The national dog of the Czech Republic, the Cesky Terrier, also called the Bohemian Terrier, is a small dog with short legs, a long body, distinct facial hair, and silky fur that is commonly trimmed along the back and sides. Small but sturdy, driven but docile, and lively but laid-back, Ceskys are well-rounded hunters who make lovable family dogs. But, as you might expect, such a dog is hard to find, and the Cesky Terrier is one of the rarest canine breeds worldwide. Ceskys were initially bred for hunting in 1949, but today they have a gentle manner with people but are still capable of seeing off vermin. In addition, unlike many trimmed terriers, which have hand-stripped wiry coats, the Cesky has clipped their body coat.
Cesky Terriers descend from the Sealyham Terrier and Scottish Terrier. While Ceskys are as stubborn and prey-driven as any other earthdog, they’re more easygoing than a typical terrier. Suspicious of outsiders and defensive of loved ones, Ceskys are good watchdogs without being extremely yappy. If you are looking for a puppy with boundless energy and an all-rounder who is playful, agile, adaptable, and devoted to their family, you will see your ideal partner in a Cesky Terrier.
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Cesky Terrier Overview
The Cesky Terrier is a long-bodied companion dog with short legs who is delighted to go on an adventure or curl up at home. They are an excellent choice for apartment dwellers who enjoy a backyard and regular outdoor playtime. Ceskys does well with kids and other pets when appropriately introduced. However, always be cautious that, as terriers, Ceskys have an intelligent nature that needs to be adequately channeled, or mischief may ensue. Compared to many strong-willed terriers, the Cesky is more submissive and obedient, making them a well-rounded pet with a warm temperament.
Cesky Terrier Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Easy to train
Can be aggressive toward smaller animals
Gets along well with kids
Can be shy without proper socialization
Less high-strung than other terriers
Needs consistent grooming
Cesky TerrierBasic Information
Name: Cesky Terrier
Origin: Czech Republic
Group: Terrier group
Size: Small
Height: 10 – 13 inches
Weight: 14 – 24 pounds
Coat: Long, silky fur
Color: Variable shades of gray, from black to platinum
Energy: High
Activities: Agility, conformation, watchdog, obedience, rally, farm dogs, and companions.
Cesky was born in the Czech Republic due to one man’s efforts – Frantisek Horak. Horak was a breeder, geneticist, and sportsman who grew up hunting in the Bohemian forests. According to Horak, the ideal hunting canine should follow prey underground like a true Terrier, hunt in packs like a real Hound, and be obedient like a true Retriever. So, to create the ideal hunting dog, Horak crossed the Scottish Terrier with the Sealyham Terrier in 1949. Unfortunately, only one puppy survived this litter, and the first Cesky was shot in an accident, causing him a setback with his breeding struggles.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the Cesky Terrier in 1963 and the United Kennel Club in 1993. Although widespread among hunters and athletes worldwide, the Cesky Terrier remains a relatively scarce breed.
Cesky Terrier Highlights
Even though many terriers are known as yappy, Ceskys are not.
Initially bred for hunting and tracking prey, Ceskys are designed to dig and still have that drive today.
Ceskys tend to be aloof with strangers and can be aggressive to other canines if they are not adequately socialized when young.
Although Ceskys enjoy exercise, they are not recommended as jogging partners. With their short legs, a short, brisk walk around your house is sufficient.
Ceskys require significant grooming, and their coats should be clipped several times a year.
Cesky Terrier Personality
The Cesky Terrier is a fun, good-tempered, devoted companion who is aggressive, active, domineering, and highly bonded to its owners. The sight of a Cesky is a scene of striking beauty. They are excellent watchdogs but can be snappy towards children if not treated gently or respectfully. Some Ceskys might be aggressive toward other small animals, but they live peacefully with dogs and cats if introduced to them from the very initial stage. In addition, they can be severe barkers and tend to be diggers with sturdy nails and feet.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
Medium to high
Kid-friendly
Medium
Pet-friendly
Low to medium
Stranger-friendly
Medium
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
High
Good to new owners
Medium to high
Sensitivity level
Medium to high
Tolerates being alone
Medium
Cold-tolerance
Medium
Heat-tolerance
Medium
Cesky Terrier Physical Features
Head: Long head with a short, slightly domed, flat skull, black nose, scissor or level bite teeth, almond-shaped medium-sized eyes, and small, triangle-shaped ears.
Neck: The neck is strong, thick, muscular, medium-long, and carried in a slight arch.
Topline and Body: Well-proportioned topline with a deep, broad chest, a fully muscled body with ribs extending into a long, muscular, broad, and slightly rounded loin, well-fitted flanks, and strongly developed rumps.
Tail: The tail should be about seven to eight inches long and carried downward or a saber-shaped horizontally or higher.
Forequarters: Muscular shoulders with a well-laid back and powerful forequarters. The forelegs should be straight, short, well-boned, and parallel. Forefeet should be large, with solid nails, well-arched toes, and well-developed pads.
Hindquarters: Strong, well-muscled with well-developed hocks, and the hind feet should be smaller but have well-arched and well-padded toes.
Coat: Scotties have a firm, slightly wavy with a silky gloss coat.
Color: Black, chocolate brown, and uniform shades of gray ranging from charcoal to platinum gray or light coffee.
Gait: Their gait is smooth, effortless, accessible, and agile, with a powerful drive and good reach in front.
