Cesky Terrier
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Find Cesky Terrier BreedersGet to Know Cesky Terriers
- Rare Breed: Even though they’ve been recognized by kennel clubs for decades, Cesky Terriers remain among the least common registered breeds in the world. Their rarity adds to their mystique and desirability among enthusiasts.
- Designed Breed: Unlike most breeds that evolved over centuries, the Cesky Terrier was deliberately and methodically bred by a scientist. František Horák kept meticulous records of genetics, temperament, and coat color to achieve a perfect blend of hunting skill and family-friendly behavior.
- Distinctive Coat Transformation: Cesky Terrier puppies are born solid black or dark brown, but their coat gradually lightens with age, turning into shades of silver-gray or light coffee by maturity. This striking change is part of their unique charm.
- Dual Personality: The Cesky is a true terrier when outdoors—curious, fearless, and alert—but remarkably calm and polite indoors. This adaptability makes them one of the few terriers equally suited for active sports and cozy family life.
- A National Treasure: The Cesky Terrier is considered the national breed of the Czech Republic, symbolizing national pride and ingenuity. They’ve even appeared on Czech postage stamps and in museum exhibits celebrating native dog breeds.
Breed History
The Cesky Terrier was developed in the Czech Republic in 1948 by a geneticist named František Horák, who wanted a well-mannered, versatile hunting terrier suitable for both forest and field. By crossing the Sealyham Terrier with the Scottish Terrier, Horák created a softer-tempered, more trainable terrier with a distinctive silky coat and a long, muscular build. The breed gained recognition in the 1960s and became the national dog of the Czech Republic. Still relatively rare outside its homeland, the Cesky Terrier is prized today for its combination of working ability, charm, and devotion.
Personality and Behaviour
- Playful & Curious: They love games, puzzles, and exploring scents—traits inherited from their hunting ancestry.
- Quiet for a Terrier: Unlike many terrier breeds, the Cesky is notably less vocal, making them well-suited to urban or apartment living.
- Affectionate but Selective: Cesky Terriers are deeply loyal to their families but may be reserved or cautious around strangers until they feel comfortable.
Care
- Exercise: They enjoy daily walks and moderate activity, plus occasional off-leash play in secure areas to satisfy their hunting instincts.
- Grooming: Brush several times a week to keep their coat smooth and tangle-free. Professional grooming every couple of months helps maintain the proper Cesky outline, and occasional trimming of the beard and eyebrows keeps their face tidy.
- Training: Start early with gentle, reward-based training. They’re intelligent but can lose interest with repetition, so variety and fun are essential.
Cesky Terrier Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
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Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Cesky Terrier Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Cardiac Evaluation | One of the following: Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam. Results registered with OFA. Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. |
| Dentition | Veterinarian Dental Exam. Results registered with OFA. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | (Optional) ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Hip Dysplasia | (Optional) OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA. |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | (Optional) Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA. |
| Primary Lens Luxation | (Optional) PRIMARY LENS LUXATION - DNA test from an approved lab |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Cesky Terrier Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Cesky Terrier is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Cesky Terrier
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Cesky Terrier puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Cesky Terrier, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Cesky Terrier is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
