The Czechoslovakian Vlcak is a medium-sized breed of dog that came from Czechoslovakia where it was developed as attack dogs for the military’s Special Operations Unit. The breed is known by many different names including the Czechoslovakian Vlcak, Slovak Wolfdog, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Czech Wolfdog, Ceskoslovensky Vlciak and the Ceskoslovensky Vlcak. The Czech Wolfdog was created in 1955 when a man by the name of Hartl crossed a German Shepherd with a Carpathian Wolf. His goal was to create military dogs that would possess the intelligence of Shepherds and the strength and aggressiveness found in wolves. Through careful breeding, the Czech Wolfdog became a stabilized breed and was recognized in 1982. These dogs are rarely seen outside of Czechoslovakia.
The Czechoslovakian Vlak (or Wolfdog) can be mistaken for a wolf thanks to their muscular and athletic body. They have large chests and long spines. They have long, pointy muzzles and large, triangular ears that sit atop its head. The tail is bushy and the coat comes in typical wolf colors: gray-silver and yellow-silver. Adult Czechoslovakian Vlcaks can weigh between 44 and 54 pounds. This is a short-haired dog with a thick coat that is typically silvery or yellowish gray with or without a white mask. The muzzle is wedge-shaped, and the nose is black. Its large prick ears are triangular and held fully erect. The tail is long, heavily coated and carried high when alert. The eyes of the Czech Wolfdog are a light amber color.
Personality
The Czechoslovak Wolfdog is very energetic and active. This breed is brave and fearless, and very loyal towards their masters. They can be stubborn and need proper training and exercise to be well-mannered. They have high exercise needs and need to be taken for brisk walks on a daily basis. They are suspicious towards other dogs and strangers but never attack without reason. Czechoslovakian Vlcaks are strong, active dogs that require a lot of exercise. As such, they do not fare well in small living quarters. They can also become quite aggressive if they feel as if they are being threatened. While they are loyal to their owners, they can be a bit too much to handle for some people.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Herders |
| Function: | Not Available |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Cold |
| Group: | Herding |
| Life Span: | 12-16 Years |
| Nicknames: | Czechoslovakian Vlcak, Slovak Wolfdog, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Czech Wolfdog, Ceskoslovensky Vlciak, Ceskoslovensky Vlcak |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Czechoslovakian Vlcak Build Information
The Czechoslovakian Vlak (or Wolfdog) can be mistaken for a wolf thanks to their muscular and athletic body. They have large chests and long spines. They have long, pointy muzzles and large, triangular ears that sit atop its head. The tail is bushy and the coat comes in typical wolf colors: gray-silver and yellow-silver. Adult Czechoslovakian Vlcaks can weigh between 44 and 54 pounds. This is a short-haired dog with a thick coat that is typically silvery or yellowish gray with or without a white mask. The muzzle is wedge-shaped, and the nose is black. Its large prick ears are triangular and held fully erect. The tail is long, heavily coated and carried high when alert. The eyes of the Czech Wolfdog are a light amber color.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Czechoslovak Wolfdog is very energetic and active. This breed is brave and fearless, and very loyal towards their masters. They can be stubborn and need proper training and exercise to be well-mannered. They have high exercise needs and need to be taken for brisk walks on a daily basis. They are suspicious towards other dogs and strangers but never attack without reason. Czechoslovakian Vlcaks are strong, active dogs that require a lot of exercise. As such, they do not fare well in small living quarters. They can also become quite aggressive if they feel as if they are being threatened. While they are loyal to their owners, they can be a bit too much to handle for some people.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The Czech Wolfdog has a thick double-coat that you will need to brush daily during shedding season. Bathing is only necessary if your pet becomes particularly dirty. However, it is good practice to check its ears regularly for excess wax accumulation. If you need to clean the ears, do not use a cotton swab. Use a damp cotton ball or the tip of a soft rag to gently wipe any debris out of your pet’s ears. Clipping the nails of a Czechoslovakian Vlcak may be a bit difficult since the breed is so strong and active. However, if you are able to do so, use a pliers-style clipper and just trim the ends.
| Colors: | Gray, Silver, Yellow |
| Shedding: | Constant |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Czechoslovakian Vlcak Common Health Conditions
When given the proper care and medical attention, a Czech Wolfdog can live as long as 12 to 16 years. This is an extremely healthy breed that suffers from little to no genetic health issues. However, there have been isolated cases when some of these dogs have developed one or more of the following issues: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Pituitary Dwarfism, Epilepsy, Degenerative Myelopathy, Various Heart Problems and Lens Luxation. If you are looking for a dog that will make a great guard dog, you may want to consider a Czechoslovakian Vlcak. However, if you choose this breed, you must be prepared for a highly active and extremely strong pet. Additionally, due to the nature of the breed, it is not recommended for small children.
Czechoslovakian Vlcak Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Czechoslovakian Vlcaks rarely bark. They prefer to communicate in the form of growling, whining, grunting and howling. In addition to working in the military, the Czechoslovakian Vlcak has excelled in many other arenas including search and rescue, tracking, drafting, agility, schutzhund, and obedience. Czech Wolfdogs are not recommended for households that have other pets such as cats, rabbits, rodents or smaller dogs.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | Yes |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | Yes |
