Czechoslovakian WolfdogCharacteristics, history, training and care

In 1955, Colonel Karel Hartl began a scientific experiment in the Czechoslovak army kennels: crossing a Carpathian grey wolf with a German Shepherd. The first puppies, from the she-wolf Brita and the German Shepherd Cézar z Březového háje, were born on 26 May 1958, at Libějovice.

The FCI standard says the experiment showed that puppies from both combinations could be raised and had the qualities needed for further breeding. The AKC says the aim was a hardier dog for the Czechoslovak border guards. In 1965 the breeding plan for the new breed was drawn up, and in 1982 it was recognised as a national breed.

How the breed developed

• 1955 – Karel Hartl begins the crossbreeding experiment.
• 26 May 1958 – The first puppies are born, at Libějovice.
• 1965 – The breeding plan for the breed is drawn up.
• 1982 – The breed is recognised as a national breed of Czechoslovakia.
• 30 May 1999 – The FCI definitively recognises the breed.
• 2024 – The AKC publishes the breed standard.

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.

The standard describes it as a sturdy, above-medium-sized dog with a rectangular body. In its body shape, movement, coat, colour and mask, it resembles the wolf.

General appearance

The small, slanting eyes are amber. The erect, thin, triangular ears are short. The high-set tail hangs straight, and when the dog is excited it raises it in a sickle shape.

The coat is yellowish-grey to silver-grey, with a characteristic light mask. The hair is also light on the underside of the neck and on the chest. Dark grey with a light mask is also allowed.

The AKC says it is a primitive breed with a dominant, independent personality, which calls for a different kind of training. Consistency and patience are a must. It is very intelligent, curious and versatile.

Early socialisation and training are very important. Well trained, it excels at many activities, but it must understand the point of the exercise.

Tips for effective training

• Start socialisation early. It is suspicious by nature.
• Be patient and consistent. Commands repeated for no reason bore it.
• Give it a job. The AKC says it needs an activity with a purpose.
• Do not leave it alone in the yard. The AKC says this does not work with this breed.

The AKC says it has boundless energy, especially as a puppy and adolescent. It needs long walks or runs every day, combined with mental activity: swimming, hiking, retrieving or frisbee.

Tips for a balanced life

• The fence must be very solid and high.
• It is not suited to beginners.
• It needs to spend a lot of time with its owner.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the weather-resistant coat sheds mud by itself and rarely needs a bath. It sheds twice a year, and then it must be brushed daily. The nails grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly.

Common health problems

It is generally considered hardy. As with any large, active dog, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Trim the nails regularly: they grow quickly.
• Check the ears and teeth weekly.
• Check for ticks after outings in nature.

The AKC says good-quality food for medium and large breeds is suitable. The portion size and number of meals should be set together with the vet or the breeder.

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.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Adjust the portion to its daily activity.
• 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, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

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 large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Born of an experiment. The breed started from a scientific experiment by the Czechoslovak army.
• A border guard dog. The AKC says it was bred for patrols on the Czechoslovak border.
• It rarely barks. The AKC gives it the lowest score for barking.
• Exceptional senses. It has very good sight, hearing and sense of smell.
• A rescuer. Some dogs work in search and rescue in Great Britain.

Is the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog half wolf?

No. It started from crossing the wolf with the German Shepherd in 1955, but today it is a dog breed recognised by the FCI.

How big does it get?

Males measure at least 65 cm and weigh at least 26 kg; females at least 60 cm and 20 kg.

Is it suitable for a family?

Only for an active, experienced family. It is very loyal, but independent and suspicious.

Does it bark a lot?

No, it rarely barks.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–16 years.