Cesky Terrier Dog Breed Guide: A Pet Parent Guide
Ranked 185th out of 197 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Cesky Terrier is clever, adventurous, and family-oriented. This guide will review the breed’s history, personality, lifestyle requirements, and more.
Breed Basics
| Breed Group | Terrier Group |
| Temperament | Clever, adventurous, family-oriented |
| Life Span | 12-15 years |
| Weight | 14-24 Ibs |
| Height | 10-13 inches |
| Colors | Grey (charcoal to platinum), with or without white, black, brown and yellow markings |
| Origin | The Czech Republic |
Cesky Terrier History
The Cesky Terrier was born in the Czech Republic due to the efforts of one man – Frantisek Horak. Frantisek Horak was a geneticist, breeder, and sportsman who grew up hunting in the Bohemian forests.
According to him, the ideal hunting dog should follow prey underground like a true Terrier, hunt in packs like a true Hound, and be obedient like a true Retriever. To create the perfect hunting dog, Horak crossed the Sealyham Terrier with the Scottish Terrier.
Later on, he introduced two other breeds into the mixture – the wirehaired Dachshund and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The end result was a new dog possessing all the qualities Horak aspired for.
There is an old Czech adage that says, “Like a dog, like a master.” With bushy eyebrows, long beards, and lustrous mustaches, this definitely describes Horak and his dog breed. Although popular among hunters and sportsmen worldwide, the Cesky Terrier remains a relatively scarce breed. It is estimated that there are no more than 600 Cesky Terriers in America.
Best Dog Food for Cesky Terrier Dog Breed
Selecting the best dog food for the Cesky Terrier dog breed is crucial for their health and vitality. Opt for a high-quality dog food designed for small to medium-sized breeds, as Cesky Terriers fall into this category. Look for a formula with real meat as the primary ingredient, providing essential proteins for their overall well-being. Incorporate whole grains, vegetables, and fruits for a well-balanced diet.
- Complete and balanced nutrition has antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Optimal levels of omega-6 fatty acid nourish the skin and help keep his coat shiny and healthy.
- Whole grains and a special fiber blend support healthy digestion with a delicious roasted chicken flavor.
- Unique, crunchy texture helps clean the teeth with every bite to support good oral health between brushings.
- Proudly made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients; contains no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or sugar.
- One (1) 22.0 LB Bag - Merrick Dry Puppy Food, Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Grain Free Dog Food Recipe
- Real deboned chicken is always the first ingredient in this grain free dry dog food with 60% protein and healthy fat ingredients and 40% produce, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other natural ingredients
- With 67% of protein from animal sources, this healthy dog food recipe offers the ideal combination of protein and healthy fats to help a dog maintain optimal weight and increased energy
- High protein dog food with omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and shiny coat, plus glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs to help maintain healthy hips and joints
- With no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, this natural dog food grain free recipe has DHA to support healthy brain development and smaller sized kibble that is perfect for your pup
- One (1) 30 lb. Bag - Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Salmon and Rice Formula
- Oat meal is easily digestible and gentle on the digestive system
- High protein formula, with real salmon as the first ingredient
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health
- Used to be known as FOCUS Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice Formula
Cesky Terrier Appearance
The Cesky Terrier is short, has muscular legs, a long wedge-shaped head, and a longer spine than other dogs. The almond-shaped eyes are proportionate to its head, and its ears are set high, but droop down.
The breed’s hallmark traits include bushy eyebrows, a beard, and a mustache. These standout features give the cesky terrier an overall serious appearance.
Size
Cesky Terrier males and females are 10-13 inches tall (25.4-33 centimeters) and weigh about 14-24 pounds (6.3-10.8 kilograms).
Coat & Color
The Cesky Terrier’s coat is long and moderately wavy. Cesky Terrier puppies are born either black or black and tan. As they mature, the coat color turns to gray. All shades of gray are acceptable – from platinum to charcoal.
Cesky Terrier Grooming & Maintenance
The long and silky hair of the Cesky Terrier requires tons of grooming. To prevent mats and tangles, you should brush the coat daily. However, it can be done several times a week as well.
Monthly bathing will help keep the dirt at bay and retain the coat’s natural shine. The Cesky Terrier needs at least four professional trimmings per year. Moreover, the Cesky Terrier’s hallmark facial hair causes issues in other places. Excess hair grows in the ear canal and between the paw pads.
Because of that, the ears are prone to wax buildup and require weekly checking and cleaning as well as monthly trimming of the hair inside the ear canal.
As in all small dogs, tartar accumulation can be an issue unless the teeth are brushed more than three times per week and the mouth is regularly cleaned. Finally, monthly nail trimmings are necessary to keep the nails short and prevent cracking and splinting.
Cesky Terrier Temperament & Personality
Although more laid-back than its Terrier cousins, the Cesky Terrier is still true to its Terrier heritage – it is an active, brilliant, adventurous, outgoing, family-oriented dog.
It is kind, friendly and patient with children of all ages, protective and loving toward family members, and friendly with familiar people but reserved with strangers. Unlike other Terriers, the Cesky Terrier gets along well with cats and other smaller pets.
On the other hand, Cesky Terriers are also stubborn, strong-willed, tenacious, and prone to chasing, digging, and barking.
