Page 23 - ShowSight Presents- The Cesky Terrier
P. 23
With respect to the head, think of a blunt wedge: not-too-broad skull tapering slightly to muzzle. Cheeks should be mod- erate, able to palpate but not protruding. Eyes are dark and almond-shaped. Ears are set on high, with fold on the same level as the top of the skull, not protruding above the skull. They are triangular in shape with the forward edge of the ear staying close to the cheek—not flaring out or hanging away from the head, from top to bottom. Ears are moderately sized and should not hang below the cheek. Large, pendulous ears should be faulted. Planes of the skull are not quite parallel and should show a slight but obvious stop.
The temperament of the Cesky Ter- rier, according to the standard, is noted to be “reserved.” They are curious about their surroundings yet wary of strangers. Unlike other breeds in the group who are all too happy to see a new face, the Cesky Terrier does not exude this behav- iour. Often aloof, they should never be shy and should, by all means, stand for exam. When judging, if you show bait to a Cesky Terrier, it most likely will
show significant interest. Most will do anything for food! Keep in mind that the Cesky Terrier was developed to hunt in packs, something that was difficult if not impossible for terriers with more “fight” in them - like the Scottie. This is NOT a sparring breed; in this regard, they are more similar to Bedlington and Border Terriers.
This wonderful Czech breed, with all of the differences and similarities to many of AKC’s well-established ter- rier breeds, is enjoying a great deal of attention since entering the AKC Terrier Group in June of 2011. Understanding aspects of this “new kid on the block” is important for both judge and ringside observers as well as this breed’s exhibi- tors, owners and breeders. It has been a long road getting here; the work is just beginning as we create an aware- ness of the finer points of this beautiful Bohemian breed of terrier.
BIO
Dann Wilson has been active in the sport of purebred dogs for almost 25 years.
His first breed was Airedale Terrier and in 1994 he started with the first Cesky Ter- riers in Canada. He is one of 2 founding members of the Canadian National Cesky Terrier Club, and has been an active mem- ber since that time, holding offices of Presi- dent, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Newsletter Editor and Web Master.
He has travelled extensively to the Czech Republic and has made many friends in the breed, including the breed’s developer Frantisek Horak, in 1995. He has visited Mr. Horak’s daughter, Jitka Paulinova, who carries on the family involvement in the breed, on many occasions. On these visits, he attended the Cesky Terrier world symposium numerous times, meeting breed- ers and enthusiasts from all over Europe, UK, North America and Australia.
Dann is currently the head of the judges Educa- tion Committee for the American Cesky Terrier Fanciers Association, Inc. He is permitted to judge 14 terrier breeds by the Canadian Kennel Club.
