The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a dog with a lot of courage, a strong temperament and a character halfway between the German Shepherd and the Wolf. He is faithful, dissuasive for foreigners, protector towards his adoptive family. He is very strong and of a strong constitution. It is not to put in the hands of beginners, especially because his education requires experience.

Race history

The breed of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog was born in 1955 in what was then called the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic (today divided into two states: the Czech Republic and Slovakia). It comes from the cross between the German Shepherd and the Carpathian Wolf . The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is one of the two domestic dog breeds recognized by Fédération Cynologique Internationale, with the Wolf Dog of Saarloos. Its recognition by the FCI was ratified in 1982. The objective of this crossing was to obtain a breed that has both the wolf's resistance capacity and the dog's domestic qualities.

Physical characteristics

Its hair: straight, well lying. In the cold season, the undercoat is highlighted, forming a thick fleece over the entire body with the coat hair.
Its color: gray-yellow to silver-gray, with a clear mask. Light hairs cover the base of the neck and the chest.
Its head: symmetrical, well muscled, obtuse cone-shaped when viewed from the front and in profile. The occipital protuberance is clearly visible and the stop is moderately marked.
Its ears: triangular, short, erect and not very thick. The outer corner of the eye and the most lateral point of the ear clip are on the same line.
Its eyes :amber in color, narrow and oblique. Eyelids perfectly match the contours of the eyeball.
Its body: in a rectangle, with the top line harmoniously melted and slightly inclined, the muscular withers, the firm and rectilinear back, the croup short and bent, the pear-shaped chest narrowing towards the sternum.
Its tail: tied up. Right and hanging at rest, carried in sickle when the dog is awake.

Behavior with others

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a dog with a lot of temperament but also courage. He is loyal and loyal to his master , while being particularly suspicious of strangers . Active and balanced, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is known for its versatility, rapid reaction, resistance and great receptivity.

He is also  fearful of  a situation he does not control or an  environment  he does not know. It is a hypersensitive dog  , characteristic that it takes again of the wolf. He is  mischievous  and will not hesitate to  play with children . It is primarily considered a  warning dog  rather than a defense.

Education

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog has maintained a  strong hunting instinct and therefore needs to be educated and sensitized  early enough to optimize his behavior. This dog obeys to please his master, but also and especially  when he understands the interest of the order to be executed . Otherwise, it may get bored quickly enough. More deterrent than offensive, he is  more of a warning dog than a defender  when he stands guard. Educated in this way, he can give full satisfaction and protect the family home from intrusions through his natural mistrust vis-à-vis foreigners.

Living conditions

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is not made to live in an apartment . He needs, at least, a fenced garden to be happy and fulfilled . Although it is increasingly popular in the cities, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog prefers to evolve in a rural or mountain environment , where he can fully express his instincts of sheepdog and hunting. This breed is intended for experienced masters.

Health

Because it is genetically very close to the wolf, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog has inherited from the latter a great resistance and a rather robust health. The main risk of disease to which this dog is subjected is that associated with hip dysplasia . This progressive malformation can be seen in adulthood and affects most medium and large size dogs. Its physical activity must therefore be moderate in its first years of life not to promote the appearance of this pathology. He may also have some  eye problems .

Maintenance and hygiene

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog has a pretty dress provided during moulting . Its hair, which protects it against cold and bad weather, does not require a thorough maintenance. However, it must be regularly examined for any lesions or diseases.

A simple brushing from time to time , especially in times of moulting, allows to preserve the cleanliness of his hair. The bath does not suit him especially, but the Czechoslovak Wolf Dog never hesitates to bathe in the water points. In addition, you should regularly clean your  eyes  to avoid any infection and eye problems he may suffer.

Food

The Czechoslovakian Wolf-dog is perfectly satisfied with a  high-quality diet  of  croquettes . These last bring him all the necessary energy. However, it can also ingest  human food . Thus, he will be fond of raw meat, starchy foods and fresh vegetables. In any case, his rations must be adapted to his daily expenditure.

Physical activity

The Czechoslovak Wolf Dog  needs long daily trips . It must absolutely not be deprived of it, for its temperament is that of an animal, certainly attached to its master, but which  needs a great freedom of movement . The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a very sporty dog   that needs to be active every day, whether it's through long walks, bike rides or jogging. It also shines in several canine sports because of its endurance, superior to that of a German Shepherd for example. So, do not hesitate to register for tracking, agility or canicross, areas where he excels.