Cesky TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Cesky Terrier is the result of a cross between a Sealyham Terrier and a Scottish Terrier. The aim was a light hunting terrier with short legs, good pigmentation and practical drop ears, easy to groom and to train.

The breed was created by the Czech breeder František Horák, who worked as a research assistant at the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. Wikipedia tells how, when his dogs became known around the world, the letters he received from abroad drew the attention of the communist secret police.

How the breed developed

• 1949 – František Horák begins crossing the Sealyham Terrier with the Scottish Terrier.
• 24 May 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 11 March 1997 – The current FCI standard is published.
• 1997 – František Horák, the creator of the breed, dies.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a muscular, short-legged terrier, longer than it is tall. The back rises slightly towards the rump. It has drop ears and a natural tail.

General appearance

The medium-sized eyes have a friendly expression and are covered by long eyebrows. The triangular ears hang against the cheeks. The tail, ideally 18–20 cm long, hangs down at rest and is raised like a sabre when the dog is alert.

There are two colours: grey-blue, in all shades from charcoal to platinum (puppies are born black), and light coffee brown (puppies are born chocolate brown). Yellow, grey or white markings are allowed on the head, neck, chest, belly and legs.

The AKC says it is a little less stubborn than other terriers and therefore easier to train. Even so, it needs “an iron hand in a velvet glove”.

It shuts down if treated harshly, so training must be purely positive, with rewards. Its hunting instinct must be kept under control from the start.

Tips for effective training

• Use only positive methods. Harshness makes it shut down.
• Socialise it early. It is reserved with strangers and protective of its family.
• Always keep it on a lead. If it sees or smells prey, it may run after it.
• Try dog sports. It is intelligent and eager to please.

It enjoys daily walks and play with its owner. It is small enough to live almost anywhere, as long as it gets exercise every day.

Tips for a balanced life

• The yard must be well fenced.
• It is a good watchdog, but does not bark excessively.
• Keep it away from small pets.

Coat and skin care

Unlike other terriers, its coat is not stripped but clipped with scissors on the body, leaving the beard, eyebrows and the hair on the legs and belly longer. As the coat does not repel dirt, it needs regular baths. Hair in the ears must be removed to prevent infections.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, but breeders test their dogs for a few problems:

Other care

• Clean the ears regularly and pluck the hair from them.
• Trim the nails regularly.
• Brush its teeth often.

Choose a good-quality food for small breeds. Watch its weight so it does not get fat.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Created by a researcher. František Horák worked at the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences.
• Watched by the secret police. His correspondence with people abroad about his dogs drew the attention of the communist police.
• Born black. Grey-blue puppies are born black, and brown ones are born chocolate.
• Clipped, not stripped. It differs from most harsh-coated terriers.
• Rare worldwide. The AKC says there are so few of them that many dog groomers have never even heard of the breed.

How big does a Cesky Terrier get?

It measures about 25–33 cm at the withers and weighs 6–11 kg.

Is it easy to train?

Easier than other terriers, if training is positive.

How do you care for the coat?

It is clipped with scissors, not stripped, and needs regular baths.

Is it good with children?

Yes. The AKC gives it the top score for compatibility with children.

How long does it live?

Its life expectancy is 12–15 years.