The Czech Republic and its predecessors gave the world of cynology several interesting breeds and you might even know some. Let’s meet the Czech dog breeds.
The Czech dog breeds were created almost exclusively for practical reasons. However, in some cases the breeding process resulted in some very visually appealing breeds which gained popularity not only for their looks but also their character. Some of the breeds keep serving their original purpose as work-breeds but they are more and more viewed also as companion dogs.
Czechoslovakia was isolated for several decades from the western world and in some aspects also from its eastern “allies”. Some of the Czech dog breeds are therefore fairly uncommon in the rest of the world. However, three of the breeds are internationally recognized and there’s probably one that you know even if you’ve never been to Czechia.
Czech Dog Breeds
Československý vlčák / Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
This is the one. You’ve probably seen the Czechoslovak Wolfdog, originally called Czech Wolfdog. The breed was created by a Czech called Karel Hartl in 1955 first as an experiment and few years later as a work-breed for military purposes. Hartl’s objective was to crossbreed the wolf with the German Shepherd to obtain dogs with the qualities of the shepherd but stronger senses and more stamina. And he succeeded. The fourth generation of the crossbreeds were already capable of military training and exceeded German Shepherds in all observed aspects (endurance and stamina, sense of smell and vision, night vision etc.). Nowadays, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is still used as a work-breed for its excellent qualities but it’s also quite popular as a companion dog for active people. It requires sensitive and consistent training and an active lifestyle.
After the split of Czechoslovakia the FCI registered the breed as a Slovak one despite its Czech origins. However, both countries consider it their national breed.
Looking for a puppy from Czech Republic? This is the official club of the Czechoslovak Wolfdog (switch languages with GT at the bottom).
Český strakatý pes / Bohemian Spotted Dog
The history of this breed is not a happy one. The Bohemian Spotted Dog was created as a laboratory breed and we humans have a lot to thank those first dogs. They were used for the investigation of epilepsy and as kidney transplant practice animals. Nowadays, this is old history and the breed is loved for its friendly nature which makes the dogs ideal for families. There are not large numbers of Bohemian Spotted Dogs but the fan-base is growing continually because the breed combines all the advantages of crossbreeds like good health as well as of intentional breeding of individuals with great characteristics like friendly nature and the typical visual aspects which in this case are the spots of three colors.
Looking for a puppy from Czech Republic? This is the official club of the Bohemian Spotted Dog.
Český fousek / Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon / Czech Fous
The “Czech Pointer” was a fully standardised breed already in Austria-Hungary. It was bred for obvious reasons – to create a versatile hunting dog. It’s unique facial furnishings (the beard and moustache) make the breed easily recognizable among the pointers. As for the character, the Czech Pointer is a very friendly dog with excellent tracking ability. It is often used by the Czech huntsmen for tracking larger game.
Looking for a puppy from Czech Republic? This is the official club of the Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon.
Český horský pes / Czech Mountain Dog
The largest Czech breed was created as a mountain breed used for work in the mountains, rescue-work and mushing. Nowadays, it’s not a very well-known breed but it’s still used by the mountain watch and during avalanche rescue works. It is a great family dog for it’s friendly and tolerant nature as well as the capability of effective protection. It is an active breed, it requires consistent training as well as lots of physical activity.
Looking for a puppy from Czech Republic? This is the official club of the Czech Mountain Dog (only in Czech).
Český teriér / Czech Terrier
The Czech Terrier is a small terrier created for forest hunting. Nowadays it’s more of a dog show breed. It’s visual characteristics are a well-muscled body that it longer than the dog’s height.
Looking for a puppy from Czech Republic? This is the official club of the Czech Terrier.
Chodský pes / Bohemian Shepherd
The origins of this breed date back to the 13th century. The Czech name means “dog from the region of Chodsko” and it reflects the purpose of these dogs. They were created to accompany the farmers from the Chodsko region (west of the country) on their duty to watch the border crossing to Germany.
The breed is of medium dominance and natural self confidence which makes it an ideal watch breed. It’s also used for rescue work and agility.
Looking for a puppy from Czech Republic? This is the official club of the Bohemian Shepherd (only in Czech).
Pražský krysařík / Prague Ratter
The Prague Ratter was a favorite breed of many Czech kings. As the name suggests, the dogs are good at catching mice although how and why they were created remains unclear. It is a tiny breed of sweet and playful nature, they’re good family dogs with surprising stamina.
Looking for a puppy from Czech Republic? This is the official club of the Prague Ratter (only in Czech).
So which Czech dog breed is your favorite? If you’re looking for some more interesting facts about Czechia, explore the cathegory General & Trivia!
