Cesky Terrier

The Cesky Terrier originated in Czechoslovakia in 1948 as a cross between a Sealyham Terrier and a Scottish Terrier. Breeder Frantisek Horak developed this breed with the objective to create a terrier-type of dog that could hunt in a pack without getting stuck in their dens, while also being a loving companion to its humans.

It took about 20 years for this breed to become of show-quality. It was recognised for international competition by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1963. It was first imported to the USA in the 1980's and was recognised by the American Kennel Club. It arrived in the UK in 1989 and was recognised by The Kennel Club in the Terrier group a year later. It is now considered Czech Republic’s national dog.

The Cesky Terrier is a short-legged, well-muscled hunting terrier, resembling a combination of its Sealyham Terrier and Scottish Terrier parent breeds. Boasting of a longer body than it is tall, it stands 27 to 29 centimetres at the withers and weighs 13 to 22 pounds. From tip to tail, it is about 60 centimetres in length. It has a blunt and wedge-shaped head, a strong square jaw with a perfect scissor bite, medium eyes, with a friendly expression, and high-set dropped ears. Its eyes and nose follow the colour of its coat.

The Cesky Terrier has a graceful and sophisticated appearance due in part to its adorable coat, which is slightly wavy with a silky sheen. It sports a long beard and mustache with its hair flowing from it forehead over the eyes. When joining shows, its hair must be clipped except on the foreface, legs and belly. According to KC standards, the accepted colours are grey-blue or light brown with yellow and grey markings.

As a breed with long hair whose classy appearance needs to be maintained, the Cesky Terrier has demanding grooming needs. It needs to be professionally groomed and trimmed on a regular basis so your work at home becomes easier. Once its coat is left in its natural state without being professionally trimmed, it will take a tremendous amount of time to maintain. Imagine having to spend at least 4 hours of brushing and combing once a week just to keep it in top shape. Unlike other terriers, the Cesky’s coat should be shaped and trimmed using clippers and scissors and not by hand stripping. It needs to be bathed weekly or bi-weekly, or every few months when regularly taken to the groomer’s.

Like most small dogs, Cesky Terriers are prone to dental problems because of their small mouths. Aside from brushing twice a week, occasional dental cleanings at the vet’s are suggested. Also make sure to clean its ears, trim its nails and inspect skin for fleas and red spots.

The Cesky Terrier is a calmer and more easy-going breed than most terriers. It is not particularly hasty or yappy. It rarely shows aggressive behaviour and does okay with unfamiliar people and dogs. However, it is often reserved and would prefer to keep its distance before warming up to strangers. It is a good-natured, loyal pet that loves being with family, which means that it cannot be left alone. There must be someone that stays at home when everyone else is out or it can be anxious and destructive.

It loves being with children and playing with them and although it is a placid type of terrier, supervision is still important to avoid accidental injuries. When it comes to other pets, well-socialised Cesky Terriers do well with most animals but you have to keep an eye on them in the presence of smaller animals as their prey drive is difficult to outgrow. It is important to expose your Cesky to different environments, people and situations to raise a well-rounded dog.

• Senior and less active: up to 540 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 610 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 680 calories daily

The Cesky Terrier is a rare breed in the UK so obtaining a well-bred puppy can be more challenging and expensive. Apart from being on a waiting list, you have to pay no less than £500 and higher to £1,200. Here is a list of some of the expenses of owning a Cesky Terrier:

• Insurance - £20 to £50 per month for basic and lifetime coverage, respectively
• Basic equipment (bed, grooming accessories, leash and collar, bowl, etc.) - initial cost of £200
• Food and treats - £30 a month
• Veterinary Fees (routine check-up, annual vaccination and worming/flea treatments - up to £800 a year, excluding major surgeries and long-term treatments