An even-tempered, pleasant little terrier that is quieter and less busy than many of its cousins. It is kind with its people and a touch reserved with strangers.13
how to spot oneCesky Terrier coat and colours
long, fine, slightly wavy
A long, soft-but-firm coat with a light wave and silky shine. It is clipped rather than hand-stripped, leaving a beard and eyebrows on the face and a longer skirt on the legs and underside.13
Comes ingrey-blue (charcoal to platinum)light coffee brownyellow, grey or white markings allowed13
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cesky Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
A small, adaptable dog that suits both houses and flats given daily walks.2
who they like aroundCesky Terrier with people and other pets
A sociable companion that enjoys being with its family.21
the hands-on bitsCesky Terrier grooming and care
Needs brushing more than once a week and regular clipping to keep the coat in shape.21
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Cesky Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your Cesky Terrier at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help their digestion, but the exact times can fit your schedule. Always check the food label for portion sizes and ask your vet for a tailored plan.4
What should a Cesky Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A Cesky Terrier thrives on a balanced, high-quality dog food suited to their age and size. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as these can be harmful. Your vet can help you choose the best diet and portion sizes.5
How often should I bathe a Cesky Terrier?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing your Cesky Terrier about every 8 weeks, but you can adjust based on their activity and coat condition. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their silky coat clean without stripping natural oils.6
How often does a Cesky Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Cesky Terrier at least once a week, and ideally daily, to prevent tangles in their long, silky coat. Regular brushing keeps their coat shiny and reduces shedding.216
How do I trim a Cesky Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim your Cesky Terrier's nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain.6
How much exercise does a Cesky Terrier need?
Your Cesky Terrier needs up to about an hour of exercise each day, including walks and playtime. They are adaptable and do well in both houses and flats as long as they get daily walks.2
How do I look after a Cesky Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your Cesky Terrier's teeth daily with dog toothpaste to prevent dental issues. Check their ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and clean gently without inserting anything into the ear canal.6
How long does a Cesky Terrier live?
A Cesky Terrier typically lives at least 12 years, often longer with proper care. They are a generally healthy breed, so you can look forward to many happy years together.2
Is a Cesky Terrier good with children and other pets?
Cesky Terriers are kind and pleasant with their family, making them good with children when properly socialized. They can get along with other pets if introduced early, but always supervise interactions.132
Can a Cesky Terrier be left alone?
Cesky Terriers are sociable and enjoy being with their family, so they may not like being left alone for long periods. Provide toys and a comfortable space, and consider a pet sitter if you are away often.21
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchCesky Terrier health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Cesky Terrier. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Scottie cramp
An inherited, non-painful movement disorder that causes brief episodes of stiff, awkward gait when excited. Named for the breed on Wikipedia and by breed clubs (inherited from the Scottish Terrier) ↗
Primary lens luxation
An inherited eye condition where the lens slips out of place; a DNA test is available. Wikipedia breed page lists it ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Cesky Terrier costs
Running costs for a Cesky Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Cesky Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Cesky Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Grey-blue puppies are born black and lighten as they grow; brown ones are born chocolate.1
2
Unlike most wire-coated terriers, it is groomed with clippers and scissors instead of hand-stripping.1
3
It was purpose-built by a single breeder, František Horák, starting in the 1940s.3
4
Its final adult colour may take until about three years of age to settle.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name 'Cesky Terrier' comes from the Czech 'Český teriér', meaning 'Bohemian Terrier' or 'Czech Terrier', reflecting its origin in the Czech Republic (formerly part of Czechoslovakia).3
I wake when the kettle whistles, stretch my short legs, and trot to the kitchen for a scratch behind the ears. My human laughs and calls me a proper gentleman. After a stroll in the park, I find a sunny bench and watch the world go by, not too fast, just right. A squirrel chatters at me; I give it a polite nod and stay put. At home, I curl on the sofa with a squeaky toy, its little voice my favorite song. When guests come, I greet them with a wag and then step back, letting them admire me from a distance. Evenings are for laps and gentle brushing. I am a terrier, but I prefer tea to trouble.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganCesky Terrier history
Czech geneticist and breeder František Horák created the breed in the late 1940s by crossing a Sealyham Terrier with a Scottish Terrier, aiming for a hunting terrier suited to Bohemian forests. The dogs were first shown in 1959 and the FCI recognised them in 1963. They reached the UK in 1989 and gained full AKC recognition in 2011.13
Sealyham Terrier
Scottish Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier