Czech wolfdog. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (photo): a cross between a wolf and a German shepherd. Description of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, also called the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog or Wolfhound, is an amazing breed obtained by crossing a dog and a wolf. Although all dogs are descended from wolves, what are the consequences of such a close relationship?

This difficult selection work was carried out by dog ​​handler Karel Hartl on the territory of the kennel for dogs intended for border and military service. Initially, the experiment was unsuccessful, and the she-wolf failed to produce good offspring. After replacing the male, the scientists still managed to achieve an excellent result. The first dogs obtained in this way were trained and used to patrol the border.

The whole world learned about this hybrid breed only almost 20 years later. In the 70s of the 20th century, several individuals of thistle were imported into Great Britain; they were assigned to guard duty in factories and enterprises. This was possible thanks to engineer Hartl, who worked to ensure that the export of these dogs was allowed. If this had not happened, the development and growth of popularity of the breed would have been impossible.

Description of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed

If the first two offspring showed good performance characteristics, then the third showed an external resemblance between thistles and wolves. But still they differed from both of them. The breed standard, which is still preserved, was bred back in the 70s and 80s.

It is a large, wiry dog, wolf-like in appearance, with a rectangular, balanced body. From birth she has developed muscles and strong teeth. Thanks to wolf instincts, representatives of the breed turned out to be universal dogs.

The physique of hybrids is designed in such a way that they can run long distances:

• Muzzle has clean, clear lines, the lobe is pigmented black, oval. The bridge of the nose is straight, the lips are dry, tightly fitting, with a black edging. The teeth are well developed, the canines are long, sharp, with a straight or scissor bite.
• Eyes medium size, somewhat slanting, with a yellowish-amber iris. The ears are small, triangle-shaped, erect.
• Tail located high, in a calm state it hangs, when the dog is excited it forms a sickle and rises.
• Limbs tall, muscular. Dewclaws may appear, which is undesirable - they must be removed.

Coat and colors

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog has a thick, straight coat. Moreover, winter and summer wool differ significantly. The winter coat has an abundant, dense undercoat, and together with the guard hair it forms excellent protection from the cold. The fur covers the entire body, and even the stomach, thighs, including the inside, the testes, the inside of the ears and the paws between the toes.

The color of thistles is characteristic - it varies from yellow-grayish to gray-silver. A light-colored mask is required. There is also light hair on the neck and front chest area. In addition, the standard allows individuals with a dark gray color and a light mask.

Wolf dog character

The temperament of Czechoslovakian wolfdogs is also unique, as it distinguishes them from dogs and wolves. It is not recommended to have such a pet for beginners who do not have experience with large service breed dogs. However, you should not think that the wolf dog has a wild and unbridled disposition, he just needs a strong hand, and the owner must become an authority for him, which is what the leader of the pack does in nature.

With the right approach, the owner will be delighted with the qualities that the Wolfhund has:

• The dog is very loyal. The pack is the main priority for these hybrid dogs, for which he is capable of sacrificing his life without hesitation.
• Courage is another characteristic quality. The dog is of little interest in the size and number of offenders in his family. He will rush to defense frantically and show all his wolf ferocity.
• Independence. The Czech wolfdog has a developed intelligence, he is able to think and even in extreme conditions remains cold-blooded. This allows him to independently decide how to act. For example, if a child is drowning, the dog will not wait for the owner to give him a command.
• Endurance. There is a number of recorded data that dogs of this breed covered 100 km without stopping for a break, and their average speed was about 12 km/h.
• Volchak is a born guard. He can protect the house, its inhabitants and even things. If you invite your pet to guard the slippers, then until the owner hangs up, no one will approach them.
• Czech Wolfhunds are distrustful of strangers. Thanks to this quality, the dog remains incorruptible in any conditions; no treat or kind attitude will help win over the dog. Until the owner confirms that the people who came are his own, the wolf dog will watch them warily and wait for a “trick.”
• The dog is friendly. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog can be kept with other pets, including dogs. Cats can be wonderful friends for the wolfdog. The only thing is that if you get large males, at certain moments they can show dominant qualities.
• This pet is very insightful. It is enough for a dog to see the owner’s gestures and facial expressions to determine what mood he is in, whether he is ready to communicate with his four-legged friend or whether this is not the best moment.
• Another quality of the wolfdog is sociability. Representatives of such a hybrid breed are not alien to the usual joys of a dog. They enjoy affection and attention from their family members. However, the dog will not impose his company if everyone is busy.

