The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a breed created in 1955 during an experiment. Its creators aimed at coming up with a breed which would have the trainability, pack mentality and temperament of the German Shepherds, but also the stamina and build of the of the Carpathian wolves. Its initial purpose was that of guarding the Czechoslovakian border. The breed was officially recognized in 1982 in Czechoslovakia and in 1999 internationally. Breed owners have been recorded in Austria, Slovenia and Hungary as well. This makes it a fairly new breed, with a short history, but with great recommendations when it comes to its traits.
Appearance of the breed
As intended during the experiment, the dog has the character of the German sheepdog, inside the body of a strong wolf. The appearance of the dog is that of a wolf; the wolfdog's height reaches 26 inches in males and 24 inches in the case of females. What is very interesting is that the sex of the dog is indicated also by the expression of the face.
The chest is large, the back is short and the tail is high set. The coat hair is straight and thick, with light colors, generally yellow-gray or silver-gray. This dog is best suited for the people living in cold climates.
Personality and abilities
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is one of the most successful experiments in dog breeding. The dog is docile and easy to train, very loyal to its master and courageous when necessary. This breed can be easily trained and it is very versatile. Its great work, both independently as well as in packs, recommends it for army use. Given the strong instinct of the animal, a reminder of its wilder ancestors, the pup must not be isolated, but properly socialized and made accustomed to living with other animals. Specialists claim that females are much easier to train.
Care and maintenance
Veterinarians warn only about possible hip dysplasia, as far as the health problems are concerned. Otherwise, this is a very healthy breed which also benefits from a longer life expectancy, as a bonus from interbreeding with the wolves. They can grow as old as 12-16 years. This particular dog breed sheds twice a year, and specialists claim that bathing is most unnecessary as the coat naturally sheds the dirt, making it one of the cleanest and odorless breeds. It can very well live in an apartment if provided with enough physical exercise. This means daily, long walks.
Conclusion
The breed we have come to present is one of the most admired and sought after breeds. The Wolfdog will form a bond not with just one family member, but with all of them, and it can cohabitate with other pets inside an apartment. It is also very well seen in competitions and as a working dog, its abilities recommending it for various activities, from guarding, to seeking or simply doing tricks for the little ones. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a great addition to any family looking for another member.
