AKC Terrier Group
History
The Cesky Terrier, also called the Bohemian Terrier, exists due to the efforts of Czechoslovakian breeder Frantisek Horak. The Cesky is a relatively young breed, first recognized by the FCI in 1963. The Cesky’s original purpose was to hunt vermin, especially rats and foxes, in their dens. Horak sought to produce a terrier with a narrower head and chest, and a softer coat, so it would be easier for the dog to enter burrows. He also bred for an easygoing temperament, making the Cesky Terrier a delightful companion dog. Cesky Terriers were first imported to the United States around 1987. The breed entered the AKC Miscellaneous class in 2011 and is now a member of the AKC Terrier Group.
Description
A moderately long, low terrier, slightly high in the rear, the Cesky Terrier was developed to be a well-muscled, well-pigmented, athletic terrier that could hunt in packs. The body is solid, but not heavy. The dog has a long head and bushy beard, mustache, and eyebrows. The wavy, silky coat usually comes in various shades of gray-blue (light coffee color is quite rare) with tan, gray, white, or yellow furnishings, though puppies are born black or black and tan. 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. Blue-gray dogs have black noses and lips; brown dogs have liver-colored noses and lips. The ears are triangular, folding forward. The head is long, but not too wide, with a well-defined stop. The undocked tail is 7 to 8 in. long. The front legs are sturdy, short, and straight. Dewclaw removal is optional.
Key Facts
- Height: 10 to 14 in.
- Size: Small
- Weight: 13 to 22 lbs.
- Availability: Very difficult to find
- Talents: Hunting, tracking, earthdog, watchdog, and guarding
Notes
A very hardy breed prone to no major hereditary diseases. Occasionally, the Cesky has been known to get Scottie Cramp, a minor problem causing awkward movement (Scottie Cramp is not painful or life-threatening). Good with other animals. A good dog to travel with. Cesky Terriers are clipped with electric clippers, not stripped like most other terriers.
Personality
Playful yet protective. Sweet and happy. Patient and brave. More easily trainable than many terriers. Easy to handle. Reserved toward strangers, but loyal to his owner, and good with children.
Behavior
- Children: Good with children
- Friendliness: Reserved toward strangers
- Trainability: Slightly difficult to train
- Independence: Not particularly dependent or independent
- Dominance: Low
- Other Pets: Generally good with other pets
- Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive
- Noise: Average barker
- Indoors: Moderately active indoors
- Owner: Good for novice owners
Care
- Grooming: Regular grooming needed
- Trimming and Stripping: Moderate trimming or stripping needed
- Coat: Medium coat
- Shedding: Very light
- Exercise: Moderate exercise needed
- Jogging: A fair jogging companion
- Apartments: Good for apartment living
- Outdoor Space: Does all right without a yard
- Climate: Does well in most climates
- Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years)
Useful Links
AKC® Cesky Terrier Breed Standard
Cesky Terrier Breed Club
Search for a Breeder
ceskyterrierfanciers.com/ (Click Meet the Cesky Terrier then select Breeders and Puppies.)
Rescue Organizations
akc.org/dog-breeds/rescue-network/contacts/