For what purposes are dogs of this breed used?

As already noted, the breed was bred for military service, however, its abilities allow it to be used in search and rescue operations. In addition, dogs have shown themselves well in protective and guard activities, and the mixture of canine and wolf instincts makes them successful hunters and trackers.

Another type of work is guarding and protecting livestock; dogs are loyal to the pack and extremely fearless. And their endurance and excellent health allow wolfdogs to be sled dogs, which is how they are used in their homeland. Although they are slower than huskies or malamutes, they can run for a very long time without slowing down.

Today, wolfdogs are often bred as home guards and protectors of people. Their socialization is quite high, making them comfortable companions and family dogs.

Features of training

The wolfdog is a very emotional dog, so to educate and train the owner will need patience and perseverance. If you do not show firmness and allow the dog to shirk during the time, then he will set his own rules and adhere to them, bypassing the wishes of the owner. The character of the dogs is not simple, but they are not re-educated, but sent to a good cause. The owner needs to control himself and not show aggression; physical violence and a raised tone will not give a positive result, but will only cause harm. If the owner begins to panic, the dog will definitely feel it and become worried as well.

For excellent interaction, it is important to establish contact with your pet; it is also a good idea to treat your pet with treats, but not just like that, but for a good job. In addition, the dog responds positively to vocal encouragement.

It is recommended that you take your pet through an obedience course. If your pet is needed as a hunting dog, then it is advisable to go through coursing with it. The wolfdog will enjoy running after hares in a race with his own kind. At home, they vigilantly monitor the purity of the breed; dogs are regularly tested and strictly selected.

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog can be kept outdoors, as it tolerates any temperature well. This is not a chain dog, although some owners prefer such keeping.

Most often, dogs are provided with a spacious enclosure and are freely released in the local area. But in this case, you should take care of a strong, high fence that the dog cannot overcome. Wolf dogs are very smart and cunning; it is not difficult for them to open doors that do not have a heavy, complex lock, or to dismantle wooden barriers. Naturally, in this case they run away.

The pet needs a booth and when arranging it, you need to take into account the decent size of the dog. It is advisable to close the entrance with dense material that will serve as protection from winds and precipitation. However, you should not be surprised that, even with a comfortable warm booth, the dog will often sleep in the snow, even in severe frosts and snowstorms.

Wolfdog puppies can be sent to an enclosure from 3-4 months or earlier, after vaccination in the warm season. Representatives of this breed also feel good in an apartment, where they themselves find a secluded place and settle down there. This is where you should arrange a place for your pet.

When purchasing a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog puppy, owners should take into account their activity and curiosity. And they explore the world mainly with the help of their teeth. When leaving home, you can protect your property and pet from injury by leaving it in a special cage. Of course, we are not talking about long periods.

No matter what conditions the dog is kept in, he, in any case, needs. Early socialization is important and therefore the pet should be taken to crowded places from an early age. This will allow him to get used to noise, a lot of people and get to know their reactions.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog kennels

• Moscow region https://malahovskiy-volkodav.jimdo.com

Lean body, tall thin legs, yellow eyes, wedge-shaped head, red-gray coat color... Who is this? No, it's not a wolf. This is almost a wolf - the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, or Czech Wolfhund.

At the end of the last century, Lieutenant Colonel of the Czechoslovakian Border Troops Karl Hartl, who, on duty, closely communicated with German shepherds serving on the border, decided, by crossing a wolf and a dog, to improve the service qualities of guard dogs.

The ancestors of the new breed were a young she-wolf and a beautiful, powerful young male.

Long years of work, care, and selection of the best sires led to the birth of a new breed - the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, which has the hidden strength of a half-dog, half-wolf.

This dog is not very large. A male grows up to 65 cm at the withers and usually weighs no more than 26 kg. The parameters of the bitch are 60 cm at the withers and 20 kg of weight.

Character

Socialization of puppies from an early age is very important. They require constant attention, communication, affection and games. Under no circumstances should they be chained.

Devotion, boundless love for the owner and unconditional submission to him - Wolfhuds received all this from the dog. They inherited good health, endurance and physical strength from the wolf.

The ability to stand up for the owner is the main character trait of a wolf dog. When you communicate with this breed for a long time, you watch wolf dogs, you understand your unconscious feelings - wolfhounds return adults to childhood. I immediately remember Jack London’s well-read book about the White Fang.

