Cesky Terrier Breed Guide

  • Breed Group
    Breed Group

    Terrier

  • Breed Height
    Height

    25-33 cm

  • Breed Weight
    Weight

    5-13 kg

  • Breed Lifespan
    Lifespan

    10-15 years

About the Cesky Terrier

Known for being the national breed of the Czech Republic, the Cesky Terrier is an incredibly playful smaller dog breed. They are incredibly rare, so if you are lucky enough to adopt a Cesky, then be sure to leap at the opportunity!

If you're having a ruff time training this fiercely independent dog - don't panic! - as our Cesky Terrier dog breed guide will offer you all the tips you could need!

What is the history & origin of the Cesky Terrier?

The Cesky or Bohemian Terrier is a crossbreed that originated in the Czech Republic from a single breeder in 1959. It is a result of cross-breeding both Scottish Terriers and the Sealyham Terrier - as you might expect, this created an incredibly playful new terrier breed.

Often referred to as the Czech Terrier, the Cesky quickly became the national dog of the Czech Republic. However, it wasn't until the 1960s when pet organisations such as the American Kennel Club and the National Breed Club officially recognised this breed.

Today, Cesky Terrier puppies are highly sought after thanks to their fantastic silky coat and affection towards their owners. If you are lucky enough to own a Cesky, one of the rarest dog breeds, then be sure to give it lots of strokes and cuddles!

Who are Cesky Terrier dogs best for?

Cesky Terriers love to play, which is why they make excellent family dogs. They tend to get along well with other dogs. However, their feisty nature may not be suited to small cats, especially as Ceskys love to chase small animals.

They can be fairly independent, particularly when compared to other small dogs. Because of this, they do require a reasonable amount of training whilst they are young, so they may not be suited to first-time dog owners.

However, if you are looking for a playful breed that enjoys playing dog sports and you don't mind training, then the Cesky can be an excellent choice!

How much grooming does a Cesky Terrier need?

As the Cesky or Bohemian terrier tends to sport a shaggy coat, they will require moderate amounts of grooming. They tend to require a gentle brush at least once a week, especially if you want to avoid shedding throughout your home.

Ceskys have a tendency to prefer chewable toys, which means their teeth require constant brushing to prevent potential dental issues. Similar to other breeds, you will also need to trim your Ceskys nails, especially as they get older!

Do Cesky Terrier bark much?

Ceskys can easily be considered sufferers of Napoleon Syndrome, small dogs with a large attitude. Although they are rarely aggressive, Ceskys have a surprisingly large and powerful bark - particularly when you consider their small size.

Fortunately, they rarely feel the need to use it once they have been trained. They may bark at smaller animals or to get their owner's attention, but they aren't as loud as some talkative breeds such as Huskies and Malamutes.

Do Cesky Terrier bite?

Much like many small dogs, the Cesky Terrier can get a little snappy when it's excited during playtime. This is particularly the case if they don't perceive you to be a 'pack leader' as they can grow extremely confident if they aren't trained correctly.

The easiest way to avoid your Cesky nibbling your hands is to ensure they are trained to avoid this behaviour from a young age. You should also ensure that your Cesky has access to enough chew toys so that they don't go hunting for hands or even feet to chew.

What is the temperament & personality of a Cesky Terrier?

The Cesky Terrier is a unique mix of being both extremely laid-back and incredibly playful. They love to chase toys and even small animals around your garden or local dog park, but they still know when it is time to rest for the evening.

This Czech terrier breed is extremely loyal to its owners, and it can grow to be fiercely protective. Early socialisation and proper training are required to ensure your Cesky grows into an affectionate adult.

The Cesky tends to get along well with most breeds in terms of other dogs and pets. They're not the best pets if you own a cat as they love chasing anything smaller than them, but they can be trained to leave your poor feline friend alone.

What is the weight & size of a Cesky Terrier?

Similar to other Terriers, the Cesky Terrier is a small dog breed that has a muscular body and short hair.

Weight

Ceskys are an energetic terrier dog breed as they love to run around whenever they can. This means that they are fairly muscular but tend to be slightly skinny and light. A fully-grown Cesky Terrier male can weigh anywhere between 6.35 to 10.5 kg.

Size

Cesky Terriers are a short-legged breed of terriers. When it comes to height, you can expect a fully-grown male Cesky to reach around 25.4 to 33 cm tall. Female Ceskys are usually slightly smaller, but there isn't a large difference between the males and females of this breed.

How much training does a Cesky Terrier need?

As any owner of a terrier puppy knows, these dogs can be incredibly cheeky, which is why it's incredibly important that training starts young.

Thankfully, with early socialisation, Cesky terriers will happily get along with other dogs and even strangers. Their playful nature means they can be easier to train than some smaller dog breeds as they love discovering new things.

Ceskys can be independent, so it may take a while for them to agree to any training plans. But once they are fully trained, you can expect your Cesky to grow into an incredibly affectionate adult dog who still retains its childlike, playful nature.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Cesky Terrier?

Cesky Terriers are a healthy breed in most cases. Nevertheless, they are still prone to a few genetic health problems that generally impact most terrier breeds.

One of the main health issues a Cesky may face is a neurological disorder known as Scotty Cramp. This, thankfully, isn't a fatal or painful disorder, but it can cause spasms and cramps throughout your Cesky's body.

There are a few other health problems that Ceskys may be prone to, such as:

  • Patellar Luxation

  • Retinal Atrophy

  • Hip Dysplasia

When caring for a dog, you should always book regular visits to the vet to ensure that any health problems are spotted before they become serious!

What is the lifespan of a Cesky Terrier?

The Cesky Terrier, much like other small breeds, has a fairly impressive lifespan. On average, a healthy Cesky will live for at least 12 to 15 years, with some even living for around 18 years - which is great news for any pet lover!

How much should you feed a Cesky Terrier?

Due to its size, you may be expecting the Cesky Terrier only to want a small amount of food a day. However, you would be surprised at how much this hungry little breed can eat in a single day.

As they don't know when to stop eating, it's important that you are feeding them just enough without risking overfeeding. Ideally, two medium-sized meals of a mixed type should be enough for most Ceskys, but each dog is different.

If you are unsure what to feed your Cesky, or you just want a solid feeding plan, then your local vet will be able to help you plan a Cesky-friendly diet!

What is the price of a Cesky Terrier in Australia?

The Cesky Terrier is an extremely rare small breed in Australia, so you may struggle to find a reputable breeder in your area. With this in mind, due to their small size, they are still fairly affordable. You can expect to spend around $750 to $1,250 to adopt a Cesky.

As this terrier breed is ranked the 6th rarest breed in the world, it can be hard to find. But if you are lucky enough to find a Cesky breeder, this small hound will quickly become your best friend!

Pros

  • Very intelligent
  • Great watchdog abilities
  • Friendly and affectionate

Cons

  • Stubbornness
  • Prone to obesity
  • Requires frequent grooming