The Cesky Terrier, also referred to sometimes as a Bohemian Terrier, is a relatively new breed.  The breed was developed by Mr. Frantisek Horak, a Czechoslovakian geneticist.  Sadly, Mr. Horak passed away in 1996, but during his lifetime he developed 2 breeds of dogs:  the Czech Piebald Dog and our beloved Cesky Terrier.  He began developing the Cesky breed in 1949 and the Piebald in 1954. 

Mr. Horak at his kennel in the Czech Republic

 

Mr. Horak was a Scotty and Sealyham breeder.  Most terriers were bred to "go to ground," which involves locating or following burrowing animals into their holes.  This task requires a small but courageous dog.   Mr. Horak wanted a game dog that could go to ground and not "get stuck" as his Scotties sometimes did, but one that was more amenable to other dogs than most terriers so they could be used to hunt in groups.   He believed a Sealyham and a Scotty could produce the type of dog he wanted.  In 1949, he did the first breeding of a Scotty and a Sealyham, keeping extremely detailed records.  His breed gained popularity, particularly with hunters.

Mr. Horak with one of his Cesky Terriers

The Cesky was recognized by the FCI in 1963.  In the 1980’s, Mr. Horak decided that the breed needed some new blood, so, with the FCI’s permission, a Sealyham was bred back into the breed twice, in 1984, and again in 1985.  

 

Shortly prior to his death in January of 1996, several club members had the privilege of visiting Mr. Horak at his home in the Czech Repulic.  How fortunate they were to see his kennel and Cesky Terriers, and to get his first-hand insights on how the breed was developed and his hopes for its future.   Right: Mr. Horak shows Richard Cotter photos during a visit to Czech Republic in 1995.

The Cesky is the most successful of the national breeds in the Czech Republic, and has been featured on stamps, buses, on television, in books, and even in a movie.  Despite a temporary ban on exporting the breed from Czechoslovakia, the breed has still managed to become quite popular in Europe and is now becoming well known in the U.K., Canada and the U.S.  In 2000, the Cesky was recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club as a full-fledged member of the terrier group, and the NCTCA is working diligently to achieve recognition in the U.S. as well.

Those of us who have had an opportunity to know and love the Cesky Terrier, owe a deep debt of gratitude to Mr. Horak for envisioning and bringing to life this most special breed.  We miss him, but he has left us a precious legacy. 

 We hope that we can continue to work toward Mr. Horak's ideals.  We are grateful to have his daughter Jitka Paulinova to carry on his dream, and thank her for her ongoing guidance as to her father's wishes for these amazing little dogs.