Cesky Terrier

The Cesky Terrier is a small but tough dog that is both quick and strong. With their short legs, floppy ears, distinguished beards, and lively eyebrows, they have a unique appearance. Despite their serious look, they are actually very kind and gentle. Their wiry fur is smooth, a bit wavy, and shiny, which might make you envious. This coat serves a purpose beyond beauty; it protects them from the weather, reflecting their tough Terrier background and history as diggers.

Quick Info

Size
Small
Colours
Any shade of gray from charcoal to platinum; may have white, brown, black, and/or yellow markings
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
10 to 13 inches
Type
Terrier
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
16 to 22 pounds
Family
Terrier

Personality

Cesky Terriers are charming, graceful, and sociable dogs with beards who still have the strong work drive typical of Terriers. When they are socialized correctly, they are friendly with other pets and people. They love to solve puzzles, play games, and learn new things to keep their busy minds engaged.

History

These dogs are a blend of the Scottish Terrier, Wirehaired Dachshund, and the uncommon Welsh breed known as the Sealyham Terrier. They were designed to be short and close to the ground, allowing them to fit into small spaces. Unlike many Terriers, they have a strong sense of teamwork, which contributes to their friendly nature. They get along nicely with other dogs, pets, and kids.

Ideal Owner

People who have trained Terriers before will appreciate this breed, known for its lively and energetic nature. Expect to spend time, effort, and money on regular grooming, as it is needed often. Cesky Terriers can be great family pets if they are properly socialized, but they thrive better in homes without young kids or with older children who understand they are not toys.

Exercise Needs

A day filled with both exercise and mental challenges will tire out these energetic dogs. Cesky Terriers enjoy training, solving puzzles, and playing games. They still have strong instincts for sight and smell, which includes digging, so watch them closely when they’re outdoors to safeguard your garden and reduce their bath time. Engaging them in digging activities or scent games will keep them content, healthy, and help manage their natural Terrier behaviors.

Space Requirements

Ceskys enjoy spending time with their humans wherever they go, but they particularly like to play in a secure backyard. However, these clever little dogs can squeeze through tiny openings, so it’s important to inspect your fence often. They adapt well to city life, but they thrive even more in suburban or country settings.

Training

Smart, playful, and energetic, the Cesky makes a fun training partner for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge and appreciate humor. With the right effort, these dogs can achieve a high level of training through positive reinforcement. Typically, they have a cheerful nature and respond well to guidance. It's important to focus on teaching a strong recall, especially in distracting environments. Your Cesky may even excel in advanced activities such as dog sports and scent detection.

Grooming

These elegant Terriers sport a medium-length coat that has a slight wave and requires some grooming, but not as much as other types of Terriers. Mark your calendar to schedule a grooming session for your Cesky every six to eight weeks, and remember to brush them weekly, focusing on untangling the longer hair on their face, legs, and belly.

Suitability for Family Life

These friendly and easygoing dogs are often more sociable and accepting than many terriers, making them great family pets for those willing to invest time in socializing and training them properly. Young kids might confuse these small, adorable dogs with toys or playmates, so it's important to establish clear rules for both the dogs and the children through proper training.

Did You know?

Cesky Terriers come into the world with black fur. It can be tricky to know what color they will be as adults, but this usually becomes clear by the time they reach two years of age. Until then, their fur will lighten and might appear brindle or striped as it changes from black to its eventual gray color.

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Need to Know

Suitable for owners with some experience
Extra training required
Need to be aware of potential health issues
Enjoys daily active walks
Small dog
Some drool
Requires grooming every other day
Chatty and vocal dog