Cesky Terrier Basics

The Cesky (pronounced Chess-key) Terrier, or Bohemian Terrier is a relatively new breed of terrier created by the Czech geneticist Frantisik Horak in 1948. Bred to hunt in packs, the Cesky Terrier is a short-legged and well-muscled dog. Its head is wedge shaped and its high-set, triangular shaped ears fold forward onto its head. The Cesky’s coat is distinctively long and silky and its face sports a bushy beard, moustache and eyebrows.

Like most breeds of terrier, the Cesky is energetic and playful, but is comparatively more reserved and trainable. They are an extremely affectionate breed of dog and get along excellently with children. However, they are prone to stubborn and willful behavior when not given strong leadership. Therefore it is important that the Cesky’s owner establishes himself as the pack leader early on.

The Cesky Terrier is one of the six rarest dogs in the world and is also the national dog of the Czech Republic.

The Cesky (pronounced Chess-key) Terrier, or Bohemian Terrier is a relatively new breed of terrier.

Origin

The Cesky Terrier was created by Mr. Frantisik Horak by crossing Scottish Terriers with Sealyham Terriers. Mr. Frantisik Horak’s intention was to create a hunting dog with a body narrow enough to be able to retrieve prey from dens and burrows in the forests of Bohemia. The breed was first imported to the USA in 1987 and is still an extremely rare breed.

Pedigree

The Cesky Terriers ancestors are the Scottish Terrier and the Sealyham Terrier.

Food/Diet

Cesky Terriers can be fed twice a day on high quality kibble or raw/canned food. Care should be taken not to over-feed them as they have voracious appetites and will often over-eat.

Originally bred as hunting dogs, Cesky Terriers are highly intelligent and extremely obedient, making them fairly easy to train.

Training

Originally bred as hunting dogs, Cesky Terriers are highly intelligent and extremely obedient, making them fairly easy to train. However, like most terrier breeds, they can be willful and stubborn when not given strong leadership. Therefore it is important to maintain a calm and assertive authority when handling this dog.

Weight

Cesky Terriers weigh between 13 to 23 pounds.

Temperament/Behavior

Cesky Terriers are one of the milder and easier going breeds of terriers and make excellent companions for owners young and old. They are extremely gentle with children of all ages and get along well with dogs and other animals, provided that they are socialized well from an early age.

Cesky Terriers love people and are fairly trusting of strangers. They are also very brave and highly attentive and make good guard dogs.

Strong and assertive leadership is important with these dogs as they can turn stubborn and willful when they feel that they are pack leaders. They can also develop small dog syndrome and other aggressive tendencies if not given rules, boundaries and limitations from an early age.

Common Health Problems

The Cesky Terrier is, generally speaking, a very healthy breed of dog. Some may occasionally suffer from Scotty Cramp which can cause awkward movement. However, this disease is not painful or life threatening.

Life Expectancy

A well-cared-for Cesky Terrier will often live for up to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

Like all terriers, Cesky Terriers are a highly energetic breed and require regular exercise and play. When not given the chance to spend their excess energy they can often turn destructive. Therefore they are best suited for families with large yards or gardens where these dogs can play and romp freely. However, they are also able to live in smaller living spaces provided that they are given regular exercise. Although a small breed of dog, they make excellent jogging and hiking partners and should be walked for at least an hour each day.

Cesky Terriers are one of the milder and easier going breeds of terriers and make excellent companions for owners young and old.

AKC

The AKC has this to say about the Cesky Terrier: “The Cesky Terrier is a well-muscled, short legged and well-pigmented hunting terrier that was developed to be worked in packs. The breed originated in the Czech Republic and is considered one of the country’s national breeds. As such, it has been featured on postage stamps, on television, in books and even in a movie. The Cesky has natural drop ears, a natural tail, and sports a soft, long, silky coat in shades of gray from charcoal to platinum.” The Cesky Terrier was officially accepted into the Foundation Stock Service Program by the American Kennel Club in 2004.

Coat

Grooming makes up a significant part of the Cesky Terrier’s care and maintenance. Their hair should be trimmed at least four times a year with an electric clipper. They are generally not stripped like most other breeds of terriers. It is also important to brush the Cesky Terrier’s long hair at least twice a week to prevent it from knotting and tangling.

Puppies

Cesky Terrier puppies should be socialized at a very young age with strangers and other animals. This socialization should continue throughout their life due to their somewhat reserved nature towards strangers.

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