As the Cesky Terrier has slowly gained footing in the United States, more information is needed to properly evaluate this wonderfully loving and adventurous breed. Bred in 1948, their Czechoslovakian creator, Frantisek Horak, set down the Breed Standard to keep the ideal image of a family-loving yet capable Terrier.
Starting from the top of the breed’s wedge-shaped head to tip of the tail, and framed by a muscular body, soft coat, and a distinct, unleveled topline, the Cesky Terrier has been garnering more attention, so delving into more specifics on the breed is necessary for their continued growth and longevity.
Anytime this breed is evaluated, whether it is by a breeder in their home or a judge in the ring, the first impression should showcase an elegant, well-muscled terrier. However, the first specific aspect that one may notice is the distinctive topline.
The Cesky Terrier should never have a level topline. Instead, the topline is a slight rise over the loin and rump. A roached back is never correct in the breed and needs to be carefully observed when evaluating the topline. Another misconception is that it’s a sloped topline towards the rear. The hallmark of the Cesky Terrier is the unleveled topline and should be noticeable in movement and standing.
However, most people evaluating any canine start from the top of the head and work their way down. The Cesky Terrier has a wedge-shaped head forming an elegant expression, with high-set ears and almond-shaped eyes.
The ears should be triangular and tight, sitting high up on the head before hanging down over the orifice. Ears should not hang past the cheek, because this will indicate they are either low set or too large. The eyes, as stated above, should be the shape of an almond and sit slightly deeper within the face, and they should be a shade of brown, typically a darker brown. The bite is level or scissor, with no missing detention.
Moving down to the majority of the body, the Cesky Terrier has a well-defined, muscular frame. The length of the body, measured from sternum to buttocks, is ideally between 15 and 17 inches, in a ratio of approximately 1-1/2 (length) to 1 (height). The neck should be slightly arched, giving an overall elegant impression while moving or relaxed. A Cesky Terrier should move easily and freely, covering ground effortlessly.
The Cesky Terrier is reserved with strangers, and this can be reflected in the tail carriage. A relaxed Cesky may carry its tail hanging down, not to be mistaken with a tucked tail, while an enthusiastic Cesky may carry its tail straight out like a saber or tipping towards the sky. All of these tail carriages are correct, while a squirrel tail or a tail touching the back are not desired. The topline that gives way to a correct tail set should be visible from a standing or moving position. The Cesky Terrier may carry its tail lightly from the body in a down position, and this is still correct in the breed. Ideally, the tail should be seven to eight inches in length, and is easily measured by running the tail down the length of the back thigh to the hock. A tail that goes to the floor or curls over the back is too long.
The coat of a Cesky Terrier gives character to hunting through the Bohemian forests, clipped in a way to showcase the musculature of this breed. The Cesky features a soft, fine coat that is versatile for working and as a family companion. The hair that forms the fall on the face should be long and stop at the snout. It should flow down across the head, but not be so full as to cover the eyes completely. The expression of a Cesky Terrier should be almost visible from the side so as to highlight the elegance of the breed. Each part of the coat should flow into the next, with no visible lines between the clipped portion of the coat and the skirt. The ears are clipped tight while the rest of the head is a half-inch to one inch in length, and the coat is clipped down the neck and into the back of the Cesky, known as “the saddle.” The saddle is a reference to the longer hair forming a U-shape around the elbows and ending in a V-shape towards the tail. This portion of hair should ideally be no longer than one inch.
The Cesky Terrier showcases the muscles in a shorter cut, a quarter-inch over each of the leg muscles into an eighth-inch on the tail and vent of the dog. The skirt should be clean and well-kept, brushing against the ground but not so long as to flow or interrupt the overall look of the dog. The hair is soft and fine in any color of grey, or in the rare instance, brown, which is an acceptable color within the Standard. The overall impression should be of an elegant, well-muscled Cesky. All of these parts create the effortless silhouette of the Cesky Terrier, a breed well known for its versatility, working ability, and overall, as a loving, family companion.