Training your Cesky Terrier
Raising a well-trained and properly behaved Cesky Terrier is based on obedience training and proper socialization. The Cesky Terrier has a strong prey drive, but if raised together and properly trained, it can learn to get along with other pets.
Interestingly, it was bred to thrive in a certain environment – hostile forests of Bohemian. It would hunt a wide range of prey – from duck and pheasant to rabbit, fox, and wild boar; the Cesky Terrier is tenacious, brave, and smart.
If properly channeled, these qualities can make the training process a piece of cake. On the other hand, they make the training a nightmare if the handler does not know how to properly focus into positive behaviors.
Cesky Terrier Exercise Requirements & Energy Level
The Cesky Terrier loves to be physically active, and playtime with family is a great way to get it. Although a generally active dog, its exercise needs are definitely lower than in most Terrier members. Generally speaking, two moderate walks per day are enough to keep the Cesky Terrier physically stimulated.
It should be noted that bored and well-rested Cesky Terriers are prone to excessive digging. If you are not fond of moonscape craters in your backyard, make sure your Cesky Terrier is physically and mentally stimulated.
Common Cesky Terrier Health Issues
The average lifespan of the Cesky Terrier varies between 12 and 15 years. Despite its relatively long lifespan, the Rat Terrier is predisposed to several breed-specific conditions.
The most frequently reported major issues include orthopedic problems (hip dysplasia and patellar luxation), cardiac problems, eye disorders (cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy and lens luxation), cancer and obesity.
The Cesky Terrier is particularly prone to a neurological disorder known as Scotty Cramp. It is not life-threatening, but it is a debilitating and uncomfortable disorder that manifests with strong spasms and impaired walking.
Health Concerns
- Patellar luxation
- Cardiac problems
- Eye disorders
- Scotty Cramp
- Obesity
- Cancer.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club
- Cardiac Exam
- Patella Evaluation
- Dentition Exam
Diet And Nutrition Needs: Feeding your Cesky Terrier
Cesky Terriers need a high-quality diet consisting of healthy proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Homemade diets are beneficial, especially for cheesky terriers with a more sophisticated palate. To keep the coat shiny, it is advisable to use an omega-3-rich supplement.
Additionally, cheeky terriers are gluttonous about their food and tend to gulp and overeat if not supervised. Overeating leads to obesity. Obesity is not a disease, but it is a risk factor for several life-threatening diseases. Considering the breed’s predisposition to orthopedic issues, heart problems, and certain types of cancer, obesity should be avoided, and the Cesky Terrier’s food intake should be closely monitored.
Tips for Adopting & Raising a Cesky Terrier
Purebred Cesky Terriers usually cost between $1300 and $2600. A Cesky Terrier puppy with exceptional parental lineage may cost well well-above $3000. Adopting through rescue organizations or from a shelter is much more budget-friendly, but considering the breed’s rarity, finding a Cesky Terrier that needs adoption is not an easy task.
The above-mentioned price is just the purchase cost. Once the pup is home, there will be additional expenses for food and other supplies (treats, bowls, toys, harness, leash, beds), training classes, grooming, insurance, and last but not least – vet bills.
Parenting a Cesky Terrier is a huge commitment in terms of time, responsibility and money. The good news is the Cesky Terrier retains most of its Terrier qualities while being mellower and more easily tractable. The bad news is you will have to spend lots of time at the groomer’s saloon.
You will also have to invest in extensive socialization and obedience training to redirect the strong prey drive into something positive. Running away is always an option with the Cesky Terrier, which is why it needs to be microchipped and wear an ID collar tag.
Cesky Terrier FAQs
Q: Do Cesky Terriers shed?
A: Members of this breed are classified as moderate shedders – they shed twice yearly (early spring and late fall). Just because they do not shed extensively, it does not mean they are low-maintenance. The Cesky Terriers need daily brushing, monthly bathing, and professional trimming every two to three months. Unlike most Terriers, the Cesky Terrier does not need hand stripping.
Q: How much does a Cesky Terrier cost?
A: The Cesky Terrier is a relatively expensive dog breed. It is completely reasonable to expect purchase costs to vary between $1300 and $2600. This is because the Cesky Terrier is a scarce breed – there are around 600 registered breed examples in the USA. Plus, the Cesky Terrier has small litters with only two to four puppies.
Q: Are Cesky Terriers good pets?
A: The Cesky Terrier is an exceptionally smart dog with an adventurous spirit and a natural fondness for children. It is also loyal, devoted, and protective. These traits make the Cesky Terrier an amazing family dog, even for families with small children.
Q: Are Cesky Terriers hyperactive?
A: No, although a member of the Terrier family, the Cesky family is mellower and more even-tempered than most Terriers. It is fond of physical activities, but it is also fond of spending the day cuddling or playing with family members.
Official Resources: Breed Clubs, Rescues & Helpful Links
- Official Breed Club: Cesky Terrier Club of America
- Rescue A Rat Terrier: Rescue Committee of the Cesky Terrier of America
- Official AKC Profile: Cesky Terrier Breed Information
- Breed Standard: Official Standard for the Cesky Terrier
- Find a Puppy – AKC Marketplace: Cesky Terrier AKC PuppyFinder
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