Any boy would like a dog like this. It’s so great to make friends with a real wolf and enlist his protection. Find a friend who will never offend or betray. I would like to get to know such a dog better and say: “You and I are of the same blood – you and me.”

Waiting for the leader

The development of a wolf dog is the same as for all guard breeds. The training technique is similar to that used with the German Shepherd and. It is important to know when to insist on your own, when to show dissatisfaction, and when to praise.

These dogs are very attentive during training and truly love to work. But a good trainer knows that you should never leave a spring-bound dog in this state for a long time. We need to let her unfold, throw out tension and energy. And only then - praise, games, treats with something tasty.

Love knows no boundaries

The wolf dog is very hardy. “Wild” genes take their toll. To maintain good shape, these dogs are harnessed in pairs, and at good speed they carry a scooter with a trainer on it.

Even bitches 10-12 years old can easily cope with this task.

A wolf dog on a leash next to a running person can cover 100 km of track at a speed of about 12 km per hour without much damage to itself.

After about 30-40 minutes of such running, the person’s breathing becomes short, but his dog is still full of strength and energy, breathing easily and freely with his mouth closed.

There is an opinion that modern dogs contain 30% of their genetic material from wild wolves, and the rest from domesticated ancestors. But that's not true. Comparative DNA tests have shown that dogs are close relatives of jackals, not wolves. But the Wolfhund was bred by man, and it depended on people what kind of dog he would be.

Did Lieutenant Colonel Karl Hartl think that his desire to improve the physical qualities, guarding and protective abilities of the German Shepherd serving on the border would lead to the birth of a new breed? Unknown. But the breed was bred and recognized. Dogs of this breed are timid and fearless at the same time. And their love for people is limitless.

Price

Since this breed is quite rare, it is not easy to buy a Czechoslovakian wolfdog in our country. And if you find a trustworthy seller, the cost of the dog may vary from 50,000 to 160,000 rubles.

The Saarloos Wolfdog is a unique dog that combines a wild wolf and a German shepherd. In this article I will tell you whether it is dangerous to keep a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog at home and whether it can be trained. Let me consider its distinctive features. I will analyze the rules of care and maintenance.

Description of Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

The history of the breed is very young. The Saarloos breed was developed at the beginning of the last century in the Netherlands. The Dutch scientist L. Sarlos spent almost 40 years on breeding.

The first result of crossing a wolf and a German shepherd was obtained in 1925.

The selection of puppies from subsequent litters was carried out very strictly. After the zoologist's death, his wife and daughter continued his work. The breed received recognition from the Dutch Kennel Club in 1976, and the FCI registered it another 5 years later.

Today, the Saarloos wolf breed is used throughout Europe as guides for blind people, as well as when rescuing people from water, in case of rubble and other disasters.

These dogs have retained too many of their natural instincts and are preferable as working dogs rather than as family pets!

The Saarloos wolf is a large dog.

The distinctive features of the breed are clearly stated in the standard:

• the body is strong, but not massive; length exceeds height;
• the back is straight, the line from the withers to the croup is straight;
• the chest is not very wide, the stomach is tucked;
• the head is wolf-like with a wide skull and flat cheekbones;
• the muzzle is long, the transition from the forehead to the bridge of the nose is clearly pronounced;
• the jaw is strong with good teeth and close-fitting lips;
• nose black or brown, large;
• eyes are medium-sized, yellow, almond-shaped;
• the ears are triangular in shape, wide at the base, and stand upright;
• the tail is straight, set rather low, hanging in a calm state;
• the coat is hard and straight; In winter it becomes overgrown with abundant undercoat, and by summer it sheds heavily, leaving almost only one hair.

The color is wolfish, dark gray or with a brown tint.

Height – 65-75 cm, weight – 35-45 kg.

Saarloos live on average 12-15 years.

The main thing is not to keep her on a chain.

Basic care is quite simple:

• Combing can be done once a week; during periods of molting - daily, but this process passes quite quickly;
• examine and clean ears once a week;
• the claws usually grind down on their own; if this does not happen, trim them as needed;
• brush teeth in old age as needed, young dogs do not need this;
• Clean your eyes with lotion as soon as they become dirty.

They can be fed both dry food and natural food. In any case, the diet should be balanced.

The diet for any feeding option should contain 60-70% protein!

For proper feeding of the Czech breed with wolf roots, there is a set of rules:

With any type of diet, the dog must have access to clean water.

