Cesky Terrier Breed Profile: Essential Facts
Cesky Terriers may be small, but they are excellent guard dogs.
Cesky Terrier
- AKC Group: Terrier
- Weight: 16–22 lbs.
- Height: 10–13 in.
- Life Span: 10–15 years
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Key Characteristics
The Cesky Terrier, sometimes called the Bohemian or Czech Terrier, is a small, muscular hunting dog originating from the Czech Republic, where these dogs are considered to be a national breed.
The Cesky Terrier has short legs on a long body and high, triangular ears.
The head is wedge-shaped and features bushy eyebrows and a beard. The nose is either black or liver-colored, depending on the dog’s coat. The almond-shaped eyes are shades of brown. The coat is long, silky and wavy.
Coat colors can change as the dog ages. Black, brown or black and tan coats may be seen on puppies, and after a few years, the coat changes to gray. Markings may remain in colors of black, white, brown or yellow. The tail may also be tipped with color.
Where They Came From
Frantisek Horak created the Cesky Terrier by combining Scottish Terrier and Sealyham Terrier breeds to make an improved hunting dog, one with a smaller chest so she could hunt in burrows.
She also bred for a darker color, dropped ears, longer legs, a softer coat and a more focused hunting ability.
Recognized in Europe in 1963, Cesky Terriers soon after became popular in England, Canada, Australia and the United States. A Sealyham Terrier was bred into the Cesky bloodline around 1984 because the gene pool was too limited.
The American Kennel Club added the breed to its Foundation Stock Service in 1996 and later approved the breed's addition to the Terrier Group in 2011.
How Friendly Are They?
Cesky Terriers are companion pets and may also participate in conformation, hunting and guarding.
They are known as patient, playful, brave, loyal, obedient, intelligent and sociable. These dogs love people and children but can be reserved with strangers.
Cesky Terriers require socialization and consistent training to avoid negative behaviors. They get along with other animals but should be supervised around smaller animals because of their hunting instincts.
Cesky Terriers travel well and make excellent guard dogs.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
HIGH: This breed loves to run and play and needs daily walks.
Cesky Terriers like to dig, so ensure a place is created for this purpose and that all spaces under fencing are secure.
They are active indoors and do well in apartments with daily outings, but a yard would be appreciated.
Grooming Needs
HIGH: The coat needs brushing several times per week -- to prevent matting -- and needs trimming at least 4 times per year.
Those participating in conformation need to be trimmed with electric clippers much more often. Excess hair between the paw pads and inside the ear canal should also be trimmed.
As with any dog breed, for the Cesky, the nails need to be cut, ears need to be checked and teeth should be cleaned regularly.
Health Problems
LOW: The Cesky Terrier is a very healthy breed.
The only notable health concerns for this breed are cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) and Scottie cramp, also known as wobbly Scottie. CA is a hereditary disease in which brain cells in the cerebellum are prematurely lost, and this causes the loss of coordinated movement.
Scottie cramp is often confused with CA -- it occurs when serotonin is either too high or too low, and the condition is hereditary. A veterinarian must determine which ailment is present in the dog because the symptoms are similar.
Ludde the Cesky has no reservations about approaching large cows:
Where to Adopt One?
If you can commit to the grooming and exercise requirements of this breed, and are looking for a dedicated companion pet, the Cesky Terrier is a wise choice.
Cesky Terriers, though not common, can still end up in shelters or rescues. Look there first, or try our adoptable dog search.
If you contact breeders, get to know them and stay aware of the warning signs of a puppy mill.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Cesky Terriers are considered rare, especially outside of the Czech Republic. They have small breeding populations and are one of the least common terrier breeds.
No, Cesky Terriers are not excessive barkers, but they will bark to alert their owners or when excited. Proper training helps keep barking under control.
They are prone to Scottie Cramp (a neurological condition), hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye disorders. Regular vet checkups help manage potential health issues.
No, Cesky Terriers have a low-shedding coat, but they require regular grooming and trimming to maintain their soft, silky fur.
No, Cesky Terriers are not naturally aggressive. They are calmer and more reserved than other terriers but still need socialization to prevent shyness or stubbornness.
A Cesky Terrier puppy typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the breeder, pedigree, and location.
Additional Resources
- American Kennel Club's Cesky Terrier Page
- Cesky Terrier Club of the United Kingdom
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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