An alert, primitive canine that resembles a wolf in appearance. They are highly intelligent, powerful, active, loyal and devoted to it’s owner. They have superior eyesight, hearing and sense of smell and are known for having excellent stamina and endurance.
A raw diet is preferable for the Czechoslovakian Vlcak, but a high quality, grain-free kibble with raw supplements is also acceptable. Many dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for small, medium, large and extra-large breeds. Czechoslovakian Vlcaks are a medium-sized breed.
What you feed your dog is an individual choice, but working with your veterinarian and/or breeder will be the best way to determine frequency of meals as a puppy and the best adult diet to increase his longevity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Czechoslovakian Vlcaks have a weather resistant coat; it naturally cleans itself of mud and dirt. They seldom need a bath and have little to no body odor. They shed twice-a-year and at that time daily brushing is required. The winter coat is thicker, heavier and longer than the shorter, thinner summer coat and this may require more grooming during the colder months of the year. Their strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
This breed is known for having boundless energy, especially during puppyhood and young adolescence. Daily long walks/runs combined with mental stimulation work well. Turning them out into the back yard by themselves does not work. A Vlcak does best when they have a “meaningful” job they can devote themselves to. They like to have an interactive experience with their owners. Activities like swimming, hiking, retrieving balls or flying discs can provide a good outlet for expending energy. A CSV may have prey drive towards small animals, so fenced enclosures and/or on-leash are always a good idea.
Czechoslovakian Vlcaks are a very healthy and robust breed. It is wise to ask the breeder what health concerns they have seen in each genetic line.
Recommended Health Test from Parent Club
In 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 a male dog to a female wolf as well as that of male wolf to female dog, could be reared. The overwhelming majority of the products of these matings possessed the genetic requirements for continuation of breeding. In 1965, after ending 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 1982, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, through the general committee of the breeder’s associations of the CSSR of that time, was recognized as a national breed.