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Cesky Terrier – Choosing a Cesky Terrier

Gaining popularity in the Unites States, the Cesky Terrier is a dog that was developed in Czechoslovakia by Frantisek Horak. This geneticist also developed the Czech Piebald Dog. The Cesky Terrier is also referred to as the Czesky Terrier, the Czech Terrier, and the Bohemian Terrier.

The Cesky Terrier is a member of the American Kennel Club’s miscellaneous class in the Foundation Stock Service (FSS). The FSS is the AKC’s record-keeping system for rare breeds which are not yet fully AKC recognized.

History and Origin

Mr. Horak began developing the Cesky Terrier in 1949 to be an efficient hunting dog who worked well with other dogs on a hunting team. They were originally bred to hunt small animals in dens, such as rats and fox. This talented sporting dog was bred by crossing the Sealyham with the Scottish Terrier.
The Cesky Terrier is quite popular in the Czech Republic, featured on television, on stamps, and in books. Today the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. are becoming increasingly interested in this breed.

Appearance and Size

This terrier is small and sturdy with short legs, long hair, and drop-ears. His beard, mustache, and eyebrows are full and bushy. He stands 10 to 13 inches at the shoulders and weighs 13 to 22 pounds.
The Cesky Terrier is born black, but the coat color changes during the first three years of life. The final color ranges from silver to charcoal; some coats are solid, and others have lighter markings. The hair coat is soft, shiny, and slightly wavy.

Personality

The Cesky Terrier is one of the friendliest terriers and one of the least independent. He is a calm, pleasant dog who is eager to please and easy to train. The Cesky Terrier is playful and active outdoors, but also makes a quiet companion in the home.

Home and Family Relations

This breed is devoted to his family, but can be a bit shy around strangers. He does well with children and other pets, which is not a common trait of most terriers. Alert to his surroundings, this dog makes a talented watchdog.
Because of his love of his family, the Cesky Terrier should always live indoors. He adapts well to any home environment, from apartment life to country living. Exercise needs can be met with a walk each day or with interactive playtime with toys.

Grooming

The coat of the Cesky Terrier is low shedding and can be maintained with brushing or combing once or twice a week and clipping every six to eight weeks. Cleaning and clipping around the eyes and ears, nail trims, and trimming the hair on the feet are other regular grooming necessities to keep the Cesky Terrier clean and comfortable.

Training

These dogs are eager to please and intelligent, and, thus, easy to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement-type training. Of the terriers, the Cesky Terrier is generally less stubborn and more of a pleasure to train.

Common Diseases and Disorders

This breed is typically quite healthy, but can be prone to a condition called Scotty Cramps.

The average lifespan of the Cesky Terrier is 10 to 15 years.