The Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon grows three hair types, each measured separately in the FCI standard. Soft 1.5 cm undercoat keeps moisture from the skin, beneath 3 to 4 cm harsh outer hair and 5 to 7 cm guard hairs protruding over the chest, back and shoulders. A beard of longer, softer hair and eyebrows pointing diagonally upwards complete the picture.
| FCI | Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.3 Continental Pointing Dogs, Griffon type, Standard No. 245, with working trial |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Czech Republic (formerly Czechoslovakia) |
| Size (height at the withers) | males 60 to 66 cm, females 58 to 62 cm |
| Weight | males 28 to 34 kg, females 22 to 28 kg |
| Life expectancy | no reliable study figure found (N/A) |
| Coat | rough coat with three hair types: dense undercoat (almost entirely shed in summer), harsh outer hair and long, straight guard hairs; beard and pronounced eyebrows |
| Colours in the standard | dark roan with or without brown patches; brown with ticked markings on the forechest and lower legs; brown without markings; particolour not permitted |
Almost lost, then rebuilt
According to the standard, the breed was widespread before the First World War but close to extinction by the mid-1920s. Systematic breeding from a few typical survivors created today’s type. A genetic study of 405 dogs adds detail: the German Wire-haired Pointing Dog and German Short-haired Pointing Dog helped rebuild it. Later, the Fousek itself helped the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon in the USA. It nevertheless remained genetically distinct (Neradilová et al. 2019). Do not confuse it with the Slovakian Wire-haired Pointing Dog, which has a separate standard.
Keen on predators, yet affectionate
The standard describes an all-rounder with innate ability in field, water and woodland. Despite keenness against predators, it is easy to handle and very attached to its person. In everyday life, that means a cooperative hunting assistant who does not automatically see cats and chickens as housemates.
Work for nose and stamina
The appearance should convey endurance and strength, both of which need an outlet: searching, pointing and retrieving on land and from water. Without hunting, provide substitutes through tracking, dummy work and long outings.
A changing coat
The undercoat sheds almost completely in summer, when regular brushing helps. Dead hair can be plucked to keep the outer and guard hairs harsh. Clean beard and lip folds after meals. The 1998 German standard also calls for docking three-fifths of the tail and removing dewclaws. Whether this is permitted depends on the law where the dog lives. In Germany, docking is generally prohibited under Section 6 of the German Animal Welfare Act; exceptions apply only in individual cases.
Bare flanks and other findings
Fouseks show an unusually high frequency of seasonal, sharply defined bare areas on the flanks without darkening of the skin. The technical term is atypical recurrent flank alopecia. A study of 216 dogs found evidence of many contributing genes rather than simple inheritance (Neradilová et al. 2022). No study-based lifespan is available: McMillan and colleagues did not analyse the breed. Ask breeders whether flank alopecia is known in the line.
Suitable for
Hunters wanting a versatile pointing dog for fields, woodland and water, and very active, experienced people who regularly offer serious scent work.
Less suitable for
Homes with freely roaming cats or chickens, first-time owners and anyone wanting a calm companion for short walks. A dog once almost lost should be able to live where those abilities are needed.
Find out whether a bearded hunting dog fits your routine with the breed quiz; our book “Which Dog REALLY Suits You?” (book in German) explores it more thoroughly. For the first weeks with a puppy, the free Puppy Starter Pack helps. Capture your Fousek’s beard and eyebrows through our dog portraits, perhaps as a poster in a wooden frame.
Further reading
- Weimaraner: the beautiful hunting dog who never clocks off
- Autumn shedding in dogs and cats: what is normal and when it is not
- Puppy biting: teaching bite inhibition without spoiling the fun
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: FCI Standard No. 245 Český Fousek (Böhmisch Rauhbart) (fci.be, German version dated 07.08.1998, English version dated 07.08.2013, valid original standard dated 21.05.1963); Neradilová S et al., Tracing genetic resurrection of pointing dog breeds: Cesky Fousek as both survivor and rescuer, PLOS ONE 2019; Neradilová S et al., Atypical Recurrent Flank Alopecia in the Cesky Fousek, Genes 2022; McMillan KM et al., Scientific Reports 2024.
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