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Cesky Terrier

Keen and alert with a balanced temperament, the Cesky Terrier is a pack hunter developed in the Czech Republic. This well-muscled, short-legged breed is a loyal, loving family companion but needs continued socialisation due to his reserved nature with strangers. Though not as excitable as other terriers, the Cesky still will chase something of interest. The breed requires regular exercise, and his fine coat needs moderate grooming with monthly clippings.

DID YOU KNOW? The Cesky Terrier was developed by Czechoslovakian geneticist Frantisek Horak.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Ceský Teriér, Bohemian Terrier

The need-to-know

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Living Considerations
Good with children, not hypoallergenic, suitable for apartment living
Size
Small
Height
25 to 33 centimetres at the withers
Weight
7 to 10 kilograms
Coat
Medium
Energy
Medium
Colour
Any shade of gray from charcoal to platinum; may have white, brown, black and/or yellow markings
Activities
Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Tracking
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor
Personality

The Cesky Terrier is a gentle-natured terrier when it comes to people. He can be reserved with those he doesn't know, but is friendly with those he's acquainted with. His working instincts are still keen – he is a tough and agile dog, with a fair amount of energy and stamina. He can be stubborn, but with the right motivation can show off his versatility and has competed in the canine sports of obedience and agility.

History and Origins

A relatively new breed, this national dog of the Czech Republic was created by Frantisek Horak, a breeder and geneticist, in 1949. Horak enjoyed hunting and decided to cross the Scottish Terrier with a Sealyham Terrier, to produce a smaller dog that would work in a pack and also go to ground, fitting into burrows that defeated the Scottie and Sealyham. The Cesky Terrier dog breed was used for hunting everything from fox, rabbit and game to wild boar!

Nutrition and Feeding

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Exercise

The Cesky Terrier breed needs about an hour's exercise a day. His hunting instincts can come to the fore on an off-lead walk, so do ensure his recall is reliable before letting him off the lead in public areas.

Other Information

Health and Common Issues

The Cesky Terrier is generally a healthy dog. However, in common with many smaller breeds, they can also suffer from can suffer from kneecaps that may temporarily slip out of place (luxating patellas).

Best Family Dog Breeds

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.