„What are the differences between this wolfdog and other wolfdogs?“ This is the question I hear three of five times I tell people, that my dog is Czechoslovakian wolfdog. But dogs, often called "wolfdogs" are usually German shepherds and their mixes (this counts for Lithuanian, I am not sure if the same word is used in other languages). There are only two breeds of wolfdogs. One of them is called Saarlos wolfdog. Other - the one we are talking here about - Czechoslovakian wolfdog.  Both breeds are called wolfdogs because in the creation of the breeds real wolfs were used.

History

The history of Czechoslovakian wolfdogs starts at 1955, when at the border patrol service of former Czechoslovakia a biological experiment was started - military cynologists were seeking to breed dogs, having the best features of dogs and wolves. The offsprings of female Carpatian wolf Brita and male German shepherd Cezar z Brezoveho haje - were born in May, 1958. Later more wolves and German shepherds participated in the creation of the breed, the hybrids of third and fourth generation were used as army dogs.

Some dogs were taken to the teritory of present Sloviakia, where breeders could avoid the requirement to breed dogs, only suitable for army needs - not only temperament, but also exterior of Czechoslovakian wolfdogs became important.

In 1982 Czechoslovakian wolfdogs were recognized as a national Czechoslovakian breed. Nowadays Slovakia is the patronate of the breed.

Exterior and health 

Czechoslovakian wolfdog is a dog of exceptional exterior. He inherited wolf's look and moves, in the breed standard it sounds like this: "In body shape, movement, coat texture, colour of coat and mask, similar to the wolf." These dogs are long-legged, light, gracefull, with dense, rough coat and charming amber eyes. Wolfdogs are good at swimming, due to their coat they are not afraid of cold, snow or rain, there is also no need to shampoo them - no matter how dirty a wolfdog gets, he becomes clean as soon as the coat goes dry. The special stucture of their coat does not allow for the dirt to stick to the hair, dry dirt simply crumbles off. Wolfdogs also have no dog's smell, but when shedding, they can drive crazy  even the ones, who have always thought, that hair at home (on clothes, in food...) do not bother them...    

It is an exceptionally hardy, strong and healthy dog. Wolfdog can run for 100 km at 12km/hour speed. These dogs have light and harmonious movement. Breed standard does not speak about the maximum height, only the minimum one. Male wolfdog should not be smaller than 65 cm at withers, female - smaller than 60 cm.

When breeding or looking for a new family friend, it is still (despite of wolfdogs' lightness and good health) essential to pay attention to the hip and ellbow dysplasia test results.

Character

People, charmed by wolfdog's wolfish look, often underrate their character... It should not be done. This dog is not for everyone. Yes, it is a working breed (1st FCI group - shepherds and cattle dogs, 1 section - sheepdogs), but they differ a lot from their relatives. It is not worth hoping that wolfdog will be as obeying and devoted as a German shepherd.

Earning the trust of a little wolfdog requires a long and hard everyday work, devoting time for socialization, creating good contact with the owner. The easiest way to understand social needs of the dog might be looking at the structure of a pack of wolves and the duties of it's members. In the relationship of human and dog, human should play the role of a leader. It is impotant to remember, that a leader not only has the privileges - he eats first, walks first, chooses a place to sleep - he also has many responsibilities and duties. Make your wolfdog trust you and you will have the most loyal comrade-in-arms, but never a servant...

Czechoslovakian wolfdogs are easy to train - it is harder to convince them, that your command is reasonable. This dog understands what you want from him very fast and listens to you while one is interested. Simply told, if you will repeat commands like "sit - lie, sit - lie" for five times in a row, the dog will start looking around and will finally decide, that he cares more about the butterflies and birds, not a treat in your hand. Still if you will change the commands and the way they are given, if you will make your dog interested with unexpected things in training, he will work with joy. Rutine and drill does not suit for Czechoslovakian wolfdog, he needs a creative, spontaneous trainer and/or owner.

While wolfdogs were still protecting the border of former Czechoslovakia, they mostly worked in groups without human interference, so they are still very  self-sufficient. Due to the their very good scent, endurance, good reaction, hardiness these days they can be successfully used for rescue works.

Family is very important for wolfdogs, they are good with children and are usually very patient with them. This dog should not live in a yard, separated from his family - being close to humans makes wolfdog most happy. No, he will not punch you with his nose, neither will disturb you while you are working, nor be tiresome - but he will always try to stay close enough to you to know, what you are doing. Even when walking in fields with a leash-less dog, you will not have to worry, that wolfdog will disappear, still he will not always walk close to your side. Czechoslovakian wolfdog will watch the territory, run on the nearest hill for a better view, run in front of you, but will never let his human out of his sight.  

These dogs hardly bark. They never yelp at the gates of your yard, maybe will just say several moderate "bow-wows". Still it is a very talkative dog - wolfdogs can howl, groan, grumble, wail, loudly demand or disgust, slaver or roar,and they do it often.

You should never surrender a wolfdog, the rules have to work equally no matter of the circumstances. He instantly feels the weeknesses of his owner and does not hesitate to embrace them hardily.

Do You really need this dog?

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