Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer
Lifestyle Needs
The Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer is said to originate from the Czech Republic and is a recent arrival to the UK. As the name suggests, he is a hunt, point, retrieve gundog and reputed to be strong and versatile. He is large compared to some gundog breeds and has a double coat of medium length (grey, sometimes shaded with brown or sable) which protects and insulates against cold and wet weather. He needs regular grooming and plenty of exercise with opportunities for mental and physical challenges. He is more suited to a rural lifestyle, and ideally should be allowed to work as a gundog.
Genetic Diversity
(Known as Coefficient of Inbreeding: 'COI'. It should be as low as possible.)
The UK Kennel Club breed average COI is 4.0% - See 'A Beginners Guide to COI'
Gene Pool Size
(Known as Effective Population Size: 'EPS')
TBC
EPS is a measure of how many individuals are contributing genetically to a breed population. It is a measure of the size of the gene pool in a breed. Lower than 100 is considered critical by conservationists and below 50 brings a breed close to extinction. For more information see the Kennel Club article.
Health and Welfare Problems due to Conformation
(Body shape and physical characteristics)
- Metaphyseal Osteopathy: (an inflammatory bone disease)
BVA/KC Health Schemes: www.bva.co.uk/chs
- Hip dysplasia: breed mean score 10, parents should be lower
- Elbow dysplasia: score as low as possible ideally 0:0
- Eye disease
Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) : No EBVs are currently available for this breed
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/about-ebvs
DNA Tests Available
DogWellNet and IPFD Harmonisation of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD)
www.dogwellnet.com/breeds
None known
Availability of a DNA test does not mean that it is always necessary or even desirable for breeders to use this test.
Other Breed-Specific Health Screening Schemes
Breed health website:
www.srhphealth.org
Ask the breeder to show you the certificates for the above tests/screening for both parents. If any of the above tests have not been considered necessary by the breeder (and there may be good reasons), ask her to explain why.
Other Diseases Reported
(For which there are currently no genetic or screening tests for sire or dam)
- Idiopathic epilepsy
- Atopy / Skin allergies
- Seasonal alopecia
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Dry eye
Ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Consider carefully whether to purchase a puppy if some of these or other diseases are in the family line.
Ask about the breeder’s policy in cases of serious genetic diseases occurring to your puppy in later life. Good breeders will request to be informed of such events in order to improve future breeding decisions.
You are strongly advised to buy from a breeder who uses (or is prepared to use) the AWF Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP): www.puppycontract.org.uk
The breeder should also be familiar with the CFSG/DBRG Code of Practice for Dog Breeding