The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a relatively new dog breed of wolfdog that traces it’s original lineage to an experiment conducted in 1955 in Czechoslovakia. It is also known by some other names such as Ceskoslovenský vlcák (Czech), Ceskoslovenský vlciak (Slovak) and Czechoslovak Vlcak (USA – official name under AKC, UKC).
After initially breeding working line German Shepherds with Carpathian grey wolves, a plan was worked out to create a breed that would have the temperament, pack mentality, and trainability of the German Shepherd and the strength, physical build and stamina of the Carpathian wolf.
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed was engineered as attack dogs for use in military special operations done by the Czechoslovak special forces commandos but were later also used in search and rescue, schutzhund-sport, tracking, herding, agility, obedience, hunting and drafting in Europe and the United States.[1]
In the year of 1982, the breed was officially recognized as a national breed in Czechoslovakia. And in 1989, it was officially recognized as a breed by Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog Characteristics
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a medium sized breed. And as the name suggests, the breed has wolf like appearance. Both the build and the haircoat of these animals are reminiscent of a wolf.
The body frame of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is rectangular, with the ratio of the height to length being 9:10 or less. The expression of the head must indicate the gender of the dog.
They have amber eyes set obliquely, and short upright ears in a triangular shape. The set of the teeth is complete and very strong. Both scissors-shaped and pliers-shaped dentition are acceptable.
The spine is straight, strong in movement with a short loin. The chest is large and flat rather than barrel-shaped. Their belly is strong and drawn in. The back is short and slightly sloped. Their tail is high set, and reaches the tarsi when freely lowered. The forelimbs are straight and narrow-set, with the paws slightly turned out, with a long radius and metacarpus. The hind limbs are muscular, with long calf and instep.
The coat color is yellow-grey to silver-grey, with a light mask. The hair is straight, close, and very thick. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a typical tenacious canterer; its movement is light and harmonious, and its stride is long.
The lowest shoulder height of the mature dog is 26 inches for males and 24 inches for the females. And there is no upper limit. The minimum weight of the mature male dogs is 26 kg, and 20 kg for the females. And there is no upper limit.
Temperament
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is lively, very active, docile with quick reactions and capable of endurance. The breed is fearless, courageous, suspicious, yet it doesn’t attack without cause. The breed shows tremendous loyalty towards it’s master. It is resistant to weather conditions and is very playful.
But the breed can be temperamental without proper leadership. It learns easily, and we can admire it’s all-around qualities rather than it’s specialization.
The breed is more closely-related to the wolf than any other dog. So it is understandable that these dogs are particularly wolf-like in their behavior and temperament.
Retaining their instinctive ‘pack’ behavior, they tend to socialize with other dogs by forming hierarchies; just like wolves do in the wild. Interestingly, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog does not tend to bark, instead relying on their wolf-like vocalization, such as whines and howls.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is between 12 and 15 years.
Feeding
How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food.
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs are medium in size and they are very active. So, their diet should be formulated for a medium sized breed with high exercise needs. You can consult with a vet in your area for better feeding recommendations.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs. You should always keep up with your dog’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet will be able to help you to develop a caring routine that will keep your dog healthy.
These dogs have particularly high exercise requirements and stamina, and the breed is not suited to an indoor lifestyle. Long, daily walks as well as access to a large, fenced garden is recommended. They love to be on the move outdoors and make fantastic hiking and jogging companions.
These dogs are extremely versatile, and they have been successfully competed in a multitude of disciplines, including tracking, herding and agility.
Failure to provide adequate outlets for the dog’s energy will almost certainly results in the development of unwanted behaviors.
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs don’t require a great deal of grooming, and regular brushing should be enough to keep their coat in good conditions. The breed is naturally clean and odorless, so bathing is rarely needed. But, be aware that they can shed heavily at certain times of the year.
Health
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs are generally healthy. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions.
Their common health problem is hip dysplasia. Always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
| Breed Name | Czechoslovakian Wolfdog |
| Other Names | Also known by some other names such as Ceskoslovenský vlcák (Czech), Ceskoslovenský vlciak (Slovak) and Czechoslovak Vlcak (USA – official name under AKC, UKC) |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Height | The lowest shoulder height of the mature dog is 26 inches for males and 24 inches for the females. And there is no upper limit. |
| Weight | The minimum weight of the mature male dogs is 26 kg, and 20 kg for the females. And there is no upper limit. |
| Good as Pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Color | Yellow-grey to silver-grey, with a light mask |
| Lifespan | Between 12 and 15 years or more |
| Good for Children | Yes |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Czechoslovakia |
