The Breed at a glance
History
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 male dog to
female wolf as well as that of male wolf to female dog, could be reared. The vast majority of the products of these
matings 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 Ceskoslovenský Vlciak, through the general
committee of the breeders’ associations of the CSSR of that time, was recognized as a national breed (FCI).
As a working dog...
Appearance
Black nails
Eyes are yellow to amber, dark brown is penalized, all other colors are a disqualification
Large white teeth with a full, scissor bite
Temperament
Health
In the US...
Fun facts
History
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 male dog to
female wolf as well as that of male wolf to female dog, could be reared. The vast majority of the products of these
matings 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 Ceskoslovenský Vlciak, through the general
committee of the breeders’ associations of the CSSR of that time, was recognized as a national breed (FCI).
As a working dog...
- Originally bred for working border patrol (tracking and apprehension) in Czechoslovakia in the 1950's
- Currently used in Europe and the United States for search and rescue, drafting, herding, agility, obedience,
Schutzhund, tracking - Bred for versatility and hardiness in harsh elements
- Bred from CSSR government crosses of the famed working lines Z Pohranicni Straze of German Shepherd
Dogs, and the Carpathian Wolf
Appearance
- Overall: Czechoslovakian Vlcaks should resemble the Carpathian Wolf in appearance - lean, weatherproof,
courageous in expression - Size: Males over 25 inches and at least 57 pounds, females over 23.5 inches and at least 44 pounds
- Color:Yellow gray or silver gray (wolf gray) are preferred colors, dark grey is also acceptable
Black nails
- Face: Light, expressive mask with black lips and nose
Eyes are yellow to amber, dark brown is penalized, all other colors are a disqualification
Large white teeth with a full, scissor bite
- Movement: Dogs pace at slow speeds, long, ground-covering, swift trot, tenacious cantering, feet should
remain close to ground, neck carried forward, tail held straight down, or raised in a "sickle" shape (not curled)
when excited - Coat - Thick, differs in summer and winter when a thick undercoat is present
Temperament
- Extremely loyal to their family
- Suspicious and aloof towards strangers
- Early socialization and training are very important
- Fearless and courageous
- Highly intelligent, versatile and curious - with proper training Vlcaks can excel in many different types of activities
- Obedient with quick reactions
- Highly energetic - need lots of daily exercise and stimulation to prevent destructive behavior
- Can have a dominant and independent personality
- May have prey drive towards small animals
- Not recommended for first time owners
Health
- Hardy and healthy breed
- Dogs should be checked for canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and CERF (eye) tested prior to breeding
- Several known cases of pituitary dwarfism, EPI, degenerative myelopathy, genetic test are available in most
cases and should be performed prior to breeding - DNA testing required by AKC prior to registering litters from imported parents
- Breeders should be aware of the Wright's co-efficient of sire and dam prior to breeding, and breed for healthy
genetic diversity
In the US...
- There are approximately 50 Czechoslovakian Vlcaks residing in the United States (2011)
- The first, unofficial gathering of Czechoslovakian Vlcaks and their owners took place amongst 7 owners and 6
Vlcaks in the summer of 2008, in Wintergreen, Virginia - The Czechoslovakian Vlcak has been recorded in the American Kennel Club (AKC) Foundation Stock Service
(FSS) since 2001 - Czechoslovakian Vlcaks have been able to compete in AKC Companion Events since January 1, 2010
- The Czechoslovakian Vlcak has been recognized by the UKC since 2006
- The first UKC Championship Title awarded to a Czechoslovakian Vlcak was given in 2009.
- The first litter was bred in the United States in 2009
Fun facts
- The breed is also known as the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, the Ceskoslovensky Vlciak (Slovakia), the
Ceskoslovensky Vlcak (Czech Republic) - or in short, the CSV - Average litter size is 6-7 puppies
- The breed was created by breeding approximately 40 working line German Shepherd Dogs with 4 Carpathian
wolves: Argo, Brita, Lejdy, and Sarik - The breed was recognized by the FCI in Europe in 1998, with Slovakia as the governing country for the breed
standard - Czechoslovakian Vlcaks generally love water and snow
- Most litters are born in the winter
- Many Czechoslovakian Vlcaks pass endurance tests in which they run beside a bicycle - the longest test is 60
miles (100 km), run in 8 hours! - Many females come into heat after their first birthday, and only once a year after that
- Czechoslovakian Vlcaks howl, and make many other vocalizations besides barking - barking can be a difficult
command to teach!
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| The Czechoslovakian Vlcak Club of America |
