CZECHOSLOVAKIAN WOLFDOG

Temperament: Loyal, Intelligent, Active
Height: Minimum: 23.5-25.5 inches
Weight: Minimum: 44-57 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Group: Foundation Stock Service 

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

This is a relatively new breed of dog, which can boast neither hundreds of years of tradition nor the names of famous rulers or eminent personalities who bred it or owned it. Nevertheless, it attracts attention wherever it appears. Nobody doubts, not for a moment, that these dogs are of the most distinguished origin.

Their mother is Nature. It looks like a wolf. It is tall but light and strong. Its straight, thick hair is wolf-like gray with a typical white mask. It will size you up confidently, with its light eyes, set obliquely. It does not look at its owner; it knows exactly, at every moment, where its master is and what he is doing. It pays attention, rather, to its surroundings it wants to have a good view. It can run 62 miles (100 kilometers) easily, has a great sense of direction, and reacts with lightning speed.

No trail is too difficult for it to follow. No matter whether it is raining or freezing or whether it is day or night. There’s nothing it could not manage if it wants to. Every year come the new puppies from two mother countries—Czech Republic and Slovak Republic. The first breedings were recorded in Austria, Slovenia and Hungary; animals were imported to a number of countries. The dogs are shown every year at the leading dog shows and exhibitions.

PERSONALITY

This is a very active and agile breed that is fearless and can endure strenuous exercise. They can be suspicious, but will not attack without a purpose and will develop an extreme loyalty to its owner, which makes them great guard dogs. They are very versatile and can endure any weather, and are also known to be very playful. However, they can be temperamental if paired with an owner that does not show proper leadership. They are intelligent and learn new concepts with ease, although it requires motivation and purpose to learn something quickly.

FEEDING

A raw diet is preferable for the Czechoslovakian Vlcak, but a high quality, grain-free kibble with raw supplements is also acceptable. Many dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for small, medium, large and extra-large breeds. Czechoslovakian Vlcaks are a medium-sized breed.

What you feed your dog is an individual choice, but working with your veterinarian and/or breeder will be the best way to determine frequency of meals as a puppy and the best adult diet to increase his longevity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

HEALTH

Czechoslovakian Vlcaks are a very healthy and robust breed.  It is wise to ask the breeder what health concerns they have seen in each genetic line.

Recommended Health Test from Parent Club:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Eye Examination by boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist
• DNA Repository
• Dentition (full)
• Cardiac Evaluation (Optional)
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Optional)
• Pituitary Dwarfism DNA Test (Optional)

CARE

The Czechoslovakian Vlcak is a primitive breed of dog with a dominant and independent personality and so requires a different approach to training. Consistency and patience is a must. The CSV is confident, lively, active, high stamina, high energy, tough and obedient with quick reactions. They are also highly intelligent, versatile and curious. Early socialization and training is very important. With proper training, Vlcaks can excel in many different types of activities, but they need to see a purpose for the desired task. They bore very easily, do not like to do repetitive tasks and often refuse to perform the tasks regardless of treat incentives. Positive reinforcement training methods are highly recommended. The Czechoslovakian Vlcak is not recommended for first time owners as they need strong pack leadership and structure.

This breed is known for having boundless energy, especially during puppyhood and young adolescence. Daily long walks/runs combined with mental stimulation work well. Turning them out into the back yard by themselves does not work. A Vlcak does best when they have a “meaningful” job they can devote themselves to. They like to have an interactive experience with their owners. Activities like swimming, hiking, retrieving balls or flying discs can provide a good outlet for expending energy. A CSV may have prey drive towards small animals, so fenced enclosures and/or on-leash are always a good idea.

GROOMING

Czechoslovakian Vlcaks have a weather resistant coat; it naturally cleans itself of mud and dirt. They seldom need a bath and have little to no body odor. They shed twice-a-year and at that time daily brushing is required. The winter coat is thicker, heavier and longer than the shorter, thinner summer coat and this may require more grooming during the colder months of the year. Their strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THIS BREED

Source: akc, dogbreedinfo, wagwalking.