The Scottish terrier and the Sealyham terrier are the ancestors of the Cesky Terrier, a native breed of the Czech Republic. In spite of being originally designed to hunt vermin, the Cesky Terrier is a terrific dog to have around because of its loving attitude, moderate exercise requirements, and tiny size.
Small dogs, like these, are extremely friendly and playful with their human companions. In addition, their tiny stature and mild activity requirements allow them to adapt to apartment living comfortably. They're great for first-time pet owners because they're so adaptable and quick to pick up new skills. Pets can be couch potatoes or active members of the family, depending on their breed's preferences.
To learn everything there is to know about Cesky Terriers, read on.
Highlights
- The Cesky was one of the first breeds to be recognised by the American Kennel Club following World War II.
- When it comes to toys, Cesky is a monster. He'll have them in a jiffy. If you don't want to have to keep buying new ones, make sure the players are being watched.
- When compared to other terriers, the Cesky terrier is calmer and more peaceful.
- As a watchdog, it's loyal to its family and can be distrustful of outsiders.
- There is no need for more than an hour of daily exercise for this breed.
- However, it requires a lot of maintenance to keep its beautiful coat in good condition.
- It takes time and money to track down a Cesky, because they are such a rare breed.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
13 to 30 pounds
Lifespan
10 to 15 years
Height
10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder
History
It may seem impossible to design your ideal dog, but a hunter from Prague, Frantisek Horak, had just such an idea for a new breed of dog. Horak began a breeding programme in the mid-1900s with the goal of creating a terrier that was both a versatile hunter and an easy-going, trainable companion.
Some terriers, despite their hunting prowess, have a tendency to be overbearing and aggressive. Creating a small terrier that could hunt alone or in a pack while also being more laid-back and obedient was the goal of the Cesky.
Selectively breeding Scottish and Sealyham terriers with the ideal traits for this new breed helped Horak achieve his goal.
There is some speculation that the Dandie Dinmont terrier and wirehaired dachshund may have also contributed to the Cesky gene pool, but this is not well documented. Dandie Dinmonts are well-known for their placid demeanour, which is a major concern for Horak, and dachshunds are known for their long, low body type and ability to hunt large and small game.
In spite of the setbacks that many breeds suffered during World War II, Horak ensured that his progress with the Cesky terrier was not slowed down. It was only in 1963 that the FCI officially recognised the breed as a distinct entity.
Before the Cesky terrier was brought to the United States for the first time in the 1980s, about two decades had passed in Europe. Until 2011, the breed was only recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for the first time. Since this Bohemian terrier is one of the most rare dogs in existence today, it is even more exciting to find one.
Personality & Temperament
There's something endearing about the Cesky Terrier's cheerful demeanor and thoughtful nature. When it comes to strangers, the breed can be aloof and unfriendly, but once it gets to know you, it opens up. As a rule of thumb, Cesky Terriers should not be aggressive and they are often regarded as more reserved than other terrier breeds. Because of its quiet demeanour, the Cesky Terrier may be intimidated by youngsters if it isn't used to being around them.
If you leave your dog alone for long periods of time, it may develop separation anxiety; however, this isn't a common problem for the breed. Because of the breed's diminutive stature, they aren't often used as guard dogs, but they can raise the alert.
Care
As a result of the Cesky being bred to be docile and clever, these dogs are extremely trainable. They appreciate making their loved ones happy, and they're more than happy to join them for a workout. Cesky terriers require a bit more time and work from their owners when it comes to maintaining their long hair.
Health
Cesky Terriers can live up to 12 years old, although many live much longer than that. It's a healthy breed, but the UK Kennel Club classifies it as a Category 2 breed because of a specific issue with incorrect dentition.
As a precaution against a condition known as primary lens luxation in one of the founding breeds, eye testing is strongly recommended but not required. The following other Cesky Terrier health issues have been reported from time to time:
Patellar Luxation
The stifle, the hind leg's equivalent of the knee, is affected by this condition. Temporarily, the patella or kneecap is out of place. Depending on the severity, one or both of the back legs may be affected. Surgery may be necessary if the condition cannot be remedied by other means
Scottie Cramp
Serotonin deficiency is the cause of this condition, which is passed down from Scottish Terriers and is not life-threatening. Leg spasms are caused by a deficiency in serotonin, which is especially common after exercise or excitement.
Most of the time, symptoms go away on their own, but in rare circumstances, medication may be required to keep them under control, in which case vitamin E supplementation may be helpful. The breed club should be notified if a dog is showing signs of this disease and should not be used for breeding.
