Cesky Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Cesky terrier is a small dog from the Czech Republic with a long body, short legs, distinct facial hair, and silky fur that is typically trimmed along the back and sides. This breed is defined by contrasts: Small but sturdy, lively but laid-back, and driven but docile, Cesky terriers are well-rounded hunters that also make lovable family dogs. As you might expect, such a breed is hard to find, and the Cesky is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world.

Also known as the Bohemian terrier, the Cesky is the national dog of the Czech Republic. Cesky is pronounced like “chess-kee” (literally meaning Czech), which is fitting since the breed’s beginnings were a product of one Czech man’s vision and determination. Cesky terriers are longer than they are tall and sport a long, silky coat in varying shades of gray. A distinctive plume of fur cascades from the forehead and over the eyes.

Characteristics of the Cesky Terrier

The Cesky makes a great companion, happy to go on an adventure or curl up at home. These dogs are a great choice for apartment dwellers, but they also enjoy a backyard and regular playtime outdoors. This breed also does well with children and other dogs when introduced properly (though they may be likely to chase cats). Keep in mind that as terriers, they have an intelligent personality that needs to be channeled properly or mischief may ensue. In comparison to many other strong-willed terriers, you’ll find the Cesky to be more obedient and submissive, making them a well-rounded pet with a friendly temperament.

History of the Cesky Terrier

It might seem like a far-fetched idea to design your ideal dog, but Frantisek Horak, a hunter from the city of Prague, had a vision in mind for a new dog breed. In the mid-1900s, Horak decided to embark on a breeding program to produce a terrier that would be an adaptable hunter, but also an easygoing and trainable companion dog.

Some terriers, while tenacious hunters, tend to be headstrong and dominant. The goal for the Cesky was to breed a small terrier that could still hunt independently or with a pack while being more easygoing and obedient than others.

To achieve his vision, Horak started selectively breeding Scottish terriers and Sealyham terriers that had the ideal traits for this new breed. While it isn’t well-documented, some speculation exists that the Dandie Dinmont terrier and wirehaired dachshund were also contributors to the Cesky gene pool. This isn’t a stretch to believe, since Dandie Dinmonts are known for their docile temperament—a top concern for Horak—while dachshunds have a long, low body type with the ability to hunt game large and small. 

Despite the setbacks that many breeds experienced in the face of World War II when breeding populations were low and resources were limited, Horak ensured that his progress with the Cesky terrier wasn’t halted. In 1963, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) granted the breed official recognition.

About two decades elapsed before the Cesky terrier was first imported to the United States in the 1980s. It would take several more decades before the breed achieved AKC recognition, which occurred in 2011. Today, this Bohemian terrier is on the AKC’s list of the rarest dog breeds, making it all the more special to find one.

Cesky Terrier Care

Since the Cesky was bred specifically to have a docile, intelligent personality along with its hunting skills, these dogs are very trainable. They enjoy pleasing their families, and they're happy to come along for exercising together. When it comes to their long coats, Cesky terriers need a bit more time and effort from their owners.

Exercise

As a small but active dog breed, you can expect the Cesky to be ready for long walks each day (and he can even join you for a jog). If you enjoy hiking or backpacking, this terrier will be right there with you—just be aware that his short stature means he might have some limitations when it comes to scrambling up rocks or negotiating river crossings. About one hour of activity per day in the form of walks, running in the yard, or playing games is sufficient to keep your Cesky happy.

When enjoying the great outdoors with a Cesky, remember that these dogs were bred to be avid hunters, so they can be very prey-driven. It’s important to keep your terrier on a leash or safely inside a fence to avoid a wild chase and unsafe situations. 

Grooming

Fittingly, the Bohemian terrier has a free-flowing and silky coat. It will require regular bathing since the fine texture of the hair tends to hold dirt. Additionally, a good brushing every few days will keep tangles at bay and decrease shedding. Plan to have this dog professionally groomed every six to eight weeks (depending on coat length) by trimming it with clippers rather than hand-stripping.