Cesky Terrier Temperament
Ceskys are bold, assertive, playful, energetic dogs that are also perceived as strong-willed, friendly, and hyperactive. They are sportive, excel in any game, and are prepared for action and adventure. In addition, they are affectionate, prefer to be around their human families, and make ideal companions. They will quickly get along with kids, provided they are socialized as puppies.
Ceskys have excellent hunting skills and a strong desire to strive out and destroy vermin. Therefore, a fenced yard and leashed walks are essential for their safety. Furthermore, because of their herding instincts, Ceskys might attempt to herd smaller animals. So, sharing a home with a pet bird is not typically an ideal option. Also, Ceskys are mischievous beings who love fun and frolic. Hence, they frequently dig, chew, and exhibit destructive behaviors when not assigned a job. Therefore, it would help if you kept them mentally and physically stimulated.
Cesky Terrier Training
Training is the most substantial aspect while domesticating a Cesky Terrier. This is because Ceskys are pretty stubborn. Hence, enrolling them in advanced obedience and crate training sessions is recommended. Without this training, they tend to become bold, detrimental, and challenging to manage. However, they are stubborn, so successful training depends on finding a firm positive trainer to increase their confidence. It is necessary to use positive reinforcement, and an ideal way is to break their routine training into shorter daily sessions to maintain their attention span higher. Enrolling your Cesky in training exercises at a very young age is recommended to challenge their minds to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Also, leash training is essential due to their high prey drive. These are some of the training that you need to do with your Cesky Terrier:
Ceskys require much time and space to spend their high energy levels. You don’t have to take them for a jog or a long walk if you have a backyard where they can run and play. However, without a yard, you must invest your time in the dog’s park with a leash. However, they can quickly adapt to an apartment if their requirements are fulfilled. Furthermore, early socialization can avoid unnecessary guarding instincts and timidness. Hence, it is vital to encourage them to be occupied mentally. You can meet your Cesky Terrier’s daily exercise essentials by:
Ceskys are hypoallergenic, highly mild shedders. However, their trademark double coat will require a great deal of grooming. Their topcoat must be brushed twice or thrice weekly to keep it straight and tangle-free. Also, their thick, soft undercoat will need to be treated regularly, preferably through hand-stripping, in which the roots remove hair. If hand-stripping your dog doesn’t appeal to you, trimming their hair short is the alternative. Like all terriers, Cesky Terriers need their nails kept tidy and trimmed, their ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, and they need a regular dental care routine. And, if your Cesky smells less than its best, a bath will be necessary.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
Medium to high
Drooling tendency
Low
Amount of shedding
Low
Cesky Terrier Health
Ceskys are generally healthy, but like other terrier breeds, they’re prone to certain conditions and diseases. Thus, to keep them healthy, it is essential to take your Cesky to the vet for regular health check-ups and make sure they are updated with vaccinations.
Health Overview
Overall health
Medium to high
Weight gain tendencies
Medium to high
Size
Low to medium
Mitral Valve Disease: In this condition, the weakening of the heart valves causes blood to flow back into the atrium, leading to cardiac collapse. Vets can detect it early, so it’s essential to keep up with their routine examinations.
Luxating Patella: This disorder causes your dog’s knee joint to pop in and out of place, and surgery may be needed in severe cases.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): As a degenerative eye disease, PRA is an inherited condition that eventually causes blindness.
Cataracts: Like humans, canines can undergo cataracts. These cloudy spots on the eyes damage the ability to see. Your vet may recommend surgery to remove severe cataracts surgically.
Scottie cramp: A disorder in Scottish Terriers considered harmless to the breed. The symptoms of Scottie cramps occur when they are stressed or overstimulated, such as during mating, exercise, or fights.
Cancer: This disease can be cured by surgically removing tumors and chemotherapy. However, it is essential not to ignore the symptoms and diagnose them earlier.
Obesity: Ceskys are prone to obesity if proper diet and exercise are not provided. They may also get diabetes, which may be another cause of obesity.
Recommended Health Tests
Patella Evaluation
Dentition Exam
Cardiac Exam
Cesky Terrier Diet and Nutrition
It is recommended to measure food 1 to 1.5 cups that are high in quality, dry food to your Ceskys twice a day rather than letting the food on the plate all day long to eat. Since these breeds are potential weight gainers, it is better to monitor the quantity of food you offer. However, ensure the diet you provide is measured and tailored to your dog’s size, activity level, age, and weight. Likewise, limit the treats you give your Cesky, specifically while training.
Cesky Terrier Living Condition
Ceskys are adaptable and can thrive in any environment. However, they prefer human companionship, who can value and fulfill the needs of these affectionate, caring breeds. Also, they may locate an unwanted medium to keep themselves engaged when bored or lonely. Owing to their short size and less exercise requirements, the Ceskys can make their living in apartments too. Hence, they should not be left alone for long periods, mostly without toys to keep them equipped. On the downside, they undergo separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.
Did You Know?
Cesky is AKC’s 172nd dog breed.
Cesky has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 1996.
In its country of origin, Cesky has been pictured on postage stamps.
Adding a Cesky Terrier to Your Family
Getting a Cesky Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder is best to prevent inevitable circumstances like health diseases and provide you with vaccination certificates. In addition, it is best to check with the puppy’s parents to ensure their health and happiness.