Characteristics of the Saarloos breed

The behavior of these dogs is much closer to the behavior of predators in the natural environment, so their character can be called unique.

They are extremely reserved towards people. The approach of a stranger makes the Saarloos wolfdog wary and desires to avoid contact with him. Therefore, there is no talk of any protective qualities in this case.

At the same time, they will easily be able to defend their territory.

There is one more feature in the behavior of this breed - they practically do not bark.

When in contact with other animals, they are not aggressive; rather, on the contrary, they try in every possible way to avoid conflict. They definitely won’t attack without reason, but they will be able to defend themselves. Otherwise, thanks to the pack life of their ancestors, these dogs are sociable and easy to socialize. It is even recommended to have them more than one at a time, so they will feel less lonely.

The Sarloos quickly becomes attached to its owner and is then particularly loyal. But without proper education and attention, it quickly runs wild and becomes uncontrollable.

Hunting instincts are very well developed. Living together with cats and small rodents is strictly not recommended!

This breed's sense of smell is 3 times more developed than that of the German Shepherd, which is why it is attracted to public service.

Breed training

Training is possible only if it recognizes the owner as a leader.

Toughness and emotional stability are what is required from the owner of the wolf breed during training. It will be quite difficult for a beginner to cope with representatives of this breed.

Raising a Saarloos involves regular repetition and practice throughout life. With the right approach, they grow into excellent service dogs and guide dogs.

Training and socialization of a puppy should begin from a very early age. Otherwise, independence and love of freedom will prevail over Sarloos’ character.

Physical punishment in education is strictly prohibited; it only causes aggression and mistrust in the dog.

Training needs to be varied as much as possible, and it is also better to do it in groups rather than individually. This way the dog understands commands much faster.

Animal health

The breed's good health comes from its wild ancestors. They live on average 12-15 years; some individuals, with proper care and nutrition, live up to 20 years.

They have no hereditary diseases.

The owner only needs to take preventive measures - timely vaccination and preventive visits to the veterinarian, and also not forget about the feeding habits of these animals.

How much does a puppy cost?

These dogs are essentially bred only in the Netherlands.

Sometimes representatives of the breed are exported outside the country, but nurseries for their breeding have not been established anywhere else.

There is almost no demand for the breed, but the costs of maintaining and breeding dogs, on the contrary, are high.

You can buy a puppy from Dutch breeders for 800-1000 euros, plus the costs of transporting the baby.

Breeding Features

The Saarloos wolfdog is a complex animal that is not suitable for every dog ​​breeder. Only a professional can handle her upbringing and training.

It is more suitable for official work than for living in an urban environment.

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (also Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Czech Wolfdog, Wolfdog, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog) is a universal breed bred in Czechoslovakia in the mid-20th century.

The result of the experiment, an attempt to find out whether it is possible to cross a dog and a wolf, the wolf dog became a healthy, independent breed. They are significantly healthier than other purebred breeds, but are much more difficult to train.

Much more is known about the history of the breed than about other purebred dogs, as it was part of a scientific experiment conducted in the mid-20th century. In 1955, the government of Czechoslovakia became interested in the possibility of crossing a wolf and a dog.

At that time, the origin of the dog from the wolf had not yet been scientifically proven and other animals were considered as alternatives: coyotes, jackals and the red wolf.

Czechoslovak scientists believed that if a wolf and a dog are related, then they can easily interbreed and produce full-fledged, fertile offspring.

There are many examples where two species can interbreed with each other, but their offspring will be infertile. For example, a mule (a hybrid of a horse and a donkey) or a liger (a hybrid of a lion and a tiger).

To test their theory, they decided to launch a scientific experiment, led by Lieutenant Colonel Karel Hartl. Four Carpathian wolves (a type of wolf common in the Carpathian Mountains) were captured for him.

They were named Argo, Brita, Lady and Sharik. On the other hand, 48 representatives were selected from the best working lines, including the legendary Z Pohranicni Straze Line.

Dogs and wolves were then intensively crossed. The results were positive, since in most cases the offspring were fertile and could give birth. The fertile ones were crossed with each other over the next ten years and there were no sterile ones among them.

These hybrids acquired a special character and appearance, more reminiscent of wolves than dogs.

However, the German Shepherd itself is one of the dog breeds closest to the wolf in appearance. In addition, wolves rarely barked and were much less trainable than purebred dogs.

