Description: Cesky Terrier
The Cesky Terrier, also known as the Bohemian Terrier, is a small yet robust breed originally developed in the Czech Republic by crossing the Scottish Terrier with the Sealyham Terrier. Renowned for its distinctive silky, wavy coat and graceful build, the Cesky Terrier was bred primarily for hunting vermin in the forests of Bohemia. This breed is notable for its calm and affectionate temperament, making it an excellent companion for both individuals and families. Cesky Terriers are adaptable and sociable, often getting along well with children and other pets. Their manageable energy levels and intelligence make them responsive to training, while their grooming needs are moderate compared to some other terrier breeds. Though alert and loyal, they tend to be less vocal than many other terriers and are known for their loving and gentle nature.
Cesky Terrier ratings
Properties
The Cesky Terrier is a small, well-muscled terrier originating from the Czech Republic. Developed by František Horák in the mid-20th century, the breed is a cross between the Sealyham Terrier and the Scottish Terrier. The Cesky Terrier was specifically bred to be a versatile, adaptable hunter, capable of working in packs and navigating the varied, forested terrain of Bohemia.
This breed typically weighs between 13 and 22 pounds, with a height of 10 to 13 inches at the shoulder. The Cesky Terrier exhibits a long, low body with short legs, a broad chest, and a moderately long, silky coat that is most often seen in shades of grey, ranging from platinum to charcoal. The coat is soft, wavy, and requires consistent grooming, as it grows continuously—regular clipping every six to eight weeks is recommended to prevent matting and to keep the breed looking neat.
Temperamentally, Cesky Terriers are loyal, affectionate, and more tractable than many other terriers, a result of careful breeding for a mellow disposition. They are known to form deep bonds with their family and tend to get along well with children and other pets, given proper socialization. While they retain the prey drive typical of terriers, they are less excitable and more laid-back than their British cousins. Cesky Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, making them trainable, but still require consistent, positive reinforcement techniques to prevent stubbornness.
Due to their history as working hunting dogs, Cesky Terriers possess high stamina and enjoy regular exercise. They are happiest when given opportunities for mental stimulation and physical activity. Without adequate outlets for their energy, they may resort to digging or barking. That said, they generally adapt well to various living environments, including both apartments and houses with yards, as long as their basic needs are met.
This breed is considered relatively healthy, though some may be susceptible to conditions such as Scottie Cramp and occasionally progressive retinal atrophy. With good care, Cesky Terriers often live between 12 and 15 years. Overall, their manageable size, agreeable temperament, and low-shedding coat make them an excellent choice for devoted owners seeking a lively but companionable terrier.
Appearance
The Cesky Terrier is a small, well-muscled, and sturdy terrier breed, specifically developed for hunting in the forests of the Czech Republic. Distinct from many other terriers, the Cesky Terrier combines both a sleek profile and robust build, making it instantly recognizable.
The breed has a rectangular, elongated body that is longer than it is tall, with an overall low-to-the-ground stance. Adult males typically stand between 10 and 13 inches (25–32 cm) at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller. Their weight generally ranges from 13 to 22 pounds (6–10 kg). Despite their compact size, Cesky Terriers are known for their strength and agility.
One of the breed’s most notable features is the unique, silky coat, which differs from the wiry coat seen in most other terrier breeds. The Cesky Terrier’s coat is fine, soft, and slightly wavy, giving it a smooth appearance. When properly groomed, the coat exhibits a slight sheen, emphasizing the breed’s polished look. Cesky Terriers require regular clipping, and traditional grooming styles leave the hair longer on the stomach, legs, and face, particularly pronounced in the beard, mustache, and eyebrows, creating a distinctive, almost whimsical expression.
The coat color changes over time but is typically either a bluish-gray (the most common) or less frequently, a light brown. Puppies are born black or chocolate brown and gradually lighten as they mature, reaching their adult color by about three years old. Some dogs have white markings on the chest, feet, chin, or tip of the tail, but these should not be excessive according to breed standards.
The head of the Cesky Terrier is elongated, with a slightly arched skull and a well-developed, clean muzzle. Their eyes are medium-sized, slightly deep-set, and typically brown or light brown, depending on the coat color. The expression is lively, friendly, yet alert—a perfect representation of the breed’s temperament. The ears are medium-length, high-set, and fold forward, closely hugging the cheeks.
The Cesky Terrier’s tail is natural (not docked), moderately long, and carried low with a slight curve, blending harmoniously with the overall body line. Their movement is described as smooth, free, and effortless, reflecting their historical purpose as persistent hunters.
Overall, the Cesky Terrier elegantly blends practicality and charm, with its refined coat, well-proportioned body, and expressive face setting it apart from other terriers.
History
The Cesky Terrier, also known as the Czech Terrier, is one of the few dog breeds that has a well-documented and meticulously planned origin. The breed's history begins in the mid-20th century in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) with a single dedicated breeder: František Horák. A geneticist and avid hunter, Horák set out in 1949 to create an ideal hunting terrier that could perform well in the dense forests and rocky terrain of Bohemia. He aimed to produce a dog that was adept at hunting vermin and small game, particularly foxes and badgers, but was milder and easier to handle than some of the more feisty established terrier breeds.
To develop the Cesky Terrier, Horák crossed Sealyham Terriers and Scottish Terriers, carefully selecting for traits that met his standards. Early breeding records are well-preserved, and Horák maintained exceptionally strict control over the development of the breed. He wanted a dog that had a longer, more muscular body, a softer, silky, gray-blue coat, and a temperament that was less aggressive but still determined and intelligent. After almost two decades of selective breeding, the Cesky Terrier began to breed true, consistently demonstrating the characteristics that Horák envisioned.
The first public presentation of the breed was in 1959, and four years later, in 1963, the Cesky Terrier was recognized as a national breed by the Czechoslovak Kennel Club. Efforts to stabilize and promote the breed continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and by the 1980s, Cesky Terriers were being exported to other European countries as well as to North America. The breed received international recognition from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1963, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially accepted the breed into its Foundation Stock Service in the late 1980s, with full recognition in 2011.
Today, Cesky Terriers are prized for their adaptability, gentle temperament, and unique appearance. While still rare outside their homeland, they are valued both as companions and as working dogs. Their history stands as a testament to successful, scientific dog breeding and Horák’s passion for creating the ideal terrier for Czech conditions.