Czechoslovakian Vlcak
Czechoslovakian Vlcaks are lively, alert dogs with a quiet confidence. They have a keen sense of direction and can move with lightning speed. Though Czechoslovakian Vlcaks may be aloof with strangers, they show their people great devotion and loyalty.
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Czechoslovakian Vlcak Traits
General Appearance
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak resembles the Carpathian wolf. Though strong and tall, the breed is light and agile.
Coat and Coloring
These dogs have a short, straight, and dense coat that varies based on the season. In the winter, the thick undercoat dominates and, together with the topcoat, makes the breed resistant to harsh weather conditions. Czech Vlcaks are typically a yellow-grey to silver-grey color with a lighter-colored mask.
Distinctive Physical Traits
Czech Vlcaks have strong jaws, triangular, pricked ears, and amber-colored eyes that will confidently size you up. Their rectangular bodies are muscular, and their tails hang straight down when at rest.
Czechoslovakian Vlcak Temperament
Czech Vlcaks are very active, intelligent dogs known for their courage. They're extremely loyal to their families and make devoted companions. However, they may not a good fit for first-time pet parents because of their dominant and independent personalities.
A watchful, protective nature makes these pups good guard dogs—and often suspicious of strangers. They can also have a strong prey drive and may pursue small animals. Early socialization can help your Czech Vlcak develop into a well-mannered companion.
Czechoslovakian Vlcak History
In a 1955 biological experiment in the CSSR, Karel Hartl crossed a German Shepherd Dog with a Carpathian Wolf. The result led to the breed now known as the Czechoslovakian Vlcak (pronounced “vul-chak”), abbreviated as CSV. This unique pairing proved that the offspring of a wolf and a domestic dog could be reared as a domestic breed.
After 10 years of experiments, breeders determined which of the wolf and dog qualities to select for, and no additional wolves have been introduced since 1983. Today, Czechoslovakian Vlcaks are a powerful breed with exceptional senses and incredible stamina. Some dogs have even completed endurance tests in which they ran 100 km in eight hours!
In 1982, the Czech Republic and Slovakia selected the Czechoslovakian Vlcak as their national breed. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2006.
Czechoslovakian Vlcak Care
Nutrition
Czechoslovakian Vlcaks need a diet formulated for their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior). A food made specifically for large breeds will have the appropriate blend of nutrients for their size and activity level.
These are lean dogs that should not carry excess weight. To avoid overfeeding, use a measuring cup to portion out their meals and keep their treats to no more than 10% of their daily calories.
Grooming
The Czech Vlcak's coat naturally cleans itself. And the breed produces very little odor. As a result, your dog should rarely need a bath. They will, however, require regular brushing. The coat is thickest in the winter months, so expect to brush more frequently during that season. These dogs also blow their coats twice a year—at which time you'll want to brush daily.
To round out your pup's grooming routine, trim their fast-growing nails, clean their ears, and get them started on a dental hygiene program. At-home teeth-brushing and professional cleanings are essential to every dog's long-term health.
Exercise
Czech Vlcaks need a lot of daily activity and mental stimulation. If not exercised sufficiently, they may turn to destructive behaviors. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can help your pup burn off energy.
This breed often enjoys long walks and runs. (Remember, they can run up to 100 km if they have to!) They also seem to like swimming, hiking, and playing retrieving games. But in general, they prefer activities that involve their humans. They're unlikely to exercise themselves if simply left unattended in the yard.
Training
This breed is highly intelligent, curious, and eager to please. Though receptive to training, Czechoslovakian Vlcaks need to feel like there is a purpose behind the command. They also get bored quickly, so repetitive sessions may grow ineffective. Positive reinforcement and patience are the best tools for training a Czechoslovakian Vlcak.
Breed Group
Herding
The herding group is a diverse category. These highly intelligent breeds were developed to guard and control the movement of livestock.
