Pet Wiki

Cesky Terrier

Also called Český teriér, Czech Terrier, Bohemian Terrier

Recognised breedFCI group 3Short profile

From Czech Republic (then Czechoslovakia), developed near Prague.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight6 to 10 kg1
Height25 to 32 cm1
Lifespanfrom 12 years3
Sizesmall

FCI standard.

calm, gentle terrier
cheerful and easy to train
friendly companion
13

Coat and looks how to spot one

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.12

Coloursgrey-blue (charcoal to platinum)light coffee brownyellow, grey or white markings allowed12

Personality what they are like

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.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Up to about an hour of exercise a day.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs brushing more than once a week and regular clipping to keep the coat in shape.31

Home where they are happiest

A small, adaptable dog that suits both houses and flats given daily walks.3

Company who they like around

A sociable companion that enjoys being with its family.31

The story where it all began

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 2011.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Grey-blue puppies are born black and lighten as they grow; brown ones are born chocolate.1

  2. 2

    Unlike most wire-coated terriers, it is groomed with clippers and scissors instead of hand-stripping.1

  3. 3

    It was purpose-built by a single breeder, František Horák, starting in the 1940s.2

  4. 4

    Its final adult colour may take until about three years of age to settle.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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).2

Name ideas for your new friend

PragueRudyKubaMilaBorisTerezViktorJanaOskarSarkaFrantisekLipa

A day in the life told by a Cesky Terrier

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.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 246, Group 3 Terriers, Section 2 Small-sized Terriers; recognised 1963.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier group; recognised 1990 per Wikipedia; not a vulnerable native breed.3
AKC
Foundation Stock Service from 2004; full recognition in 2011.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Cesky Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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?

Furry Diary'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 Pet Wiki plan

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.316 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.3

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.3

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.123

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.31

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.

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Sealyham TerrierScottish TerrierDandie Dinmont Terrier

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 246 Cesky Terrier fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Cesky Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history dates, AKC and UK recognition
  3. The Royal Kennel Club - Cesky Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.