Cesky Terrier

Origins and History

The Cesky Terrier (FCI #225) was created in the Czech Republic in the late 1940s by František Horák. He crossed the Sealyham Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and a local Czech terrier type to produce a versatile, low‑maintenance hunting companion capable of working in dense underbrush. The breed was officially recognized by the Czech Kennel Club in 1965 and accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1989. Although originally a working terrier, the Cesky Terrier has become a popular companion and show dog worldwide.

General Characteristics

• Compact, rectangular build with a well‑balanced proportion.
• Calm, friendly temperament; good with children and other pets when properly socialized.
• Originally bred for small‑game hunting and vermin control, now excels in conformation showing and family life.

Physical Specifications

• Height at withers: 13–14 inches (33–36 cm) for both males and females.
• Weight: 13–18 pounds (6–8 kg), proportionate to height.
• Body: Length slightly greater than height, deep chest, well‑arched ribs, strong hindquarters.
• Head: Medium‑sized, slightly rounded skull, dark eyes, ears set high and carried forward.

Coat and Color

• Coat: Long, slightly wavy, harsh outer texture with a soft, dense undercoat. Hand‑stripped for show; may be clipped for pet use.
• Accepted colors:
  • Mouse gray (a shade of gray) overlaid with black.
  • Solid black with tan points (chin, cheeks, eyebrows, and legs).
  No white markings are permitted.

Temperament Considerations

Cesky Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, yet they possess a gentle independence inherited from their hunting ancestors. They respond best to consistent, positive‑reinforcement methods and can become stubborn if training is overly harsh or inconsistent.

Training Essentials

• Early socialization: expose puppies to a variety of people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks.
• Exercise needs: moderate daily activity (30–45 minutes) plus mental enrichment.
• Common training challenges: occasional willful streak, sensitivity to harsh corrections, and a tendency to become bored without varied tasks.
• Recommended approach: reward‑based training, short frequent sessions, and incorporation of scent‑work or agility to keep interest high.

Daily Grooming

• Brushing: at least once daily with a slicker brush or pin brush to prevent tangles and remove loose hair.
• Bathing: as needed (typically every 4–6 weeks) using a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo.
• Nail care: trim nails every 3–4 weeks to avoid overgrowth.
• Dental care: brush teeth 2–3 times per week with a canine‑safe toothpaste.

Show Preparation

• Hand‑stripping: remove dead coat by hand every 4–6 weeks to maintain the harsh, glossy texture required in the ring.
• Clipping (pet line): if the dog is shown in a clipped coat, clip to a uniform length of about 1/4 inch, preserving the natural line.
• Pre‑show bathing: bathe 24–48 hours before the show, allowing the coat to dry completely before hand‑stripping.
• Ear cleaning: clean ears weekly with a vet‑approved solution to prevent debris buildup.
• Ring presentation tips: keep the coat neat, tail docked to the natural break (if legal in the jurisdiction), and ensure the dog stands squarely with a relaxed, confident expression.

Common Health Issues

• Patellar luxation (grade I–II most common).
• Hip dysplasia – screening recommended for breeding stock.
• Eye conditions: hereditary cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
• Hypothyroidism – may present with weight gain and coat changes.
• Skin sensitivities such as atopic dermatitis can occur; regular coat care helps mitigate flare‑ups.

General Care

• Exercise: moderate daily walks and play; avoid excessive high‑impact activities that stress joints.
• Nutrition: high‑quality balanced diet appropriate for small to medium breeds; maintain ideal body condition to protect joints.
• Lifespan: typically 12–15 years with proper care and health monitoring.
• Screening recommendations: annual orthopedic exam, eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist, and thyroid testing as indicated.