Cesky Terrier Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Cesky Terrier, from the Czech Republic, is a quiet, easygoing terrier with a soft, silky coat and a gentle expression. It was created in the 1940s by one breeder who wanted a hunting terrier that was less aggressive and easier to live with than many British breeds.

Origins and appearance

Frantisek Horak, a Czech geneticist and hunter, developed the breed after the Second World War by crossing Scottish and Sealyham Terriers. The goal was a dog able to hunt in forests and dens, with a calmer temperament. Cesky Terriers are low and long, with a long head, a bearded muzzle, drop ears and a long, wavy coat that is gray in shades of blue or tan. The coat is traditionally clipped on the back and body, leaving a skirt of long hair on the legs and beard.

Temperament

Ceskys are calm, friendly and gentle compared with many terriers. They enjoy companionship, bond closely with their people and are generally good with children and other pets. They remain terriers, so they will dig, chase and hunt small animals. They are usually reserved with strangers but not aggressive. They bark less than many breeds, though they alert to visitors.

Exercise

They need around forty-five minutes to an hour of exercise daily. Walks, play and scent games suit them. They enjoy earthdog trials and tracking. They are adaptable and can settle after exercise. Use a secure yard and a leash, since prey drive remains. See recall training guide.

Training

They are intelligent and willing to work, but can be sensitive. Use calm, positive methods and short sessions. House training is usually easy. Early socialization helps them stay confident with strangers and other dogs.

Coat and grooming

The soft coat needs brushing several times a week and a professional clip every six to eight weeks to maintain the classic shape. See silky coat dog grooming guide. Clean the beard, trim nails and check ears. Shedding is light, and many people with allergies cope well with them, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Health considerations

The breed is generally healthy, but topics include:

• Scottie cramp, a movement disorder
• Glaucoma and lens luxation
• Allergies and skin conditions. See dog skin allergies
• Obesity. See dog obesity risks
• Hip dysplasia and patella luxation
• Dental disease

The gene pool is small, so ask breeders about diversity and screening.

Living with a Cesky Terrier

They suit houses and apartments with daily exercise. They are good family dogs and enjoy company. They tolerate most climates with a coat in cold weather.

Behavior and daily management

A Cesky does well with routine. Offer walks, scent games and a short training session daily, and provide a digging area. Teach calm greetings, and supervise around small pets. They are quiet and settle well after activity.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are playful and curious. Socialize early, handle the coat and feet and begin training. Keep weight steady. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for professional grooming and routine vet care, and be ready to wait or travel for a puppy. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

Ceskys tolerate cool weather but need a coat when clipped short in winter, and shade in summer. They travel well and enjoy being included in outings.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include neglecting grooming, trusting off-leash behavior near wildlife and expecting a typical high-energy terrier. They are also sometimes overfed, so keep treats small.

Questions to ask a breeder or rescue

Ask about eye tests, Scottie cramp history, genetic diversity and the parents' temperaments.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Cesky Terrier suits owners who want a calm, rare, low-shedding terrier and enjoy grooming. It may not suit someone wanting a high-energy dog or a quick purchase. For another rare terrier, see the Sealyham Terrier.

The takeaway

Cesky Terriers are calm, rare and soft-coated, and they need grooming, exercise and careful breeder choice.