Finding the ideal dog for you can be a tough proposition. There are so many different types of dogs to choose from. The best dog for you is one that fits your lifestyle and needs. One type of dog that may make an excellent furry friend is the Cesky Terrier. Maybe you need a new little buddy or you want to know more about your current pal. This article will give you all the info you need so you can find the perfect dog.
Cesky Terrier History
The Cesky Terrier breed originated in Czechoslovakia. It’s name sounds like chess-kee. It is also known as the Bohemian or Czech Terrier. A Czech breeder, František Horák, worked for years to find a dog that could learn to hunt. He crossed a Scottish Terrier and a Sealyham Terrier to get the Cesky. Horak lived under communism. The authorities forbid him to export the dogs to other countries. Despite this, the Cesky soon became popular throughout the world. It came to the United States in 1980. They are still one of the rarest breeds in the world. They only recently became a recognized breed.
How It Looks
The Cesky Terrier is a stocky, small dog. It has short legs and a long coat with silky fur. Cesky Terriers can be a range of colors and patterns. They can be anything from light-grey to black if they are black pigmented. They can also be brown or ‘liver’ pigmented. They may have black, grey, brow or yellow markings. The dog’s length is only slightly greater than its height. At full-size, they are around 13 inches at the shoulder. They range from 13 to 22 lbs.
What to Expect
Cesky Terriers tend to be milder and less active than most other terriers. They are calm but game. Their gentle temperament makes them excellent with children. Aggression of any kind is a defect. They are generally submissive, and they listen well to instructions. Cesky Terriers are loyal and affectionate. They tend to be wary of strangers because they are not naturally social. They are highly protective of the people they do know. Puppies can be a little too lively and may be destructive. Their bark is loud but low. They also love to dig, so watch for holes in your yard. A Cesky Terrier typically lives a healthy life for 12-15 years.
Taking Care
Cesky Terriers should socialize early on to avoid too much wariness with strangers. A dog park makes a good choice for socialization. They require an average amount of exercise. Long walks every day are ideal. Playing fetch is another good way to exercise. They have a tendency to dig, so a dedicated spot in your backyard will make digging safe and fun. You should clip and trim their fur monthly. If they have long fur, you should brush it once a day. You should brush shorter fur at least twice a week for adults and every day for puppies.
Health Concerns
Scottie Cramp is one major concern for Cesky Terriers. It involves general muscle cramping. It also often involves stiff and contracted hind limb muscles. This is hind limb spasticity. Thankfully, it is rarely serious. It often improves over time without requiring treatment.
Hip dysplasia is another condition that may plague your dog, although it is less common. The ball and socket in the hip fail to fit together. They grind together, causing pain and loss of movement over time. It is more common in large dogs. In smaller dogs, you can prevent it with proper nutrition and exercise. Obesity can cause or aggravate hip dysplasia.
Luxating patella is another joint issue that can arise. This is when the knee cap (patella) falls out of place. In many cases, it fluctuates. It may be in place one day and out of place the next. There are different causes. They could be genetic or traumatic. This is a common problem for terriers of various types. If the dog limps sometimes, this may indicate that the Cesky has luxating patella. Eventually, this can cause osteoarthritis. That will bring more pain and difficulty walking. More serious cases may require surgery. In less serious cases, nutrition and exercise can help.
Occasionally, they may suffer from thyroid issues. Thyroid issues affect hormones. This may cause lethargy, obesity, extra shedding, mood swings and behavioral issues. There are many other problems that can result as well. It is important to deal with this early on. These are all very rare conditions, but they may require a visit to the vet.
Look Out
The Cesky Terrier is an excellent breed. There are still some things to watch for.
- Aggression. This is a rare trait, and any aggression means the dog is not a good fit.
- Digging. Most terriers dig a lot. Large holes in your yard may be dangerous or ruin your landscaping.
- Hunting. The Cesky Terrier loves hunting. This instinct still remains. You need a fenced yard. Otherwise, the dog may hunt and kill birds and other small animals.
- Stubbornness. Unless you train the dog early on, it may exhibit signs of extreme stubbornness. For that reason, you should train your dog as soon as possible.
- Grooming. Your puppy needs a lot of care and grooming. This may be hard if you are a busy person.
- Health problems. If you leave a health problem untreated, your Cesky will suffer. The consequences may be serious. Don’t hesitate to take your dog to the vet if need be.
Cesky Terriers are a fun breed. Their calm personality may make them a good match for a relaxed lifestyle. If you do purchase a Cesky, remember that they may have health problems. They are also expensive. Having pet insurance could save you a lot of money in vet bills and other concerns. With PetInsuranceQuotes.com, you can get a free quote for pet insurance. Fill out the online form to get your free quote today. Pet insurance can help you give your dog the best care. Your Cesky Terrier may need it.
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