Pet Wiki

Český fousek

Canis lupus familiaris

Also called Cesky Fousek, Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon, Rough-coated Bohemian Pointer, Barbu tchèque

A keen, clever working dog that is also gentle and devoted at home.

SizeLarge
Weight22 to 34 kg (49 to 75 lb)males 28 to 34 kg, females 22 to 28 kg12
Height58 to 66 cm (23 to 26 in)males 60 to 66 cm, females 58 to 62 cm12
Lifespan12 to 15 years3
CoatWire coat in three layers
OriginCzech Republic (Bohemia)14
GroupFCI group 7
Recognised breedShort profile
Easy to train and eager to work with people
Versatile hunter in field, water and forest
Loyal and even-tempered family companion
132

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.13

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.12

Coloursdark roan with or without brown patchesbrown with ticking on chest and lower legssolid brown12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Český fousek. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. A true all-round gundog that is happiest with daily running, swimming, retrieving or scent work.12

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.31

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.13

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.124

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    'Fousek' comes from the Czech word for whiskers, a nod to the breed's beard and moustache.4

  2. 2

    The coat has three distinct layers, with guard hairs reaching about 5-7 cm.1

  3. 3

    It ranks as the second most common hunting breed in its homeland.2

  4. 4

    The breed helped lay the foundations of the Slovak Rough-haired Pointer.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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.5

Name ideas for your new friend

FousekBroukKuličkaČiperaPepíkŠtěpánLípaHopsalkaGriffWeizenBleskRychlík

A day in the life told by a Český fousek

I leap out of bed, my beard already wet from my water bowl. My human laughs and grabs the leash. We run to the pond, and I dive in, splash! I fetch a stick, then shake all over. On the way home, I point at a pheasant, frozen like a statue. Good bird. At home, I snuggle with the kids and let them tug my beard. After a nap, I do a quick patrol of the garden, then curl up for dinner. A perfect day of work and love.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 245, Group 7 (pointing dogs); standard dated 19631
UKC
Recognised 1 January 1996, Gun Dog Group2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

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.6

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.7

How often should I bathe a Český fousek?

Pet Wiki'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.8 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki's plan recommends weekly brushing.31 Pet Wiki 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.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Český fousek need?

This breed needs high daily exercise like running, swimming, or scent work. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play. A well-exercised Český fousek is a happy, calm companion.12 Pet Wiki 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.8 Pet Wiki 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.3

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.13

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.13

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Slovak Rough-haired PointerGerman Wirehaired PointerWirehaired Pointing Griffon

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 245 Cesky Fousek fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Cesky Fousek - United Kennel Club ukcdogs.comused for recognition, weight, coat, history, fun facts
  3. Český Fousek - Royal Canin royalcanin.comused for lifespan, grooming, temperament
  4. Český fousek - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, fun facts
  5. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.