Cesky Terrier at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 27–29 cm
- Weight
- 6–10 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Time alone.
Is the Cesky Terrier right for you?
Like every breed, the Cesky Terrier is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
- You would prefer a dog that tends to shed little.
Consider another breed if…
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to brushing several times a week.
- You would find barking hard to live with.
How would the Cesky Terrier fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Cesky Terrier
The Cesky Terrier is a short-legged, rectangular terrier with drop ears, a long beard and eyebrows that give it a serious expression. It is agile and hardy, with a gentle manner towards people, yet it is still quite capable of seeing off vermin.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Moderate
Moderately energetic, with bursts of play.
- Grooming
Moderate
The coat usually needs brushing several times a week.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every dog sheds some hair.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Some experience helps
Some dog experience helps.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
The breed is the national dog of the Czech Republic and is a relatively modern one. It was developed by the geneticist František Horák, who began his breeding programme in the late 1940s by crossing Scottish Terriers with Sealyhams. Dandie Dinmonts and Wire-Haired Dachshunds may also have been used to bring the size down, because Horák wanted a dog small enough to go to ground in burrows that were too tight for a Scottie or Sealyham.
Ceskys were used to hunt everything from wild boar to fox and rabbit. Horák also wanted a terrier that would work well in a pack, and today the breed is often easier to integrate with other dogs than many terriers. It was recognised by the FCI in 1963 and by the Royal Kennel Club in 1990.
Cesky Terrier temperament
Cesky Terriers are typically gentle and affable with familiar people and their family, though they can be a little reserved with strangers. Thorough socialisation and sensible introductions help with this.
Their working instinct is still strong. Early training to ignore certain animals, especially cats, is important. Ceskys can get along with animals they grow up with, but they should not be expected to be safe with pet rodents or rabbits.
They can be chatty and are quick to bark at visitors or anything unusual.
Size and appearance
The Cesky is a small dog. Males stand about 29 cm and females about 27 cm, and adults usually weigh 6–10 kg.
The coat is medium length, slightly wavy with a silky sheen, and hard and weatherproof. Breed standard colours include grey, dark grey, grey blue, silver, grey and tan, light brown and wheaten. Puppies are born black, and the adult colour is not known until about two years old.
How much exercise does a Cesky Terrier need?
An hour or so of exercise a day suits most Ceskys, with training, puzzles and games on top. They hunt by sight and scent and like to dig, so activities that put those instincts to good use help keep them content.
They do not need much space indoors, but a decent-sized secure garden with solid fencing is important, as they can wriggle through very small gaps. They suit town or country if you have access to varied walks and safe off-lead areas.
Training a Cesky Terrier
Clever, quick-witted and fun, the Cesky is an enjoyable training partner for people who like a challenge and have a sense of humour. With the right methods it can reach a high level of training, and it can do surprisingly well at scentwork.
- Use positive reinforcement and keep training fun.
- Socialise early with other animals, children and people.
- Build a reliable recall around distractions and livestock.
- Give their hunting and digging instincts a safe outlet through games and dog sports.
Cesky Terrier grooming
Unlike many terriers, which are hand-stripped, the Cesky has its body coat clipped. The coat needs clipping every six to eight weeks and brushing at least once a week, paying attention to the long hair on the face, legs and tummy. Check the feet and beard daily for debris.
Keeping the traditional style takes some grooming skill, and frequent professional grooming should be factored in if you will not do it yourself.
Living with a Cesky Terrier
The Cesky is more tolerant than many terriers and can make a good family dog for people who have time to socialise and train it well. Small children can easily mistake a small dog for a toy, so it is best to wait until children are past the toddler stage, and the breed may suit homes with older teenagers or no children. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually happier in a house.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
First-time owners
Some dog experience helps.
Cesky Terrier health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Royal Kennel Club asks breeders to prioritise genetic diversity in the Cesky Terrier and notes that the breed can be affected by conformational concerns. Being aware of possible problems helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every Cesky will be affected.
Patellar luxation
A condition affecting the kneecaps that Purina lists among the problems the breed can suffer from.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Cesky Terrier home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Cesky Terrier cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Cesky Terrier home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Cesky Terrier
If you have decided the Cesky Terrier suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Cesky Terrier
Cesky Terriers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Cesky Terriers looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Cesky Terrier adverts at the moment.
Find Cesky Terrier adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
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View breed guideFox Terrier
Friendly, forthcoming, fearless, clever, energetic, mischievous and independent.
View breed guideIrish Terrier
Comical, gentle, loving, affectionate, devoted, fearless, mischievous and brave.
View breed guide
Cesky Terrier FAQs
Is the Cesky Terrier good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Cesky Terrier live in a flat?
Usually happier in a house. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Cesky Terrier need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Cesky Terrier shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Cesky Terrier need?
Typically: several times a week.
Is the Cesky Terrier easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Does the Cesky Terrier bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Cesky Terrier good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Cesky Terrier live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Cesky Terrier get?
Adults typically stand 27–29 cm at the shoulder and weigh 6–10 kg.