Czechoslovakian Vlcak Dog Breed

AKC Dog Breeds: Czechoslovakian Vlcak

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Foundation Stock Service® Breed
Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 43-60 pounds Color: Gray, Silver-gray, Yellow-gray

The Czechoslovakian Vlcak is also known as the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. In the year 1955 a biological experiment took place in the CSSR of that time, namely, the crossing of a German Shepherd Dog with a Carpathian Wolf. The experiment established that the progeny of the mating of a male dog to a female wolf as well as that of male wolf to female dog, could be reared. The overwhelming majority of the products of these mating possessed the genetic requirements for continuation of breeding. In the year 1965, after the ending of the experiment, a plan for the breeding of this new breed was worked out. This was to combine the usable qualities of the wolf with the favorable qualities of the dog. In the year 1982, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, through the general committee of the breeder's associations of the CSSR of that time, was recognized as a national breed. The Czechoslovakian Vlcak has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 2001. The breed was introduced to the U.K in 2002. The first litter was born in 2003 and was registered by the UK Kennel Club, but after contact with DEFRA the Kennel Club withdrew all registration papers as DEFRA classified the Czechoslovakian wolfdog as a dangerous wild animal.

General Appearance
Both the build and the hair of the Czechoslovakian Vlcak are reminiscent of a wolf. The lowest dewlap height is 65 cm for a dog and 60 for a bitch and there is no upper limit. The body frame is rectangular, ratio of the height to length is 9:10 or less. The expression of the head must indicate the sex. Amber eyes set obliquely and short upright ears of a triangle shape are its characteristic features. The set of teeth is complete (42); very strong; both scissors-shaped and plier-shaped setting of the dentition is acceptable. The spine is straight, strong in movement, with a short loin. The chest is large, flat rather than barrel-shaped. The belly is strong and drawn in. The back is short, slightly sloped, the tail is high set; when freely lowered it reaches the tarsuses. The fore limbs are straight, and narrow set, with the paws slightly turned out, with a long radius and metacarpus. The hind limbs are muscular with a long calf and instep. The color of the hair is from yellow-grey to silver-grey, with a light mask. The hair is straight, close and very thick. The Czechoslovakian Vlcak is a typical tenacious canterer; its movement is light and harmonious, its steps are long.

Temperament
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak develops a very strong social relationship not only with their owner, but with the whole family. It can easily learn to live with other domestic animals which belong to the family; however, difficulties can occur in encounters with strange animals. It is vital to subdue the Czechoslovakian Vlciak's passion for hunting when they are puppies in order to avoid aggressive behavior towards smaller animals as an adult. The puppy should never be isolated in the kennel; it must be socialized and get used to different surroundings. Female Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs tend to be more easily controllable, but both genders often experience a stormy adolescence. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is very playful and temperamental. It learns easily. They are very independent and can cooperate in the pack with a special purposefulness. If required, they can easily shift their activity to the night hours. Sometimes problems can occur during their training when barking is required. Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs have a much wider range of means of expressing themselves and barking is unnatural for them; they try to communicate with their masters in other ways. Generally, teaching the CSV stable and reliable performance takes a bit longer than teaching traditional specialized breeds.

Grooming
Special attention should be given to the coat during heavy-shedding. Bathing is rarely required as the coat is relatively self-cleaning.

Health Problems and Life Expectancy
Due to the rarity of this breed there are no known health issues. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed does best in colder climates. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog has a life expectancy of 12-14 years.

Activity Level
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed is not recommended for apartment or city living. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog requires a lot of exercise and does best in a rural setting with room to roam and a family property to guard.

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