Puppies

A new puppy will become a member of your family, so take time to consider your purchase.

If you have decided you want a Cesky Terrier, please do not buy from someone who is simply producing puppies for sale. Talk to and buy from responsible, ethical breeders who continuously study pedigrees, do health checks and participate in organizations and activities to increase their knowledge of the breed and of their dogs. They will not just take your money but will help you confirm that a Cesky Terrier is the right breed for you and, if you do add a Cesky Terrier to your family, will be there to answer your many questions and serve as your mentor for the life of your dog.

A puppy from an ethical, reputable breeder will normally cost more. However, you are not just paying for a puppy: you are paying for years of accumulated information, education and experience. The reputable breeder has put time, knowledge and money into a well-planned, thoroughly researched breeding program. They are looking at the latest scientific data in an effort to produce the healthiest, happiest puppy possible, in order to offer you more years of loving companionship.

Responsible breeders will want to know about you and your family in order to match you with the pup that is best suited to your lifestyle and your home environment. These breeders are educated professionals who are concerned about keeping the breed as healthy as possible for the next generations. With a deep love of the breed, in general, and their dogs, in particular, they will be there for you should any unforeseen problems arise, or to answer questions, share new knowledge and provide advice for years to come.
Because Cesky Terriers are a Rare Breed you may have to wait some time for a puppy. Reputable breeders usually have a waiting list, especially for puppies with show potential. However, if you are looking for a puppy as a family companion your task might be a little easier - if only because, as the breed is not well known, people don't realise that this might be the one for them.

When the time comes that you hear of a litter for sale, please take a little while to think carefully about your purchase. All Cesky Terrier puppies are gorgeous, but there are some points that you should think about.



If you are looking for a show prospect, please be aware that no-one can guarantee that an 8 week old puppy is really of show quality. All that a breeder can say, with honesty, is that the puppy has no obvious faults at that time, and has the potential to succeed as a show dog.

There are several faults that could be evident at this age. The most obvious is missing teeth. A puppy that does not have 6 incisors top and bottom will never have complete dentition as an adult. Look also at the width of the jaw. A common fault in this breed is a narrow bottom jaw that causes the lower incisors to grow up into the roof of the mouth, rather than fitting correctly. The Cesky Terrier has a comparatively long head, which takes up to two years to develop fully. The bottom jaw will grow more slowly than the the top, and therefore a puppy that has a correct scissor bite may still finish level or even undershot. Therefore it is better to look for a puppy with a bite that is slightly overshot. Tail carriage can also be a problem. The Cesky Terrier should never have a curly tail, and although puppies will naturally carry their tails higher than an adult, it should never curl over the back. Finally, no matter how beautiful an example of the breed, a dog with a poor temperament can never succeed in the show ring. Puppies that are shy and run away from visitors may be encouraged with correct socialisation, but they will never be really happy in the show ring.

If you are looking for a family pet, cosmetic considerations are not as important - temperament and health must come at the top of your list of requirements. The Breed Standard describes the Cesky Terrier as 'reserved with strangers'. This means simply that they will often weigh you up before deciding that you are nice to know - perhaps because you are offering them a titbit! It does not, and should never mean that the puppies or their sire and dam are shy or nervous.

The Cesky Terrier is very healthy and responsible breeders endeavour to maintain that status. Therefore you should make sure that both sire and dam have an up-to-date KC/BVA eye certificate. The breeder should also explain to you the symptoms of Scottie Cramp and point out any carriers of this condition in the puppy's pedigree. (Don't worry - it's highly unlikely that you will come across Scottie Cramp, but it is important that you are aware of any SC carriers if, in the future, you ever decide to breed from your Cesky Terrier.) Increasingly, breeders are also testing for patellar luxation and heart murmurs, and will have certificates relating to these conditions as well.

The Cesky Terrier is highly intelligent, and has a very good memory. Therefore puppy experiences must always be positive as anything bad or unpleasant will be long remembered.