

The Cesky Terrier is a calm, surprisingly gentle representative of its kind—bred as a cooperative, short-legged Erdhund (earth dog) designed to work in packs during hunting, without displaying the typical stubbornness or sharpness of other terriers.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Cesky Terrier fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
25–31 cm
Weight
6–10 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Cesky Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Cesky Terrier — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
A Cesky Terrier is like a Scottish Terrier that has taken a meditation course. It brings the clever alertness and deep loyalty of its ancestors, but skips the constant need to settle every conflict itself. You won't get a hyperactive yapper, but a sensitive companion that loves to keep its nose in the wind outside and prefers to rest closely by your side indoors.
The Cesky Terrier is a small but well-proportioned dog that appears strong and robust. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, giving it a unique but harmonious appearance. His head is pronounced and his expression is lively and intelligent. Its coat is short and smooth with a thick undercoat that protects it from the elements. The Cesky Terrier is a member of FCI Group 3, Terriers. In contrast to many other terrier breeds, the Cesky Terrier does not differentiate between performance and show lines. The aim is to maintain a uniform breed standard that emphasizes both the dog's appearance and working ability.
The Cesky Terrier's personality is truly charming. He is known for his intelligence and sociability and has a natural tendency to please people. Unlike some terriers, the Cesky has a rather calm and even temperament and adapts well to different lifestyles. He is neither hyperactive nor particularly calm, but rather in the middle. The Cesky Terrier is very people-oriented and loves spending time with his family. He likes to be there no matter what you are doing and enjoys both active games and cozy evenings on the couch. He is also known to get along well with children and usually gets along well with other dogs and pets as well, provided he is properly socialized. Cesky Terriers are also known to generally do well on their own as long as they are not left alone for long periods of time. As with any dog, training to be alone should be done gradually and positively to avoid stress and possible behavioral problems. As a terrier, the Cesky has a natural hunting instinct and can chase down prey if given the chance. It is important that he learns to control his passion for hunting as a puppy and listens well when called upon. A secured garden and keeping on a leash in areas with wildlife are good precautions.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Cesky Terrier is the only dog breed that originated in the Czech Republic?
The breed, initially known as the "Bohemian Terrier", was exhibited for the first time in 1959 under the name "Cesky Terrier". However, it was not officially recognized as a breed by the FCI until 1963. Two examples were exported to Germany in 1967. But it wasn't until 1987 that the first litter was born in the terrier club. To date, there have only been a little more than 700 entries in the studbook, which shows that a lot of pioneering work still needs to be done to help the breed become better known and popular. Although the Cesky is now bred and used more as a companion dog, it still has the ability for successful predator hunting in the den and hunting use in the field. He is tough and hard in his work, but not recklessly aggressive.
The Cesky Terrier is well suited to city life due to its small size and adapted temperament. He gets along well with other dogs and can also get along well with cats and other pets, especially if he is raised with them from a young age. Small children usually do not pose a problem, but as with all dogs, proper introduction and supervision should be ensured. Cesky Terriers are known for their patience and gentleness, making them good pets for families with children.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
When raising and training a Cesky Terrier, it is important to take his natural instincts and abilities into consideration. This breed is intelligent and willing to learn, but can also be a little independent. That's why positive and varied training is most effective. Cesky Terriers are active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. However, they can also easily become overstimulated and should therefore always have enough rest periods. It is important to promote frustration tolerance and impulse control in this breed to avoid problematic behavior. Due to their natural hunting instinct, your Cesky Terrier could become a ball junkie. It is important that you offer him alternatives and ensure that he learns to control his passion for hunting.
