Cesky Terrier Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Care & More!

The Cesky Terrier is a curious, intelligent, and affectionate animal that hails from the Czech Republic, where they are considered to be a national treasure. These dogs can be good pets for many different types of homes because they are great with children, are low-shedding, and even get along with other dogs. Because they are so small, they can adapt relatively well to apartment living, so they could be a great option if you live in a smaller space.

Breed Overview

Now you know a few reasons why the Cesky Terrier is a popular pet. Keep reading our guide to learn more and decide whether buying one of these dogs makes sense for you and your family.

Cesky Terrier Characteristics

Cesky Terrier Puppies

If you plan to purchase one of these dogs, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for it. The relative rarity of this breed is at least partially to blame for their high price tag; there are only about 600 of them in the United States. You could try checking at dog shelters in your region to see if any of Cesky Terriers are up for adoption.

These feisty little Cesky Terriers are family orientated and great for families that have children.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cesky Terrier

Overall, the Cesky Terrier is a very calm and intelligent breed that tends to be quieter than other terriers, making them great pets and companions. They are very affectionate with their families but may be a bit standoffish with strangers at first.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Cesky Terriers are excellent family dogs and get along well with children, especially if they have been socialized with them from an early age. Teach your children how to properly interact with your dog; the Cesky Terrier is so small that it could get hurt while playing with your kids if they aren’t careful.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

As with children, Cesky Terriers tend to get along well with other dogs as long as they have been socialized with them. However, if you have small animals such as rabbits or even cats, your Cesky Terrier’s instinctive prey drive may get the best of him. For that reason, it’s best to avoid keeping small mammals and Cesky Terriers in the same home.

Things to Know When Owning a Cesky Terrier:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Make sure to choose a high-quality dog food for small breeds when searching for the right food for your Cesky Terrier. Small breeds like the Cesky Terrier tend to require between ¾–1⅓ cup of food, but the exact amount depends on your dog’s age, activity level, and ideal weight.

Cesky Terriers are typically very food-motivated animals that like to eat, so you need to carefully monitor your dog’s intake to make sure it doesn’t gain too much weight. You may want to restrict feeding to a few specific times a day instead of allowing free eating to prevent your dog from becoming overweight.

Exercise 🐕

Compared to other dog breeds, the Cesky Terrier has moderate exercise needs. Plan to take your dog out on a few long walks a day and offer plenty of opportunities for play. Keep in mind that these dogs have a fairly high prey drive and are likely to chase after squirrels or other small animals they encounter while out on a walk, so you should always keep your Cesky on leash. The Cesky Terrier can typically adapt fairly well to apartment life because they are small and don’t need as much exercise as other breeds.

Training 🎾

Cesky Terriers are not as stubborn as other terrier breeds, making them a bit easier to train. However, you need to know that your Cesky Terrier will not respond well to negative training methods. Instead, you should use positive reinforcement by rewarding your dog for good behavior.

Grooming ✂️

The Cesky Terrier’s coat tends to hold onto dirt more than other dog breeds do, so you should expect to bathe your dog somewhat regularly. These dogs are relatively low-shedding animals, but you should still plan to brush your pet about once per week. Unlike other terrier breeds, the Cesky Terrier does not need to be hand stripped. Instead, its fur should be clipped about every 6-8 weeks. The hair in your dog’s ears should also be trimmed and the inside of the ears should be cleaned regularly to help prevent ear infections.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The Cesky Terrier is typically a fairly healthy breed. However, its gene pool in the United States is relatively small, making it difficult for breeders to eliminate genetic health problems that these dogs tend to develop. Luckily, these dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club, so you should receive pedigree papers that tell you important information about your dog’s ancestry, including any health problems you will need to know about. Below, you will find a list of serious and minor conditions that you should be on the lookout for if you adopt a Cesky Terrier.

Male vs Female

While there aren’t too many differences between male and female Cesky Terriers in terms of either temperament or size, some Cesky owners say that females mature faster than males. This makes them easier to train than their male counterparts. Males may also be more likely than females to display unwanted sexual behavior, though sexual behavior tends to be eliminated if you get your dogs neutered or spayed. There are very few behavioral differences between male and female dogs that have been “fixed.”

3 Little-Known Facts About the Cesky Terrier

1. The Cesky Terrier is named after its homeland, the Czech Republic.

While it may appear that the word Cesky is pronounced “sess-key,” the correct pronunciation is “chess-key.”

2. They have a low center of gravity.

Their low center of gravity is due to the fact that they are longer than they are tall.

3. Despite how little they are, the Cesky Terrier can make a great watchdog.

These dogs are very warm and loyal to their families but tend to be wary at first with strangers.

Summary

Overall, Cesky Terriers can make wonderful pets. They are small animals that make great companions for a variety of families, from singles to seniors and families with children. They don’t need to be exercised as much as other dogs, so they are a good choice for people who have a busy schedule or don’t have access to a yard. They are also low-shedding dogs, which is great for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning up dog hair.

Keep in mind that their cost can be prohibitive for lots of people. Additionally, because Cesky Terriers are rare in the United States, it could take you quite some time to find a reputable breeder that sells one of these dogs. If you are committed to the Cesky Terrier, you may have to wait for a long time before you can pick up your pet. The Cesky Terrier may also not be a good fit for you if you also have a cat or small mammals in your house, as your Cesky may be tempted to chase after your other pets.

If the positives of owning one of these dogs outweigh the potential barriers to purchasing one, look no further—the Cesky Terrier may be the right dog for you!

Related Reads and Breeds:

• 15 Types of Terrier Dog Breeds: Small & Large (With Pictures)
• Cairn Terrier Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & Temperament

Featured Image Credit: Sue Thatcher, Shutterstock