Like all breeds, your Cesky will also need to have its nails trimmed and ears checked as needed. If you notice a buildup of dirt in your dog's ears, clean them gently with a cotton ball and ear cleaner. Small dogs can also be more prone to dental problems, so it's important for owners to keep up with brushing their teeth.

Training

The Cesky's willingness to please makes this breed particularly easy to train. They typically grasp the basics of house training and obedience relatively quickly, and basic lessons can begin when puppies are about eight weeks old. Be on the lookout, though, for subtle stubbornness. As a terrier, the Cesky is still prone to an independent attitude if you’re not active with training and maintain a good pack order. Their intelligence level means that they also love to learn new tricks, and this is a great opportunity to exercise their mind while strengthening your bond.

These dogs are known to be affectionate and loyal with family members, but more reserved with strangers. They’re not particularly standoffish or even aggressive—just wary until they feel comfortable with the newcomer. A big bark in comparison to the Cesky’s small size also serves as a good warning of intruders.

The breed can live happily with well-mannered children, and it can be taught to cohabitate with other animals. Proper socialization is key, especially with cats and similarly-sized dogs since the Cesky can be domineering. It’s important to avoid letting your Cesky freely mingle with pocket pets like gerbils, hamsters, ferrets, and others since these small creatures can easily trigger the Cesky’s prey drive.

Common Health Problems

Springing from the careful breeding of pedigreed dogs, the Cesky is known as a healthy breed with few common health problems. Breeders that are committed to helping the Cesky continue to thrive and grow in popularity are key to continuing the longevity and healthy nature of this breed. However, like most purebred dogs, it is still susceptible to a few inherited issues.

The following are conditions the Cesky terrier may experience:

• Luxating Patella: This condition causes your dog's knee joint to pop in and out of place, and surgery may be required in severe cases.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): As a degenerative eye condition, PRA is an inherited disease that eventually causes blindness.
• Cataracts: Like humans, dogs can experience cataracts. These cloudy spots on the eyes impair the ability to see. Your veterinarian may recommend surgery to surgically remove severe cataracts.
• Cardiac Problems
• Scottie Cramp: Inherited from the Scottish terrier bloodlines used to develop the breed, this condition causes muscle spasms and cramps. Thankfully, it isn't life-threatening or debilitating (and episodes usually pass within 30 minutes).

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Diet and Nutrition

Feed your Cesky terrier a balanced diet without overfeeding at mealtimes or with treats. These dogs can be very food-oriented, so it’s important to keep them on a routine and not allow them to overeat. Too much weight gain can cause canine obesity and lead to other health problems.

The breed isn’t known for suffering from many food allergies, so they generally do well on any high-quality food formula. To determine the best diet plan for your specific dog, talk to your veterinarian about portions and nutrients based on age, weight, and activity level.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Cesky Terrier

Since the Cesky terrier is such a rare breed, it can be a challenge to find a nearby breeder. These coveted companions also aren’t likely to be found in shelters, but many similar terrier breeds could be waiting for forever homes in your region—so it's always helpful to visit your local options and potentially meet your next best friend.

Adopting a Cesky terrier typically costs between $1,200 and $2,600, but prices can vary depending on pedigree and availability. Advocates for the breed are very much interested in seeing these dogs become more widely known family pets, so they’re generally happy to be of assistance in any way possible. To learn more about the adoption process, contact breed clubs and responsible breeders who are enthusiastic about these unique dogs.

The following resources for the national breed club, referred breeders, and the AKC can help you start your search:

• American Cesky Terrier Fanciers Association (ACTFA)
• ACTFA Breeders
• AKC Cesky Terrier Breeders

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More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you love the Cesky terrier, you may also like these similar breeds:

• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Cairn Terrier

There's a whole world of dog breeds out there that can join your family. With a little research, you can find the perfect match for your home!