Page 285 - ShowSight, March 2020

Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dispel? Ceskys do not shed. As a Terrier they shed into their coat, so regular grooming is required. Ceskys are not prone to cataracts as men- tioned in the AKC note above. Also, Scotty Cramp can be found in the Cesky, but it is rare, not common.
What special challenges do breeders face in our current econom- ic and social climate? There are people out there that say they sup- port the breed, but they are there to support their own self interest. They disseminate a lot of false information damaging to the breed and breeders. Sometimes there are some really unappealing discus- sions that appear in Facebook groups that make people wary of the breed and breeders. We work through these issues the best we can. I encourage anyone looking for a Cesky to contact the ACTFA’S breeder referral representative (Doreen Fletcher). She is a wealth of information and can answer anyone’s concerns without promoting a bias.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? That is a tough question. We sell our pups as pet quality because their true size, color and build can’t really be known, I feel, till they are nine months old. I’m sure other breeders will disagree.
If I’m looking for show potential in a pup, I would look at the sire and dam. I would look at the complete litter and make my best judgement, but it still would be a guess.
We are Breeders of Merit, so we have bred many champions. Currently we have eight of our pups in the show ring being shown by six different owners.
The most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? Topline, tail carriage and color. Judges should know the standard or go and read the standard while in the ring if they have any question on what is correct.
The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? Meet the Breeds, local dog parks, Home Depot, etc. Just getting them out into community helps. Also, we have had several place- ments where the new owners took the AKC Dog Breed Selector questionnaire and that is how they found the Cesky. My husband is a waiter and he loves talking dogs to his clientele.
My ultimate goal for the breed? They don’t have to be a house- hold name, but I would like us not to be a rare breed. The Cesky is such a great dog, friend, lover and I want more people to enjoy this breed.
Of course, I would like a Cesky to win Westminster (and prefer- ably mine), but that would be icing on the cake and probably won’t happen in my life time.
My favorite dog show memory? One is when our girl, Chaser’s Heroic Hillary got a Group 2 at a show. That was fun. Being recog- nized in a field of over 20 Terriers was rewarding.
Two—Just being at the shows and having people ask about the dogs. Or Judges stopping by and complimenting us on our breed.
Three—The after show gatherings of the Cesky show people. We are a small group and for the most part we get along and often we get together after a show for food and drinks. I’m retired and I still see some of my work friends, but since we have started show- ing we have developed a whole new world of friends that I treasure.
I’ve had different Terriers for over 25 years, but when we got our first Cesky in 2002, I knew that was the breed for us for the rest of our lives. They are compact. They are lovers. They are clowns.
They will do what you want to do. Want to hike? They will do it. Want to watch TV? They will sit in your lap. Want to cook? They will wait for you to drop some food. Want to be happy? Get a Cesky Terrier.
JULIE GRITTEN
I am an AKC Breeder of Merit for the Cesky Terrier. I have bred the past three winners of the AKC National Championships in Orlando, am a member of the Czech Breeders Club for the Cesky Terrier in the Czech Republic and travel two to three times a year to the Czech Republic to study, research, and receive mentoring about the breed with the longtime breeders
there, collaborate with Czech breeders on breeding, am a breeder, owner, handler here in America and at European exhibitions as well, am an AKC Judges Mentor for the Cesky Terrier, and belong to several dog clubs in America, including the AKC Parent Club for the Cesky Terrier, ACTFA, and am administrator for the Par- ent Club Website, americanceskyTerriersfanciersassociation.org and presently documenting and cataloging a database of original works about the Cesky Terrier along with original photographs. Dogs I have bred are regularly invited to participate at Westminster and also achieve titles in many performance activities such as agility.
I live in Montana. Outside of dogs, I ride horses and am an avid flyfishing woman and oil painter.
Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort- able with the placement? I hope these numbers change as people get to know what a wonderful breed the Cesky is.
Do these numbers help or hurt the breed? Hurt the breed.
Is the Cesky Terrier a hunting dog and what are its prey? Cesky are mainly used for tracking and holding game. They are tenacious little dogs and have the ability to track and hold wild boar in the forests of Eastern Europe. Also I have seen them track other game such as deer, hare, and flush upland birds. Here in Montana, I use them to dispatch the Richardson Ground Squirrels, that are so pro- lific in our high desert environment, cottontails, and hare.
How does the Cesky’s physical appearance aid in his hunting? They have a longer loin which aids in their maneuverability, a lon- ger leg than the Scottie or Sealy, slimmer chest circumference, not too wide as to be clumsy or cumbersome, the skull should never be as wide as a Sealyham Terrier, drop ears to help prevent dirt from getting into the canals, and groomed so the the fall over the Cesky’s eyes helps to protect the eyes when it goes to ground on vermin. Weight should be between 13-22 lbs. Mr. Horak’s words, “small, slim, and elegant”, but still able to do its job.
What ailments does the breed suffer from, if any? Scottie Cramp.
Is the Cesky, despite its hunting nature, a good house pet and is it comfortable around children? They are very loving house pets and companions. If socialized early, they are excellent with children. Some are better than others. Cesky always want to be with their human family. Loyal, devoted, obedient, and always want to please
CESKY TERRIER Q&A
“They don’t have to be a household name, but I would like us not to be a rare breed. The Cesky is such a great dog, friend, lover and I want more people to enjoy this breed.”
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2020 | 283