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The Cesky Terrier is an agile and hardy working terrier that is short-legged and rectangular in outline. Their drop ears, long beard and eyebrows give them an attractive if serious expression.
The coat is typically kept clipped into the traditional terrier style, short on the body, ears and head, long over the eyebrows, beard, legs and belly. The Cesky’s coat is slightly wavy with a silky sheen, and is hard and weatherproof to protect them from the elements and the undergrowth.
The Cesky Terrier breed can suffer from:
- Patellar luxation
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
The Cesky Terrier is a dog with a gentle, affable nature towards familiar people and family. They can be a little reserved with strangers but thorough dog socialisation and sensible introductions mean this need not be a problem. The working instinct of the Cesky Terrier is still keen, meaning early training to ignore certain animals, particularly cats if you have them is important. Ceskys can get along with animals they grow up with, though it would be a mistake to expect them to tolerate or be safe with pet rodents or rabbits!
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 3/5 |
| Easy to train: | 4/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 2/5 |
| Energy level: | 2/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 1/5 |
Country of Origin – Czech Republic
The Cesky Terrier is a relatively modern breed, created by Frantisek Horak, breeder and geneticist in 1949. As a fan of both genetics and hunting, Horak decided to produce his own breed, using existing terriers such as the Scottish Terrier and the Sealyham. It is likely that he also used Dandie Dinmonts and Wire-Haired Dachshunds to bring the size down further, as he wanted a dog that could go to ground, fitting into burrows that were too small for the larger Scottie or Sealyham.
Cesky Terriers were used to hunt everything, from wild boar to fox, rabbit and other game. Horak also wanted a dog that would work well in a pack, something terriers in general can struggle with, being inclined to argue amongst themselves, and today the Cesky remains a terrier that is often easier to integrate with other dogs, and indeed children, than many.
Those with some experience of terrier training and behaviour will enjoy this sparky, spicy breed. You’ll need some grooming skills too, to keep the coat in the style the breed is famous for which is also practical and weatherproof. The grooming requirements for this breed are such that professional grooming would be very frequent and costly, so that must be taken into account. Suited to homes without children, or with older teenagers.
An hour or more of physical dog exercise per day, with training, puzzle solving and dog games on top, will keep the Cesky entertained and content. Keep in mind this is a dog who can use sight and scent to hunt, and will dig, so activities that harness those skills for good will be appreciated and will help keep the Cesky happy, healthy and with their terrier instincts under control.
Not demanding on space, this is a small dog who can physically fit into the smallest of homes. A secure garden of a decent size is important though, with solid fencing – they can wiggle through the smallest of gaps. Suitable for town or country, but ensure you have access to a variety of walks and secure off lead spaces.
Small dog breeds, such as the Cesky Terrier, 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. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide.
The Cesky Terrier comes with a medium-length, slightly wavy coat that needs a fair amount of maintenance, though not as much as most terrier breeds, which are hand-stripped. The Cesky dog breed needs to be clipped every six to eight weeks and brushed at least once a week, with particular attention paid to the long hair on the face, legs and tummy. Feet and beard should be checked for debris and detritus daily. You can find out more about dog grooming and daily care with our article.
Clever, quick witted and fun, the Cesky will prove an enjoyable training companion for those who like a challenge and have a sense of humour. With the right methods, positive reinforcement and fun, the Cesky is easily capable of a high level of dog training, if you want to put in the work. For those who simply want a pet dog who behaves well, focus on early socialisation with animals, children and other people, and a solid, reliable recall around distractions and livestock. The Cesky Terrier can turn their paw to most dog sports - and can be surprisingly successful in scentwork.
More gregarious and more tolerant than many terriers, the Cesky can make an excellent family dog for those who have the time and inclination to socialise well, and train effectively. Small children easily mistake small cute dogs for toys, so perhaps wait until children are beyond toddler stage before adding a Cesky to your home.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with 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.
