If you love “terriers” there’s really no reason why you wouldn’t love to own a Cesky Terrier or Bohemian Terrier. However if you’re not “super” familiar with what it’s like to own a terrier, you’re definitely going to want to keep reading our article all about the Cesky Terrier.
Because in…
This article, we’re going to attempt to discuss all the pros and cons of owning a Cesky as well as provide you with some background on how the breed came into existence.
Then, once we have a general understanding of the breed, we’ll also want to address a few medical issues you’ll want to be on the lookout for prior to adopting your Cesky Terrier puppy or adult rescue Cesky Terrier.
Cesky Terrier Fast Facts
Origin: Czech Republic
Original Purpose: Small game hunter and livestock herder
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 15 to 30 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 15 years
Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs
Origin of the Cesky Terrier
The Cesky Terrier is a relatively new breed in that it hasn’t been around for centuries slowly evolving over time.
Instead, the Cesky Terrier was actually “created” in 1945 when a breeder known as Frantisek Horak decided to breed the Scottish Terrier and the Sealyham Terrier together, inheriting the work-focused attitude from both ancestors.
His goal was…
To combine the rambunctious rat catching instincts of the Scottish Terrier and combine it with the otter-hating, master hunter tendencies of the Sealyham Terrier to create the super hunting dog for his Czech homeland.
What happened next…
Was that soon after the Cesky Terrier was introduced to the Czech Republic this new little “pup” kick started a new trend in ‘Designer’ or ‘Hybrid’ types of dog.
Which over the years…
Has resulted in a “mixed” bag when it comes to results. In some cases, responsible dog breeds have used our “genetic” knowledge to avoid the propagation of many avoidable hereditary conditions.
While in other cases, breeders have used some of this knowledge to maximize certain “characteristics” that they may value at the expense of a particular dog or dog breed (Chiari malformations and Color Dilution alopecia are just two medical conditions that come to mind).
Fortunately…
With regards to the Cesky Terrier, only the “best” intentions were used when creating this unique little terrier, which is why you’ll find that even today, decades after they were originally created, they remain one of the healthiest terrier breeds out there.
Where has the Cesky been hiding?
Since 1945 and this breeds Frankinstein-esque beginnings, the Cesky has become a favorite breed with farmers throughout the English speaking world. They are good with pets, good with sheep and good with people.
Surprisingly though…
Cesky Terriers aren’t all that popular. Now it could be because some folks don’t think they’re the cutest of all the terriers (we like their short legs), or it could just be that the need for “working dogs” has simply declined. And since Cesky Terriers aren’t the type of dog that is going to be content sitting in someone’s lap all day!
Either way…
The Federation Cynologique Internationale puts this dog as one of the rarest in the known world. Which means that if you do decide to get your hands on one, not only are you going to have an awesome little working dog on your hands, you’re also going to have something of a rarity to brag about as well!
Oddly…
The Cesky Terrier was not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2011, when the Breed Standard was set. For more information about what an “ideal” Cesky Terrier will look like, we would recommend that you check out the Cesky Terriers Club based out of the UK or the American Cesky Terrier Fanciers Association which are both great resources for information about the Cesky Terrier dog breed.
What will my new Cesky look like?
Your new pup will have a striking shape to his head and neck. He will have a long neck and like most other terriers, your Cesky will have big beard. His fur will be very soft and come in all shades of Grey and can sometimes even appear silver!
Because…
Your Cesky will have a silky coat like most “Scottie dogs”, his undercoat will be prone to the same tangling that most “Scottie dogs” suffer from. This is why you’ll want to perform daily brushing on him or her is you want make sure that he or she remains “knot free”.
Traits, temperament and territories!
The Czech Terrier is one hundred and twenty five percent Terrier. From his Scottish Terrier rat-dog abilities to his Welsh Terrier herding skills – this is a dog will be best suited for an owner who will be able to keep his Cesky Terrier busy with plenty of exercise.
And you might think…
That because your Cesky Terrier isn’t all that big that he or she won’t require all that much room to roam around, but you would incorrect to make that assumption. Like we said, these little guys are “125% all terrier”.
So, their…
Going to hunt like a terrier, bark like a terrier and dig like a terrier. This is why if live in an apartment or a home without access to a secure yard, chances are, this isn’t going to be the “right” dog for you!
These are not…
The “type” of dogs you’re going to want to leave in an empty room with nothing to do but eat your shoes, furniture, toys or just about anything else he or she can get their teeth on!
And even when properly trained…
Terriers have been known to be a bit “spiteful” meaning that your terrier may know that he or she shouldn’t eat your favorite pair of shoes, but because you decided to leave them in the house all day, they just wanted to let you know how they “felt” about that decision!
That said…
If you do keep your Cesky occupied and do socialize with him often and find interesting chores for him to do around the house we think that you’ll find your Cesky will love you unconditionally for as long as you both shall live.
Is the Cesky Terrier a healthy breed?
As we mentioned before, the Cesky Terrier was created for all the right reasons using healthy terrier breeds to create a “master” hunter. As a result, the breed continues to remain quite health today with no “true” genetic dispositions towards any common ailments.
And while some…
May say that they are at risk for developing hip dysplasia, this risk is relatively low and not any higher than any other dog breed risk in our opinion.
But this does not…
Change the fact that you new pet may one day develop an illness or suffer from an injury which could require him or her to need to receive veterinarian care. This is why we always like to encourage anyone who is currently considering purchasing or adopting a new pet to also take a look at what it might cost to purchase a pet insurance policy on their animal as well.
The reason for this…
Is because owning a pet can be really expensive and you never know what conditions your dog may or may not develop over the course of his or her life. Which is why, knowing that you have a pet insurance policy in place that could help you afford the cost of treatment if the need arises is HUGE!
Now will…
A pet insurance policy be right for everyone? Probably not, but until you know what it costs how will you know if it’s right for you?
For more information, feel free to visit our article titled: Best Pet Insurance Companies.
