Events and Your Cesky

The following provides an overview of some of the dog events open to you and your Cesky Terrier.  There are also links provided (on this website and others) to more detailed information on some of these events.

Conformation Shows judge your dog's adherence to the defined breed standard.  Cesky Terriers can be shown in conformation classes at some AKC match shows (match shows do not earn points toward an AKC championship) and at rare breed shows.  The NCTCA offers a Club championship in conformation.  

ARBA/CRS Champion Beach Hill's Carla winning the highest honor in conformation, Best In Show

Some of the rare breed clubs, like ARBA and Canine Kennel Club, also offer their own championships.  Conformation classes judge the dog against the standard for the breed -- in other words, how closely that particular dog matches the ideal Cesky Terrier described in the standard.  Dogs must earn points by beating other dogs in competition in order to achieve the title of Champion.

To show your dog in conformation classes, your dog must first be a good representative of the breed and adhere to the breed standard.  To learn more about the Cesky breed standard, be sure to check out the  Breed Standard Tutorial at the Cesky Central website.  

You also must keep your dog in top condition:  proper and regular grooming, exercise, correct weight, etc.  If you plan to show the dog yourself, you will also need to learn how to handle.  Local dog schools often provide handling classes that can help prepare both you and the dog.  When you start out, it is helpful to have someone experienced to show you the ropes.  We have many members who show and are always happy to mentor newcomers.   

Cesky Terriers can also compete and earn titles in some obedience trials, agility trials and earth dog events.  As of January 1, 2004, Cesky Terriers can compete and earn titles in AKC companion/performance events. 

Obedience competition offers a challenging and rewarding way to spend quality time with your Cesky.  

Titles are available for varying levels of difficulty, from Canine Good Citizen (which demonstrates the dog's knowledge of some basic commands and general good behavior with people and other animals) up to Utility Dog Excellent (where the dog must perform complex tasks like scent discrimination, jumps and retrieving flawlessly.  

Earthdog trials can be great fun for those who like the outdoors and aren't afraid to get "down and dirty."  Although most Cesky Terriers today are companions, most retain strong hunting instincts and are happy to have an opportunity to show them off.   Earthdog trials are for terriers and other breeds bred to go to ground (dig into burrows) after vermin and other small game.  The "game" is protected in a cage and placed underground, and the dog must locate the game, and demonstrate its willingness to dig and go into a burrow after it.

Agility tests a dog's (and handler's) ability maneuver through an obstacle course quickly and precisely.  It is a timed event and is fast-paced, athletic and great fun for the dogs and handlers.  As our friend "Whizz" from the UK demonstrates below, Cesky Terriers are quite agile and excellent jumpers, and most are more than capable of completing an agility course with style.   

If you are interested in showing and would like more information, please contact your breeder or the Club secretary.  There may be a club member in your area who shows and can help you get started.  It’s very social, a lot of fun, and it is good for the future of the Cesky in the U.S. to get our dogs out and seen.  Cesky Terriers tend to attract lots of attention at shows, since it is not a dog people see often.