Cesky Terrier

Origin & history

The Cesky Terrier is a young, deliberately created breed. In the 1940s and 1950s a Czech breeder and geneticist, Frantisek Horak, set out to make a terrier that could work to ground after vermin in the Bohemian forests but was narrower in the chest, calmer and more biddable than the Scottish and Sealyham Terriers he started from. He crossed those two breeds and selected hard for a workable, even-tempered hunting terrier, and the result was recognised in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960s. It remains one of the rarer terrier breeds worldwide, including in Australia, where it is seen mostly in the show ring and as a companion rather than as a working dog. The ANKC recognises it in the Terrier Group.

Temperament

The Cesky was bred specifically to be a steadier, more sociable terrier, and at its best it is exactly that: lively and game but noticeably calmer and less scrappy than most earth dogs. It is affectionate and patient with its family, generally reliable with children, and usually more tolerant of other dogs and household pets than the average terrier, though early socialisation still pays off and small fleeing animals can trigger the chase instinct. It is reasonably friendly with visitors while staying alert, and it makes a good little watchdog that will sound off at the door without being yappy by nature. It is intelligent and trainable but keeps an independent terrier streak, so patient, consistent, reward-based training works far better than nagging or force. It enjoys digging and needs enough activity and company to keep boredom at bay.

Appearance

A small, short-legged, slightly long-bodied terrier standing roughly 25 to 32 cm at the shoulder and weighing about 6 to 10 kg. The build is sturdy but never coarse, with drop ears, a beard and eyebrows, and a calm, alert expression. The coat is soft and slightly wavy with a silky texture, and it is clipped to leave longer furnishings on the legs, belly and face. Pups are born black and gradually fade, so adults are usually some shade of grey or blue-grey, occasionally a light coffee colour, sometimes with tan, grey or white markings. Clipping rather than hand-stripping the coat is one of the breed's more distinctive features.

Suitability

The Cesky Terrier fits a broad range of homes, from flats to houses, provided it gets its daily walks and some company, and its calmer temperament makes it one of the more first-timer-friendly terriers. It enjoys family life and does well with children and other pets when raised sensibly. It is happier with company than alone, so very long days by itself do not suit it, though it copes better than the clingier toy breeds. The wavy coat is low-shedding, which some allergy sufferers find helpful, but it does need regular clipping and brushing, so factor in grooming time or cost. In the Australian climate the coat is manageable in the heat, but as with any dog it should have shade, water and walks timed for the cooler parts of hot days.

Health

Cesky Terriers are a reasonably healthy small breed and generally live around 12 to 15 years. The condition most associated with the breed is Scotty cramp, a movement disorder inherited from its Scottish Terrier ancestry that causes a temporary stiff or hopping gait under stress or excitement and is generally not painful or shortening to life. Like many small dogs they can develop patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips, and some lines report eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, so eye testing of breeding stock is worthwhile. Heart and skin issues turn up occasionally. Because the gene pool is small, choosing a breeder who tests carefully and avoids close matings matters more than usual. Look for patella checks, eye testing, and a breeder who is upfront about what has appeared in their lines.