer
Sporting breed from Slovakia
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Slovak Rough-haired Pointer
The Slovak Rough-haired Pointer is a large, wirehaired sporting dog from Slovakia, typically weighing 25–35 kg and standing 62–68 cm tall. Its gray coat is harsh and wiry. The breed is described as intelligent, loyal, energetic, work-focused, and adaptable. It has a high energy level (score 5/5) and is moderately trainable (4/5). Grooming needs are moderate (3/5) with low shedding (2/5). Suitability with children and other dogs is moderate (3/5 each), and it is not well suited to apartment living (2/5). Estimated lifespan is 12–15 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Slovak Rough-haired Pointer at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupSporting
OriginSlovakia
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight25–35 kilogram
Female weight25–35 kilogram
Male height62–68 centimetre
Female height62–68 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Slovak Rough-haired Pointer was developed in Slovakia after World War II, in the 1950s. Breeders crossed German Wirehaired Pointers, Weimaraners, and Cesky Fousek with local hunting dogs. The goal was to create a versatile, durable gundog capable of pointing, tracking, and retrieving on land and in water. The breed was officially recognized by the FCI in 1983, but recognition status varies by other registries. As a sporting breed from Slovakia, it was designed for fieldwork and retains a strong work focus. Its origins are rooted in post-war efforts to produce a hardy all-purpose hunting companion. The exact contributions of each parent breed and the timeline of development are not fully detailed in available records, but the breed's characteristics reflect its mixed heritage. Today, it remains relatively rare outside its home country.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
25–35 kilogramAdult weight62–68 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesWirehairedCoat colorsGrayRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentloyalenergeticwork-focusedadaptable
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Slovak Rough-haired Pointer-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
Similar breeds
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Growth chart
Slovak Rough-haired Pointer puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight25–35 kilogramAdult female weight25–35 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Slovak Rough-haired Pointer?
Males and females both weigh an estimated 25–35 kg and stand 62–68 cm tall. Estimated lifespan is 12–15 years. These figures are modelled estimates, not definitive.
What is the temperament of this breed?
The breed is described as intelligent, loyal, energetic, work-focused, and adaptable. However, individual dogs may vary; not every dog will display all traits equally.
How much exercise does a Slovak Rough-haired Pointer need?
It has a high energy level (score 5/5), so it requires substantial daily exercise. It was developed for hunting and fieldwork, so activities like running, hiking, or retrieving are beneficial.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming needs are moderate (score 3/5) with low shedding (score 2/5). The wirehaired coat likely needs regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping, but specific care routines are not detailed in the facts.
Is this breed suitable for families with children or other dogs?
Child suitability and dog compatibility are both rated moderate (3/5). While generally adaptable, individual temperament and socialization play a large role. Always supervise interactions.
Can a Slovak Rough-haired Pointer live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is low (score 2/5). This breed is large and energetic, so it is better suited to a home with a yard and ample space for exercise.
Where does the Slovak Rough-haired Pointer originate?
It originates from Slovakia, developed in the 1950s after World War II by crossing German Wirehaired Pointers, Weimaraners, and Cesky Fousek with local hunting dogs. It was recognized by the FCI in 1983, but recognition varies by registry.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.