Cesky Terrier
CalmReservedLoyal
Czech Republic · 12–15 years
About the Cesky Terrier
The Cesky Terrier (pronounced 'CHESS-kee'), also known as the Bohemian Terrier, is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. Created in 1948 by Czech geneticist František Horák by crossing a Scottish Terrier with a Sealyham Terrier, the Cesky was designed to be a hunting terrier that could work in packs and navigate Bohemian forests. They are the only terrier breed trimmed with clippers rather than hand-stripped, giving them a distinctive, elegant silhouette. Cesky Terriers are calmer, more reserved, and less aggressive than most terrier breeds, making them excellent companions for families seeking a gentler terrier temperament.
Breed stats
- Height
- 10–13 in
- Weight
- 14–24 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Group
- Terrier
- Coat
- Long, silky, slightly wavy, clipped (not hand-stripped)
- Origin
- Czech Republic
Coat colors
- Gray-Blue
- Light Coffee Brown
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–45 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.5–1 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Scottie cramp (myoclonia)
- Cardiac problems
- Patellar luxation
- Lens luxation
- Dental issues
Not every Cesky Terrier will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Cesky Terriers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Cesky Terriers are among the rarest breeds in the world, with an estimated global population of only about 3,500 dogs. Annual AKC registrations are minimal — often fewer than 50 in the US. They are more common in their Czech homeland but still uncommon even there. Finding a Cesky puppy requires significant patience, research, and usually an international search. Prices typically range from $2,000 to $4,000. Their rarity reflects both their recent creation (1948), the small founding population (one breeder's vision), and the dominance of more established terrier breeds in the market.
- Yes, Cesky Terriers are notably calmer and more reserved than most terrier breeds. Their creator, František Horák, specifically bred for a less aggressive, more sociable terrier that could work cooperatively in packs — unusual for terriers, which are typically independent and combative with other dogs. Ceskys are less reactive, less vocal, and more patient than many terrier breeds. They retain terrier determination and prey drive but express it with less intensity. This calmer temperament makes them one of the best terrier breeds for families and multi-dog households.
- Cesky Terriers are the only terrier breed whose standard calls for clipping rather than hand-stripping. Their creator, Horák, designed the breed's coat to be maintained with clippers for practical reasons — hand-stripping is time-consuming and requires skill. The Cesky's long, silky coat is clipper-trimmed to create a distinctive silhouette: longer on the lower body, legs, and face (including eyebrows and beard) and shorter on the upper body. This gives them a unique, elegant appearance different from traditionally stripped terriers. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks maintains the proper Cesky trim.
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