Description

The Cesky Terrier, also called the Bohemian Terrier, is a short-legged, The Cesky Terrier has a long head, bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. The body is solid, but not heavy. Agile and robust. The wavy, silky coat usually comes in various shades of gray-blue with tan, gray, white or yellow furnishings or light coffee, though puppies are born black. The coats lighten later, sometimes not until the dog is two years old. The light coffee color is quite rare. All colors are permitted with or without white markings. The skin pigment is gray for blue-gray dogs and flesh-colored for brown dogs. Eyes are brown in gray-blue dogs and yellow in brown dogs. The noses and lips of blue-gray dogs are black; for brown dogs it is liver. The ears are triangular, folding forward close to the head. The head is long, but not too wide, with a well-defined stop. The undocked tail is 7-8 inches (18-20 cm.) long, carried horizontally when the dog is excited.

Origin

The Cesky Terrier exists due to the efforts of a Czechoslovakian breeder named Frantisek Horak. The Cesky is a relatively new breed, terriers. In the 80s breeders felt that the Cesky Terrier had moved to far away from the way Mr. Horak wanted them to be, so they again crossed in Sealyham Terriers. The Cesky's original purpose was to hunt vermin in their dens, especially rats and foxes. Horak tired to produce a breed with a narrower head and chest, and a softer coat than other terriers, so it would be easier for the dog to enter burrows. He also bred for an easy-going temperament, making the Cesky Terrier a delightful companion dog. Cesky Terriers were first imported to the United States in about 1987 and there were approximately 150 known here in 1993. The breed may be shown at rare breed, state kennel club, National Cesky Terrier Club and some UKC and FCI shows. The Cesky Terrier is a good hunter, tracker, watch and guard dog.

Temperament

The Cesky Terrier is playful yet protective, sporty yet calm. A sweet and happy dog that is good with children. Patient and brave, they are very loyal, obedient and courageous dogs. Intelligent and more trainable than many other terriers. They are easy to handle. It is important to socialize a puppy, letting it meet with various people and different animals in positive circumstances to experience a variety of situations to enable it to grown up to be a happy adult. They love people, especially children and are fairly friendly with strangers, but like most terriers, it is feisty, stubborn and fearless. This sociable dog gets along well with other dogs and with other household animals. A good dog to travel with. It is an excellent companion dog that is capable of playing with children, yet at the same time being an attentive and threatening house guard.

Height

Height: 10-13 inches (25-32 cm.)

Weight

Weight: 13-23 pounds (6-10 kg.)

Known Health Problems

This is a very hardy breed that is not prone to any major hereditary diseases. Occasionally, the Cesky have been known to get Scottie Cramp, a minor problem causing awkward movement, it is not painful or life threatening.

Conditions for Living

The Cesky Terrier is a good dog for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Exercise Requirments

The Cesky Terrier enjoys running and playing through a wooded area or lead, but always in a safe area. They are small, but will make a fairly good jogging companion. Ceskys have an average demand for exercise.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Grooming

The Cesky should be trimmed regularly, leaving the hair long on the stomach and legs and around the face to form the moustache, beard, and eyebrows. For pet dogs it will need to be trimmed at least four times a year. Show dogs require more frequent grooming. Cesky Terriers are clipped with electric clippers, not stripped like most other terriers. The longer hair needs to be brushed and combed at least twice a week, depending on the condition of the coat, to prevent tangles. Clip the excess hair between the pads of the feet and remove loose hair in the ear passages. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Group

Gun Dog, Terrier