The Cesky Terrier is a small-sized dog that only stands at a height of 13 inches. They feature a long body, short legs, and a fine, silky coat in blue-gray and light coffee brown colors. They have wavy facial hairs, triangular-shaped ears hanging down, and a wedge-shaped head.
Despite their size, Cesky Terriers are not lap dogs. They are energetic and are always active, which makes them a perfect fit for active families. But unlike other terriers, they are calmer. They are loving and affectionate dogs and can get along well with children and other pets. Sadly, they are one of the rarest dog breeds and are undeniably hard to find.
Cesky Terrier Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Terrier |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Height | 10-13 inches |
| Weight | 14-24 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
Cesky Terrier Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
Cesky Terrier History
Cesky Terriers were developed in 1949 by a Czechoslovakian geneticist, breeder, and hunter, Frantisek Horak.
Horak desired for a dog that could go to the ground and hunt rats like terriers, hunt in packs like hounds, and gentle companions at home like the retrievers. So, he decided to cross his Scottish Terriers with Sealyham Terriers to create his desired terrier breed.
The cross’s result was an elegant, pack-hunting terrier with beautiful, soft coats in gray colors. The dog also came with keen scenting abilities. Horak was also the one who designed the dog’s haircut that would show off the dog’s overall build.
Every step and process of breeding, Horak documented. But the dogs are still considered one of the rarest breeds that you can still trace back to the very foundation.
The Cesky Terriers were imported to the United States around the 1980s, and Horak died in the years after in 1996. Although he didn’t witness the American Kennel Club recognizing his dog breed in 2011, he was still mentioned in the AKC Gazette as the man who persevered through World War II and the communist revolution to create this beautiful breed.
Today, Cesky Terrier ranks 185th in popularity among all other dog breeds in the US, but they are known to be the only Czechoslovakian dog breed in the AKC Stud Book. They are very rare, but it’s no denying how precious these dogs are.
Cesky Terrier Temperament
Cesky Terriers are clever, adventurous, family-oriented dogs. These dogs have excellent hunting instincts, probably greater than most terriers, but, they are calm and laid-back dogs indoors.
These are not dogs for anyone. They need moderate exercise, time, and personal attention. If left alone for long periods until they’re bored, expect some very destructive behavior. So, they should be included in all kinds of family activities and given outlets for play.
They are known to be loyal and affectionate to family. They get along well with children and pets that grew up with them. But toddlers would require supervision, and if you have small pets, it’s best to keep them away from these dogs.
Cesky Terriers are usually reserved with strangers, but they do greet them once introduced. Early socialization is necessary to make them more well-rounded and to develop a more stable temperament. Get him accustomed to new people, animals, sights, and sounds to bring out confidence instead of fear of anything new.
Training might come challenging, as these dogs can be stubborn. It’s important to keep sessions short and exciting. You also need lots of patience and don’t ever treat them harshly. Instead, encourage them through positive reinforcements.
Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Cesky Terriers don’t have special dietary requirements. What’s important is to provide him with a high-quality and well-balanced meal daily that is right for his age. Choose high-quality ingredients, dog food, and dog treats. Add fruits and vegetables, and make sure to stay away from ingredients they’re allergic to. It’s also essential to be careful of the number of calories you’re feeding him in a day. These dogs love to eat, so it’s your job to control his portions. Include calculating the calories in his dog treat if you’re giving him one. If you don’t know the best feeding portions or ingredients to feed him, we highly suggest asking your vet. He’ll be able to formulate with a feeding guide that matches your dog’s age, metabolism, and activity level.
- Grooming: Cesky Terriers have a unique type of coating that sheds occasionally. It needs weekly brushing to stay smooth and silky. This also helps ensure that the coat is free from mats and tangles. Hand-stripping is not recommended for these dogs. Instead, it would be best if he’s taken to a professional groomer for clipping. This will ensure that your dog’s coat remains neat and that it is groomed correctly. You can ask the groomer to teach you how to do it properly, too, so you can save money. These dogs need regular baths, and you should pay close attention to cleaning his ears. This will help prevent ear infection. Nails should be trimmed regularly, too, so it stays short and won’t cause pain and discomfort to your dog.
- Exercise: Cesky Terriers are not very active dogs, but they do need regular exercise to remain fit, healthy, and happy. They don’t require strenuous activities; instead, they’ll be content with long walks and regular play sessions with his owner. Always remember to put him on a leash if not inside a securely fenced yard. These dogs have a high prey drive, and they will chase prey once he scents it.
- Health: Cesky Terriers are generally healthy dogs. However, they also develop certain health conditions if not taken care of probably. Though they may not acquire all these diseases in their lifetime, it’s still helpful to know them. For these dogs, one of the most common problems is Scottie Cramp. This is nothing to be nervous about, though, as it is not life-threatening and will be solved if you give him enough serotonin in his system. Another common disease is patellar luxation, so it’s important to keep exercise to a minimum. Some dogs also experience eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, while others have cardiac problems. We highly recommend meeting at least one of your dog’s parents to be aware of any genetic problems your dog might acquire. Closely monitor your dog’s behavior, too. If you notice any changes, take him immediately to the vet.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Cesky Terriers is 12-15 years.
Fun Facts about Cesky Terriers
- Cesky Terriers were developed in the Czech Republic around 1949.
- The only dog breed from Czech as recorded in the AKC Stud Book.
- They were developed by a Czechoslovakian geneticist, Horak.
- They were developed to hunt hare, fox, and red deer in the Czechoslovakian woods.
- These dogs descended from Scottish Terriers and Sealyham Terriers.
- They are rare dogs in the US.
- They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2011.
Check Out Other Terrier Dog Breeds:
Airedale Terrier, American Hairless Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Border Terrier, Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Glen of Imaal Terriers, Irish Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terriers, Skye Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier