WHAT MAKES A CESKY TERRIER A CESKY TERRIER?
For Horak, getting the “correct” temperament was a major breakthrough. Unfortunately, the Cesky Terrier has, sometimes, received a bad rap for not being “A True Terrier” because of it. The reason? The Cesky is decidedly reserved and, seemingly, does not have the Terrier “fire” and, therefore, does not spar—for good reason. It is a pack-friendly hunting dog. The Cesky is quiet, yet attentive and focused. The tail carriage is sometimes unique to this reserved and rather stoic breed; carried in a saber-like fashion either down, in an S-curve, or at a 1 o’clock position. A tail carried much over the back is incorrect for the breed and can denote an incorrect topline. However, the tail carriage is not an indicator of Cesky temperament, save when it is clamped between its legs which is an indication of discomfort in a situation. It would be a mistake, however, to let the Cesky’s reserved demeanor fool you. In its homeland, the Cesky routinely trains to pursue native burrow- dwelling animals, and is also regularly used for tracking such game as wild boar, deer, fox, and marten. Anyone watching a Cesky pursue prey 10-15 times its weight or more has no doubt about the Cesky Terrier’s “fire.” They are first-rate hunting Terriers. Of course, this begs the questions: Are Cesky Terriers good pets and do I want one? Are they too hunting-oriented? The definitive answer to the first question is, “Yes.” And while hunting-oriented, Ceskys are companions that are loyal to a fault. They are protectors of the family, and for those “in the know” they are the world’s greatest couch potatoes. They are hypoallergenic, clippered, and thus, relatively easy to maintain. They are also very routine- oriented. However, there are two cautions to owning a Cesky Terrier. One, they cannot be left alone with food as they can literally eat themselves into oblivion. Daily feedings of only a specific amount are necessary, and toys, save those made of the most durable rubber, cannot be given to a Cesky. They can destroy most any toy whose label says otherwise; they will even- tually chip away at solid rubber toys. Life expectancy of solid rubber is no more than 3-4 weeks, if that. And this begs the second cautionary question: “Do they chew and cause unnecessary destruction?” No, they do not. In this respect, they are like any other dog. The mindset of Frantisek Horak is revealed through his notes, studies, and copious writings. Those of us in the AKC parent club, the American Cesky Terrier Fanciers Association (ACTFA), are truly grateful to our Czech counterparts for sharing this information.
Boy with Three Ceskys in the Grass
BIOS
Julie Gritten is an AKC Breeder of Merit for the Cesky Terrier, as well as an AKC Judges’ Mentor. She has served as the Recording Secretary for the Board of Directors of the AKC parent club, the American Cesky Terrier Fanciers Association (ACTFA). She has also filled numerous chair positions, including Show and Hospitality, during significant mileposts in the development of the parent club as it obtained AKC Member Status. Most importantly, in developing the vision of the Cesky, Julie regularly communicates with breeders in the Czech Republic. She is well-versed in the FCI Cesky Standard and the AKC Cesky Standard, and in Cesky History. She is a breeder/owner-handler and has won numerous AKC Conformation events as well as achieving Working Dog and Performance awards and titles for her Ceskys. Bob Comer is a founding member of ACTFA and served as one of its original Directors. From 2012 to 2015, he served as its President and has been its Judges’ Education Chairman since 2016. “Owning, training, and handling Cesky Terriers is an avocation,” Bob says. “I do it because it is fun and I love the breed.” From 2012-2018, that love for the breed has helped him train and handle one AKC Grand Champion and Canadian Kennel Club Champion and one AKC Champion. Bob retired from the ring in 2019.
224 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2022
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