CESKY TERRIER Q&A
“Cesky’s are a delightful Terrier. They are supposed to be reserved with strangers—it is in the breed standard.”
their owners. They do not suffer from the small dog happy syn- drome. They will bark to alert. Can the “Cesky be left alone with food in abundance? Cesky are lovers of all things food, so never leave food available at all times. They will eat until they explode! They are not picky eaters either. They are Hoover Vacuums and will clean your floors spotless! Can the Cesky have soft or moderately soft toys? No soft toys or rubber toys unless under supervision. I always suggest the Dura Chews by Nylabone or uncooked beef bones. Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dispel? Just because they are a reserved breed by nature does not mean they cannot perform the job of a working Terrier. What special challenges do breeders face in our current eco- nomic and social climate? To preserve the wonderful world of all purebred dogs and intentionally leaving our breed in better shape than we found it. The “adopt, don’t shop” movement is so harmful to our truly responsible breeders of purebred dogs. I could write an opinion article on that and it would be 100 pages long! We need to preserve, protect and promote our purebred dogs. At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? I can say that I can tell by 12 weeks of age those puppies in my litter that do not have the potential to be shown, but to truly assess a show quality puppy, I would say at 12 months I can tell more definitely. When my puppies do go to show homes, it is as a show prospect. What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? The correct structure and size of the Cesky, the correct rise above the loin and that it is a reserved Terrier that does not spare in the ring. The Cesky was originally bred by Mr. Horak so that it was able to hunt amiably in a pack with less aggres- sion than other hunting Terrier breeds. What’s the best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? Opening our hearts to welcoming, mentoring and making people feel wanted and a part of the group, celebrating the successes of others and not turning our backs on those that do become suc- cessful in their breeds or have the strong desire and passion to learn. Sharing and learning from each other and activities that promote a sense of camaraderie. My ultimate goal for the breed? That breeders continue to breed true to type and to the vision set forth by the creator of the breed, Mr. Horak. My favorite dog show memory? When a bitch I bred won BIS Bred By Exhibitor and was the very first Cesky to ever win a BIS in America. I was so over the moon happy and proud! BARBARA HOPLER I live in Morris County, New Jersey. Outside of dogs, I am a Credit Manager. Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort- able with the placement? Hoping they will become more popular. We are a breed new to AKC and have different qualities and groom- ing than other Terriers. Do these numbers help or hurt the breed? The small numbers hurt the breed. Is the Cesky Terrier a hunting dog and what are its prey? They go to ground badger, groundhogs, rats, etc. They also hunt dear and wild boar in packs in their homeland, the Czech Republic. How does the Cesky’s physical appearance aid in his hunting? They are small enough to fit in tunnels when necessary, they are tireless and can move out for long periods of time.
What ailments does the breed suffer from, if any? They are a healthy breed with few problems. We test for luxuriating patella, heart and dentition before breeding. Is the Cesky, despite its hunting nature, a good house pet and is it comfortable around children? They are excellent house pets, comfortable if raised with well-mannered children and cats. They like to please the owner and are food motivated for training. Can the Cesky be left alone with food in abundance? Absolutely not! They would eat a bag of dog food if left alone. Cesky’s will eat till they burst. Food must be regulated and treats of banana pieces, apple pieces, string beans and carrots should be the main treats. We do not feed many store bought treats. Can the Cesky have soft or moderately soft toys? Some can, but most will destroy anything soft. Even the hard toy and bones can be destroyed. They must be watched when they have toys. Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dispel? Cesky’s are a delightful Terrier. They are supposed to be reserved with strangers—it is in the breed standard. They are not scared. They are unlike some other Terriers that are much more active. What special challenges do breeders face in our current eco- nomic and social climate? Town laws, adopt don’t shop mentality. Animal rights advocates. At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? Some pups by 12-14 weeks. Show prospects, you hope; second teeth come in and the bite stays correlated. I have also had pups I never thought would make it turn out to be wonderful show dogs. What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? They must be balanced both in body and mind. They must look like they can go into the field and do what they were breed to do. The action should be free and even, with good reach in both front and back covering ground effortlessly. This is a working Terrier which must have agility, freedom of move- ment and endurance to work. The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? Talking and answering questions. Mentoring newcomers teaching them about this wonderful breed. My ultimate goal for the breed? To become well established in the US. My favorite dog show memory? Winning Best of Breed at Westminster. The Cesky Terrier is a very adaptable pup. They can live in the country, on a farm or in the city. Ceskys love their people and are happiest with their people. Ceskys should be socialized at an early age. Cesky Terriers do not do well as kennel dogs. They want to be with their people hiking, watching TV or just hanging out. LISSA PRESTON
I live in a river town off the Missis- sippi in Port Byron, Illinois. I work in healthcare and enjoy reading, creating art and spending time with my family. Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfortable with the placement? I hope to see this rank- ing move up considerably in my life- time. I feel the current fanciers have done a wonderful job to promote the breed and work as a team to educate
284 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2020
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