Recommended Health Tests
- Patella Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Dentition Exam
Nutrition
Avoid overfeeding your Cesky terrier at mealtimes or with goodies. It's crucial to keep these dogs on a schedule and not let them overeat because they have a strong focus on food. Obesity in dogs can lead to various health issues if they gain too much weight.
A high-quality food formula should be fine for the breed because they aren't known to have many food allergies. Your veterinarian can help you select the appropriate nutrition plan for your dog depending on your pet's age, weight, and activity level.
Grooming
The Bohemian terrier's coat is smooth and free-flowing, fittingly. The fine structure of the hair makes it prone to accumulating dirt, which needs regular bathing. Brushing your dog on a regular basis will help to keep tangles at bay and reduce shedding. Instead of hand-stripping, get this dog professionally clipped every six to eight weeks (depending on coat length).
Your Cesky's nails and ears will need to be trimmed and checked just like any other breed. With a cotton ball and ear cleaner, gently clean your dog's ears if you observe a build-up of dirt. Owners should brush their small dogs' teeth on a regular basis because they are more susceptible to dental issues.
Exercise
You can count on the Cesky, despite its diminutive stature, to be up for daily hikes of varying lengths (and he can even join you for a jog). Walking or backpacking this terrier will be an enjoyable experience for you. Just keep in mind that his small stature may limit him when it comes to climbing cliffs or crossing rivers.. Walking, running in the yard, or playing games for an hour a day will suffice to keep your Cesky happy.
Remember that Cesky were bred for hunting, so they can be prey-driven when out in nature with you. Keeping your dog on a leash or inside the confines of a fence is essential to preventing a wild pursuit and potentially dangerous scenarios.
Training
Because of Cesky's eagerness to please, this breed is a breeze to train. When pups are eight weeks old, you can begin teaching them the fundamentals of housetraining and obedience. Keep an eye out for subtle intransigence, though. You can expect the Cesky Terrier to have an independent streak if you don't keep it active in training and establish a strong pack hierarchy. In addition to enjoying learning new tricks, their high intelligence implies that they will be eager to practise what they've learned with you.
Affectionate and loyal to family members, these dogs are believed to be more reticent with outsiders. Until they feel at ease with the newcomer, they are cautious but not aggressive. While the Cesky's little stature makes it a strong deterrent to would-be burglars, a loud bark is also useful.
As long as children are well-behaved, this type of dog can coexist peacefully with different species of animals. The Cesky's dominant nature necessitates proper socialisation, especially with cats and smaller dogs. The Cesky's prey drive can be easily triggered by small pets like gerbils, hamsters, ferrets, and others, thus it's crucial to keep your pet away from them.
Children and other pets
In the presence of children, the Cesky Terrier should do exceptionally well. As a companion, it is patient, loyal, and fun-loving. The dog's modest stature also makes it accessible to all. However, all encounters between canines and small children should be closely monitored by parents.
Cesky Terriers, like children, get along with other dogs best when they've been properly socialised. Your Cesky Terrier's inherent predation drive may get the better of him if you have tiny animals like rabbits or even cats. Because of this, Cesky Terriers and small mammals should not be housed together.
Puppies
All Cesky Terriers are bred to the same standard, so the only thing that can vary about them is their coat colour. Puppies are often born with a black coat that gradually lightens to a grey or brown tint over time. As previously noted, they will benefit from a structured training programme led by a charismatic figurehead. For those looking for a Cesky, finding a breeder or a rescue group can be difficult, as these dogs are quite rare.
Dogs Similar to the Cesky Terriers
There are many similarities between the Cesky Terrier and the following terrier breeds:
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier and the Cesky Terrier are closely related because the Scottish Terrier is the ancestor of both breeds. Short-legged and wiry-haired with an intelligent mind, a keen sense of purpose and an exuberant demeanour, this breed is also known for its playful nature.
Russell Terrier
In addition to the Jack Russell Terrier and the Parsons Russell Terrier, the Russell Terrier is a working type of dog. Strong-willed, but also fun-loving, it is. The coat can be long and rough, short and smooth, or broken, depending on the breed (a mix between the two).
Australian Terrier
The Australian terrier, a descendant of a number of rough-coated British terrier breeds, is a lively, affectionate canine. To begin with, it was bred to be an adept vermin hunter, but today it's more commonly kept as a pet or companion.