The Cesky Fousek, hailing from the Czeck Republic, is a superb gun dog and equally exceptional companion. Becoming an owner of this rare breed will, however, require patience and commitment as puppies aren’t abundant. Most Ceskys are bought by serious hunters and gun dog enthusiasts, and litters are almost always bred with hunting ability being of upmost importance. In the North American club, all dogs are expected to complete a hunting test before 16 months of age so that breeders can continuously evaluate their breeding programs.
Fouseks are one of several types of “griffon” breeds, which refers to their tousled, triple-layered wire haired coat. Despite the similarity in looks, this is not the same dog as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon although the two breeds share a close genetic relationship. They are also closely related to the Stichelhaar (German Roughhaired Pointer), another similarly-coated breed. This wiry coat is easy to care for and allows them to live comfortably in most climates. Baths only need to be given when needed and the coat only needs a quick brushing once a week or so. After hunting or in rainy weather, a quick wipe-down with a towel will suffice in keeping the dog fairly clean. This dog does shed, but only moderately so. Do take note to keep the ears clean as hanging ears are more prone to collecting dirt and grime.
Cesky Fouseks love kids and other dogs alike, and tend to make great family dogs. They are not aggressive and instead are happy-go-lucky, friendly fellows who enjoy playing vigorously. Even when out and about, the Cesky is just as friendly to strangers as known friends. Possessing a lower prey drive than similar breeds, many are also able to live, and coexist, with smaller animals as long as they’ve been socialized to them. While most people who own Ceskys are hunters, they recognize that hunting seasons are short compared to the whole year and having a dog who is pleasant to live with is a necessity! This means that the dog should have a calm and collected demeanor while in the home.
While easy to live with, this does not mean that a Cesky Fousek is sluggish or lazy. Quite the opposite is true – they need regular daily excersize in order to thrive, and lots of it – no matter the weather! Furthermore they need room to stretch their legs and cannot be kept in an apartment or similarly small home. A home with a 6 foot fenced yard is recommended because of their Houdini-esque powers of escape. Prospective owners must be active and willing to include the dog in their everyday exercise routines! Fouseks are known to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone – a downside to many super-social, affectionate dog breeds. Although not normally a loud breed, they can become barkers when in the throes of separation anxiety.
Fouseks are eager to please and take well to training. Despite their easygoing temperaments, obedience is a necessity simply because of their large size and athletic, enthusiastic natures. They need mental and physical exercise to challenge them – without both, they will quickly become frustrating dogs to live with. This is an intelligent dog although is slow to mature, often retaining puppy characteristics well into the third year of life and beyond. Give them a job to do (ideally both hunting as well as obedience training) and you will be rewarded with a hard-working companion and partner.