The Cesky Terrier's diet should be tailored to its size, age, metabolism and activity level. A balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins is essential for optimal health. It may be advisable to use high-quality food or seek the advice of a veterinarian or nutritionist to ensure that your Cesky Terrier receives all the necessary nutrients. Caring for the Cesky Terrier is relatively easy. He has a smooth coat with a thick undercoat that protects him from the elements. His coat sheds little and only needs regular brushing to prevent matting and keep his skin healthy. Occasional trimming can help keep the coat clean and tidy.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Cesky Terrier has an above-average predisposition to hereditary diseases, with the eyes being particularly at risk. Eye disorders such as Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) can be controlled via genetic testing, but require seamless documentation from breeders. In addition, buyers must pay attention to anatomical anomalies such as open fontanelles (cranioschisis) to rule out severe malformations.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
You should ensure a healthy weight and joint-friendly exercise to relieve the back, as well as schedule regular eye check-ups.
Reputable breeders have the knees, eyes, and hearts of the parent animals tested and pay attention to a healthy back as well as unburdened neurological lines.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Cesky Terrier costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €310, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,820 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€29,750.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€160 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€4,820
Across the dog's life
~€29,750
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
HonestDog Concierge
We currently have no breeders for this breed who have passed our verification. Create your short buyer profile: we'll set up your search alert, review a possible source and email you within 28 days.

Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageThe Cesky Terrier is a relatively young breed originating from the Czech Republic. It was developed in the 1940s by a Czech breeder and hunter named František Horák. Horák aimed to create a terrier suitable for both forest work and apartment living. To achieve this, he crossed Scottish Terriers with Sealyham Terriers, prioritizing a gentle temperament, strong hunting instincts, and a low-maintenance coat. The breed was recognized by the FCI in 1963 and remains popular in its home country, with growing international appeal.
The Cesky Terrier was bred as a hunting dog for earthwork, though it is now a popular companion dog with a distinctive appearance.
Czech Republic
1948
Owners describe the Cesky Terrier in family life as a remarkably adaptable, unobtrusive companion. Many point out that it is noticeably calmer and more laid-back at home than many other terrier breeds. It is considered cuddly, always seeks out its people and forms a close bond. With children it usually comes across as patient and playful, as long as the kids treat it with respect.
At the same time, owners note that the Cesky Terrier can initially be distant or reserved with visitors and strangers. It alertly announces anything unusual without being a nonstop barker. Because it is so people-oriented, some dogs find being left alone hard at first, so experienced owners advise building up alone time early and gently, in small steps.
Sources:petbook.deforum.hundund.deedogs.dewelpen.vdh.deamba-versicherungen.de
Training is where the Cesky Terrier surprises many owners: it is very willing to cooperate. Owners often describe it as sensitive to moods and, for a terrier, remarkably easy to motivate and guide. Pressure or excessive harshness quickly make it withdraw, unsure of itself; with positive reinforcement and clear consistency, on the other hand, it learns fast.
Still, experienced owners stress that the breed's hunting roots should never be underestimated. Scent trails of small game, rabbits or mice in particular quickly trigger its prey drive. Many owners report that a reliable recall takes intensive training and that letting the dog off-leash in areas with lots of wildlife isn't always safe. With forward-thinking handling and scent work, though, this drive can usually be kept well under control in daily life.
As for health and grooming, reports generally describe the Cesky Terrier as a robust, long-lived dog with few weak spots. Owners and breed experts occasionally bring up "Scotty Cramp", a tendency inherited from the Scottish Terrier toward cramp-like movement disorders during stress or excitement, as well as occasional patellar luxation.
The biggest day-to-day effort goes into the coat: owners regularly point out that the soft, silky coat barely sheds but mats quickly. It needs combing anywhere from several times a week to daily, plus regular clipping every few months. On top of that, the characteristic beard and the furnishings on the belly and legs bring plenty of dirt and burrs indoors after walks in wet weather, so a routine rinse or brush-out is needed.
Sources:welpen.vdh.dezooplus.dezoomalia.deamba-versicherungen.dehundeseite.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Cesky Terrier is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Cesky Terrier is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Cesky Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Cesky Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Cesky Terrier comes in these colors: Grey, Blue, Brown.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Cesky Terrier.