Cesky Terrier

This breed has also been known as the Bohemian Terrier, the Czech Terrier, the Czesky Terrier or, more simply, the Seski. It original role was as a ratter and mole-catcher.

This attractive, short-legged breed, with its bushy beard and eyebrows, was deliberately created by the Czech geneticist Dr Frantisek Hоrak of Klanovice, following World War II. Before the war he had been a keen hunter and had then favoured Scottish Terriers, but in the late 1940s he decided to experiment with a new cross, to produce a terrier that would be a winner both in the field and in the show-ring. In 1949, he started a ten-year breeding plan, crossing Scotties with Sealyhams. In 1963 the line was considered consistent enough to be recognized, and it got its breed name. The new breed was met with interest but the export prohibition in former Czechoslovakia during the 1970s was a drawback. To improve its type, the Cesky (pronounced ses-ki) was again crossed with Sealyhams in the 1980s.

Judging by the appearance of the modern Cesky breed, it is thought that Dr Horak must also, at some point, have introduced some Dandie Dinmont and Wire-haired Dachshund blood, but this is not certain. What is clear is that his breeding strategy created a unique terrier which is both handsome and workmanlike. Unusual features for a terrier include its remarkably long neck and its undocked tail.

The Cesky Terrier is about 10-13 inches/27-35 cm at the withers. It should be low on its legs, have a rectangular body and a long neck. The head should be strong and fairly long, and the ears are pendulous, not too low set and rounded. The tail is kept undocked and carried up when the dog moves. The coat, which it is customary to clip, should be soft, thick and have a silky shine. Puppies are born black, with or without tan, or deep liver brown also with or without tan. White is allowed around the neck and at the tip of the tail.

Height: 10-13 in (25-5~33 cm); males 11.5 in (29 cm) / females 10.5 in (27 cm) [UKC]

Weight: 13-22 lb (6-10 kg); males 16-22 lb (7.5-10 kg) / females slightly less [AKC]

In personality it is described as being a fearless, inquisitive, vigorous hunter, but also gentle, obedient and patient with people. If properly trained, it is excellent with children.

The breed is mainly kept as a companion dog outside its country of origin and it can be seen at most European shows, although only in small numbers.

Its breed name was formally accepted by the FCI in 1963 and the Cesky is now officially recognized as the National Dog of the Czech Republic. It was first registered in England in 1990.

The Cesky Terrier is a dog who enjoys exercise and especially loves his walks and romps outdoors with the family, but he doesn't require particularly rigorous exercise.

Responsive and even solicitous, the Cesky Terrier enjoys learning from and with his trainer.

Socialization from an early age will ensure that he reaches his outgoing potential with all kinds of people and other animals.

His terrier coat requires regular trimming, and for the pet Cesky, that means quarterly visits to a professional groomer. He is clipped rather than stripped, which makes coat care somewhat easier. His longer hair should be brushed and combed several times a week.

Average life span is 12 to 15 years. Breed health concerns may include Scottie cramp.