Ceskoslovenský Vlciak (Czechoslovakian Wolfdog)

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (Československý vlčák) is a tall wolf-like breed, which appeared as the result of breeding experiments carried out in Czechoslovak Republic in the 60s of the XX century. This powerful grand dog is marked by an unbelievable stamina, staunch nature and dominant character. It requires very responsible approach to socialisation and training so it suits best to an experienced dog owner.

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a very young breed, which was developed in Czechoslovak Republic before it was separated into Slovakia and Czech Republic. In 1955 Mr. Ing. Karel Hartl from the Libejovice breeding station attempted to cross the wolf named Brita with a German Shepherd Dog. Regrettably, this first experiment fell through. The next mating of Brita with the member of this breed occurred on May 28 1958 and ended with appearance of the first litter of the Czechoslovakian Wolf.

In the following years several similar breeding experiments were conducted by Czechoslovakian breeders. Their goal was to determine whether the resulting scions from crossing a dog with a female wolf and a bitch with a male wolf could be raised prosperously. Three separate lines of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog with the direct participation of a wild wolf were developed in order to guarantee the genetic diversity of a budding breed. Experimenters found out that the most hybrid pups had desirable traits essential to proceed with the breeding process. Mental and physical characteristics of these dogs were scrupulously studied and the plan of its further development was created. It consisted in maintaining appearance and hardiness of its wild ancestors while preserving all positive qualities of a companion dog.

After the split of Czechoslovakia the Slovakia was made responsible for promotion and breeding of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. In the 70s of the XX century majority of crossbred dogs were brought to a new breeding station close by in Malacky. Since the necessity in patrol dogs for the army reduced considerably the Slovakian breeders could dedicate more efforts in enhancing the exterior of the new breed. Major Frantisek Rosik made the greatest contribution in the development of Czechoslovakian Wolfdog in its native country. In 1982 it was officially declared as a national breed of Slovakia. Presently the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog has official recognition of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a frisky, dexterous, obedient breed but some of its specimens may possess too fierce and hot-tempered personality. Nonetheless, in most cases aggressive tendencies can be effectively curbed with early socialisation and training. This dog always picks only one person for the role of a pack leader and will demonstrate unflinching loyalty to him / her. It must understand that it takes the last place in the packing order of its human pack since it’s prone to show its displeasure with biting. That’s why this breed can’t be considered as an optimal choice for families with small children.

Strangers are always perceived by the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog as something suspicious. Moreover overall human aggressiveness can be oftentimes met in its specimen. It makes a splendid personal guardian because of its strong natural desire to defend the members of its human pack. Despite its constant alertness and sensitiveness to its environment this dog isn’t a barker and shouldn’t be trusted with the job of a watcher.

Generally speaking the attitude of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog towards other canines depends mostly on its early up-bringing. However this breed more than others requires knowing its position in a pack hierarchy as its specimen can provoke brutal fights with unknown dogs in order to find it out. Make sure to keep this dog securely leashed and muzzled in public places. It’s usually relatively good with other types of pets (including cats) provided they have been reared together since a young age.

The most common problems for the breed include:

• canine hip dysplasia.

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is the breed with average maintenance requirements. In a warm climate as well as in summers this dog has rather short and thin coat, which needs only weekly brushing to get rid from loose hair. On the other hand its winter coat is much denser and longer so it’s prone to tangling and matting and requires more regular and careful brushing.

The rest grooming comprises of periodic nail clipping, teeth brushing and ears cleaning. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog sheds intensely twice a year so this breed isn’t recommended for allergic sufferers or neat freaks.

The training of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog may become a true challenge because this dog hates repetitive tasks and loses patience very quickly. Its hot temper and independent nature even further complicates the training process. It’s absolutely crucial to win the respect and trust of this dog otherwise it will totally ignore your commands.

Negative reinforcement and rude handling should be avoided at all costs since it usually responds to them aggressively and can even bite. It’s also worth to emphasise that vast socialisation and obedience training is an indispensable condition if you plan to keep the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog as a family pet.

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a moderately vigorous canine variety but it surely needs regular physical exercises in order to remain fit and healthy. As a bare minimum its physical activity should include a brisk 45-minutes’ walk on the daily basis. Once its exercise need is met in a proper way the breed member behaves itself calmly and reservedly indoors. That’s why the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog can adapt to an apartment life although it does much better in a country house with a roomy and well-fenced backyard.

If you fail to provide your Czechoslovakian Wolfdog with enough physical stimulation it will eventually develop such nasty behavioural habits as hyper activity, nervousness and extreme aggressiveness.