Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of about 12 to 14 years, the Czech Terrier can remain active for a long time if its lifestyle is well balanced. Prevention, maintaining a proper weight and regular care contribute directly to its longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
This breed is considered to be rather resilient and hardy. Its small size does not prevent it from being well built, but its robustness must be supported by serious breeding, an appropriate diet and monitoring for orthopedic or neurological problems known in the breed.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Even if the breed is not known to be fragile, it remains prudent to monitor a few conditions already described in the Czech Terrier and to be attentive to the condition of the ears, joints and locomotion. Any change in balance, gait or joint comfort deserves veterinary advice.
Cerebellar ataxia: neurological condition that can lead to balance and coordination disorders, to be monitored seriously.
Scottie cramp: neuromuscular disorder observed in certain related lines, causing episodes of abnormal gait or stiffness.
Patellar luxation: displacement of the kneecap promoting lameness and locomotor discomfort, especially if orthopedic follow-up is insufficient.
Otitis: inflammation of the ear canal that can be promoted by drooping ears and insufficient ear care.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Czech Terrier tolerates both cold and heat moderately. Its long coat offers it some protection, but high temperatures as well as prolonged exposure to cold must be avoided, especially in the case of sustained effort.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Weight control is important in this small dog, especially since a tendency to become overweight can appear if portions are too generous or exercise insufficient. A measured ration, limited treats and regular outings help to maintain a correct silhouette.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly check the ears and clean them if needed.
- Monitor the gait and consult in case of limping or loss of balance.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints.
- Schedule an annual veterinary check-up, or more frequently if necessary.
Vaccination
Czech Terrier vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Czech Terrier need? Like all dogs, Czech Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Czech Terrier vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Czech Terrier booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Czech Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Czech Terrier
Before breeding or adoption, it is wise to inquire about lineage history and to request serious veterinary follow-up. Particular attention can be paid to the locomotor system, to hearing of the gait, and to the absence of abnormal neurological signs.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
