Cesky Terrier
About the Cesky Terrier
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 10-13" |
| Weight | 14-24 lbs |
| Coat Type | Wire |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
30 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Regular - 2-3x/week
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,500-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,200/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Cesky Terriers may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Allergy Sufferers
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
Guides for your Cesky Terrier
The story behind the Cesky Terrier
The Cesky Terrier is one of the few breeds with a documented single founder. In mid-twentieth-century Czechoslovakia, geneticist and hunter Frantisek Horak set out to create a terrier better suited to hunting in packs and going to ground in Bohemian forests, crossing Scottish Terriers with Sealyham Terriers and selecting for a narrower body, drop ears, and a more tractable temperament. His program, begun in the late 1940s, produced a distinct breed that the FCI recognized in the 1960s. Ceskys spread modestly to Western Europe and North America, gaining American Kennel Club recognition in 2011. The breed has remained rare worldwide, kept by a small community of devotees both as a hunting dog and companion.
Originally bred for: Den hunting, Quarry flushing, Companion. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Cesky Terrier
A long-bodied, short-legged terrier that puts on weight quietly, so portion discipline matters more than formula choice. Offer a balanced small-breed diet, keep the waist visible to spare the back, and use kibble pieces as training rewards.
Watch for: No firmly established breed-specific intolerance, though individuals may answer a novel protein with itchy skin or soft stools. Facial furnishings trap damp food, so wipe the beard after meals. Veterinary approval should precede dietary changes.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Cesky Terrier
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.