Český fousek
Canis lupus familiaris
Also called Cesky Fousek, Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon, Rough-coated Bohemian Pointer, Barbu tchèque
From Czech Republic (Bohemia)12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
FCI figures. UKC gives 28-36 kg (62-80 lb) for males and 22-28 kg (48-62 lb) for females.
Coat and looks how to spot one
wire coat in three layers
A strong, medium-built pointer with a noble outline. Its weatherproof coat has three layers: a short, soft undercoat, a harsh topcoat of a few centimetres and longer guard hairs. A bushy beard and upward-sweeping eyebrows give the face its famous whiskery look, and the feet are webbed for water work.13
Personality what they are like
A keen, clever working dog that is also gentle and devoted at home. It learns quickly, likes having a job to do and is usually patient with children and other animals when raised with them.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. A true all-round gundog that is happiest with daily running, swimming, retrieving or scent work.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Moderate. Brush the wiry coat weekly and tidy the beard after meals and swims; occasional hand-stripping keeps the coat in good texture.41
Home where they are happiest
Suits an active, outdoorsy household with space to roam and regular access to fields or water.1
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and devoted to its owner; it enjoys working and spending time alongside the family.14
The story where it all began
Before the First World War this was the most widespread pointing dog in the Czech and Slovak lands. Its numbers fell sharply by the 1920s, and breeders rebuilt it from the remaining dogs through careful planned matings. It was accepted by the FCI in the 1960s and is again one of the leading hunting breeds at home.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
'Fousek' comes from the Czech word for whiskers, a nod to the breed's beard and moustache.2
- 2
The coat has three distinct layers, with guard hairs reaching about 5-7 cm.1
- 3
It ranks as the second most common hunting breed in its homeland.3
- 4
The breed helped lay the foundations of the Slovak Rough-haired Pointer.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 245, Group 7 (pointing dogs); standard dated 19631
- UKC
- Recognised 1 January 1996, Gun Dog Group3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Český fousek. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Český fousek, and at what times?
Feed your Český fousek at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. The exact times depend on your schedule; ask your vet for a routine that works best.5
What should a Český fousek eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Offer a high-quality dog food suited for active breeds. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, and garlic. Always check with your vet for the right amount.6
How often should I bathe a Český fousek?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets muddy. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect the coat.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Český fousek need brushing?
Brush your Český fousek's wiry coat weekly to remove loose hair and keep it looking tidy. Furry Diary's plan recommends weekly brushing.41 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Český fousek's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut small bits at a time, stopping before the quick. Ask your vet or groomer to show you the first time.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Český fousek need?
This breed needs high daily exercise like running, swimming, or scent work. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play. A well-exercised Český fousek is a happy, calm companion.13 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Český fousek's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth at least twice a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, especially since floppy ears trap moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Český fousek live?
A Český fousek typically lives 12 to 15 years. With proper care, they enjoy a long, active life.4
Is a Český fousek good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Český fousek is usually gentle and patient with children and other pets, especially when raised together. It is a devoted family dog.14
Can a Český fousek be left alone?
This breed is very people-oriented and may not do well when left alone for long periods. It's best to avoid long absences; consider a dog walker or daycare. Ask a good breeder for advice on your situation.14
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 245 Cesky Fousek fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Český fousek - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, fun facts
- Cesky Fousek - United Kennel Club ukcdogs.comused for recognition, weight, coat, history, fun facts
- Český Fousek - Royal Canin royalcanin.comused for lifespan, grooming, temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.