Originated in the Czech Republic, the Cesky Terrier, also called the Bohemian Terrier, is a relatively new and very uncommon breed across the globe. It is among the six rarest dog breeds in the world.
The breed is the result of crosses between the Sealyham and the Scottish Terriers and it was first recognized in 1963, as part of the Group of Terriers. It was developed with the purpose of hunting small vermin, and its creators goal was to obtain the best from the two breeds he combined. From the Scottish, he took the dark color, while the Sealyham has lent to the Cesky its drop ears and its ability to interact with other dogs and hunt as part of a pack.
The colors of this breed vary from blue gray to light coffee brown. Puppies are always born black, the breeders finding difficult to predict what color they will turn into.
The Cesky Terrier dogs do not shed; their soft coat must be clipped rather than hand stripped. They have long hair on the sides, legs, over the eyes and beard (which needs to be brushed). They need to be trimmed on a regular basis, at least four times a year.
The dogs of this breed are small sized, short-legged, measuring 11 to 14 inches by the shoulders (25-32 cm) and weighing 13 to 20 pounds (6-10 kg). They have a well muscled body of a medium length, natural drop ears and a natural tail.
When properly educated, they accept cats and other small animals. They are naturally obedient and easy to train, being less active than other terriers. They love to please, so they react positively to praise, but, also, to play and food rewards.
They are friendly and sociable, adapting very well to a family with children, but are suspicious towards strangers. They are intelligent dogs that learn quickly, fact proven by the many awards won as show dogs.
They can live in an apartment too, being moderately active, but, like most terriers, they enjoy digging, running and playing outdoors, especially in the woods, requiring an average level of exercising.
They can participate in many dog sports, being playful and active, but, at the same time, calm dogs. Like most terriers, they can become stubborn and destructive, when left alone and bored. Sometimes, they can develop the Small Dog Syndrome, which means the owner has to show a constant and firm authority.
This is a very healthy breed. It may develop the Scottie Cramp Syndrome, called also Wobbly Scottie, determining the dog to walk in an awkward manner. This occurs when the dogs level of stress increases and he can not coordinate his movements, but does not feel any pain. Some may suffer from Hip Dysplasia, Patella Luxation and Cardiac, Thyroid and Eye Disorders like Primary Lens Luxation, which was inherited from the Sealyham breed.
Successful as a hunter and glamorous as a show dog, the Cesky Terrier can also prove to be a wonderful pet that will always brighten the days of its owner.
