<b>History:</> The Cesky Terrier, also called the Bohemian Terrier, exists due to the efforts of Czechoslovakian breeder Frantisek Horak. The Cesky is a relatively young breed, first recognized by the FCI in 1963. The Cesky's original purpose was to hunt vermin in their dens, especially rats and foxes. Horak tried to produce a breed with a narrower head and chest, and a softer coat than other terriers, so it would be easier for the dog to enter burrows. He also bred for an easy-going temperament, making the Cesky Terrier a delightful companion dog. Cesky Terriers were first imported to the United States in about 1987, and there were approximately 150 known here in 1993.
<b>Description:</> A moderately long, low terrier, usually 10-12 inches tall, looking similar to the Sealyham Terrier. The Cesky Terrier has a long head, bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. The body is solid, but not heavy. The wavy, silky coat usually comes in various shades of gray-blue (light coffee color is quite rare) with tan, gray, white or yellow furnishings, though puppies are born black. The skin pigment is gray for blue-gray dogs and flesh-colored for brown dogs. Eyes are brown in gray-blue dogs and yellow in brown dogs. The nose and lips of blue-gray dogs are black, of brown dogs, liver. The ears are triangular, folding forward. The head is long, but not too wide, with a well-defined stop. The undocked tail is 7-8 inches long. The front legs are sturdy, short and straight. Dewclaw removal is optional.
<b>Notes:</> A very hardy breed prone to no major hereditary diseases. Occasionally, the Cesky has been known to get Scottie Cramp, a minor problem causing awkward movement (Scottie Cramp is not painful or life-threatening). Good with other animals. A good dog to travel with. Cesky Terriers are clipped with electric clippers, not stripped like most other terriers. The Cesky Terrier may be shown at Rare Breed, States Kennel Club, National Cesky Terrier Club and some UKC and FCI shows. Many thanks to Lori Moody of the National Cesky Terrier Club for providing much of the information above.
<b>Personality:</> Playful yet protective. Sweet and happy. Patient and brave. More easily trainable than many terriers. Easy to handle. Loves people, especially children.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Fairly friendly with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Not particularly dependent or independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Not generally dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Regular grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Moderate trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Medium coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Very light.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> Small, but a pretty good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Moderately active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Good for apartment living.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Does all right without a yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, watchdog, and guarding.
<b>For More Information:</>
National Cesky Terrier Club, Box 445, Rockaway, NJ 07866
<b>Photo Caption:</> CESKY TERRIER
Ch. Minimeadow Janko "Yankee". Owned by Lori Moody. Photo copyright: Bruce and Jeane Harkins.
