Cesky Terrier, the Czech Republic’s national dog, is a small, adorable breed. It is a little less on the energy meter, and a lot easier to handle than most other terriers. Lean and graceful, this well-muscled breed, with its silky body, drop-ears, and deep-set almond-shaped eyes is cuteness personified indeed.
Cheerful and kind, it makes for an adventurous companion for kids, alongside a loyal guard dog, ready to protect its family under any circumstances. However, this wonderful breed could be a little hard to find. Consider yourself lucky if you get one, as there are not more than 600 of them living in America at present.
Frantisek Horak, a Czech breeder, developed this breed by crossing the Scottish Terrier, and Sealyham Terrier
Recognized by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) as the 246th breed
Was imported to the United States
Formation of the Cesky Terrier Club of America
It arrived in the United Kingdom
Attained recognition by the Kennel Club (UK)
Gained the status of becoming a rare breed the Kennel Club
Obtained eligibility to join AKC’s FSS
Accepted by the AKC as a breed, gaining entry into its Stud Book
Though the terrier-like high energy levels remain absent in the Cesky Terrier, it would still require moderate exercise to keep fit and healthy. Take it out on a walk at least two times a day, combined with sufficient playtime in your yard or garden.
If housing it in an apartment, ensure to entertain it with ample indoor games like chasing the ball, hiding and seeking, etc.
The Cesky Terrier has a long, smooth, wavy coat with a silky gloss. Grooming them is not too mammoth a task, since they are minimal shedders and would suffice with a bi-weekly brushing. One good thing is that owners are saved from the hassle of hand stripping their coat, as done for most terrier breeds. Trimming its hair using clippers would be more than enough, and you could seek a professional groomer’s help for this purpose.
A lot of hair tends to grow around its ears, which should be removed during the grooming sessions, lest it could result in infections. Cleaning the ears regularly to keep it free from wax and dirt, trimming its nails once in a month, and brushing the dog’s teeth at least thrice a week would help maintain an overall hygiene.
Your Cesky Terrier is too fond of eating. Monitoring its diet is essential so that it does not fall prey to problems caused by overeating. The combination of homemade and store-bought food would certainly work, though, make sure all the breed’s nutrient requirements are fulfilled well. Eukanuba Small Bites Dry Dog Food and Hill’s Science Dry Dog Food seems apt if you are buying it from outside.
The Cesky Terrier is not tough to train since it responds well to commands, showing less stubbornness than most other terriers. Yet it could be independent, and strong-willed, at times, requiring firm handling. Its intelligence would help it grasp training well, provided it is filled with positive experiences.
Train it to be obedient, particularly to follow commands like “Stop” and Sit,” to keep its increased prey drive in check.
Socializing it since its puppy days would help the breed coexist with other dogs. However, getting it to adjust with cats and smaller pets could always pose a challenge, due to its strong chasing instinct. It even maintains a lot of aloofness towards strangers. Teaching these dogs that every unknown person is not wrong or harmful is also essential.
Do not miss out on leash training; else, it would be not easy to control the Cesky Terrier, mainly when you take it out.