Cesky Terrier

The Cesky loves to eat, so feed a high-quality dog food formulated for its age and size, and monitor portions carefully. These small dogs have big appetites, so watch how much goes in the bowl and trim portions if your dog starts to gain weight.

Too many treats on top of regular meals can lead to excess weight, so keep them occasional. Your veterinarian can point you to a diet that suits your individual dog, and it helps to learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not.

Unlike many terriers, the Cesky is not hand-stripped; the body coat is clipped instead. Because so few groomers know the breed, visit a professional groomer referred by your breeder to be sure the coat is trimmed correctly with regular clipping.

The coat sheds very little, but it also does not shed dirt the way harder coats do, so your dog will need regular baths to stay clean between trims.

These dogs grow a lot of hair in the ears, which should be removed at each grooming appointment to help prevent ear infections. While you are at it, check the ears for wax buildup and debris and clean them as needed.

The Cesky is an active dog that enjoys daily exercise. Walks in the park and backyard games with the family give these playful terriers a good way to burn energy.

The breed has a strong prey drive and is hardwired to chase anything it reads as prey. Keep your dog on leash outdoors and in a securely fenced yard, since it may take off in pursuit before you can call it back.

The Cesky is a little less stubborn, and so more trainable, than many other terriers, but it still needs a firm hand in a kid glove. These dogs shut down under harsh or negative methods, so stick with a positive, reward-based approach and a consistent routine for obedience.

Smart, sensible, and feisty, the Cesky is a strong candidate for dog sports. Begin managing the high prey drive early. Ceskys enjoy digging, and insufficient activity can lead to destructive digging in the yard.

This is a family-oriented breed that does well with young children. Early, ongoing socialization helps the Cesky stay confident and comfortable around new people and other dogs.