They began to be called the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog or Wolfdog, Wolfund.

In 1965, the breeding experiment was completed, the government of Czechoslovakia was pleased with the results. The military and police in this country made extensive use of dogs for their purposes, especially German shepherds.

Unfortunately, they were often crossed with each other, which led to the development of hereditary diseases and deterioration in working qualities. One of the purposes of the experiment was to test whether wolf blood would improve the breed's health and behavior. By the end of the 1960s, Czechoslovakian border guards were using wolfdogs on the border, they served in the police and army.

The results of the experiment were so impressive that both private and public nurseries began to breed the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog.

They tried to strengthen the result and ensure that they were as healthy and sensitive as a wolf and as trainable as a German shepherd. It was not possible to achieve complete success even after years.

On the one hand, the Czech Wolfdog is healthier than most purebred dogs, on the other hand, it is much more difficult to train than them. Czechoslovakian trainers were able to teach them most commands, but this required enormous effort, and they remained much less responsive and controllable than other dogs.

In 1982, the Czechoslovak Cynological Society fully recognized the breed and gave it national status.

Until early 1990, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog was virtually unknown outside its homeland, although some individuals were found in communist countries. In 1989, Czechoslovakia began to move closer to European countries and in 1993 it was divided into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The breed's popularity increased significantly when it was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FIC) in 1998. This recognition significantly increased interest in the breed and it began to be imported to other countries.

Although the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog originated in Czechoslovakia, according to FCI standards only one country can control the breed standard and preference was given to Slovakia.

Wolfdogs came to America in 2006, the United Kennel Club (UKC) fully recognized the breed, but the AKC has not recognized the breed to this day.

In 2012, there were about 70 of them in the country, living in 16 states. As of January 2014, the most of them were in Italy (up to 200), the Czech Republic (about 100) and Slovakia (about 50).

Unlike other modern breeds, most Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs remain working dogs, especially in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Italy. However, the fashion for them is passing; more manageable and trainable dogs are chosen for service.

It is likely that in the future they will be purely companion dogs. Although the breed's popularity is growing, wolfdogs remain quite rare in other countries.

Description

The Czechoslovakian wolfdog is almost identical to the wolf and is extremely easy to confuse with it. Like wolves, they have pronounced sexual dimorphism. This means that males and females differ significantly in size.

The wolfdog is smaller in size than other wolf-dog hybrids, but this is due to the fact that the Carpathian wolf, which is small in itself, was used during breeding.

Males at the withers reach 65 cm and weigh 26 kg, females 60 cm and weigh 20 kg. This breed should look natural, without pronounced features. They are very muscular and athletic, but these features are hidden under their thick coat.

The similarity with a wolf is manifested in the structure of the head. It is symmetrical, in the shape of a blunt wedge. The stop is smooth, almost imperceptible. The muzzle is very long and 50% longer than the skull, but not particularly wide. The lips are dense, the jaws are strong, the bite is scissor or straight.

The nose is oval-shaped, black. The eyes are small, slanted, amber or light brown. The ears are short, triangular in shape, erect. They are very active and clearly express the dog’s mood and feelings. The impression from the dog is wildness and strength.

The condition of the coat depends significantly on the season. In winter, the coat is thick and dense, especially the undercoat.

In summer, it is much shorter and not so thick. It should cover the dog's entire body, including in places where other purebred breeds do not have it: in the ears, inner thighs, scrotum.

Its color is similar to that of the Carpathian wolf, zonal, from yellow-gray to silver-gray. There is a small mask on the muzzle, the fur is slightly darker on the neck and chest. A rarer, but acceptable color is dark gray.

From time to time, wolf cubs are born with alternative colors, for example, black or without a mask on the face. Such dogs cannot be allowed for breeding or showing, but retain all the qualities of the breed.

Character

The character of the Czech wolfdog is a cross between a domestic dog and a wild wolf. He has many traits that are common to wolves and not common to dogs.

For example, the first heat occurs in the first year of life, and then once a year. Although most dogs go into heat two to three times a year.

Unlike purebred breeds, wolfdog breeding is seasonal and puppies are born mainly in winter. In addition, they have a very strong hierarchy and pack instinct; they do not bark, but they howl.

A wolfdog can be taught to bark, but it is very difficult for him. They are also very independent and need human control much less than other breeds. Like the wolf, the Czechoslovakian wolfdog is nocturnal and most are active at night.

These dogs can be very loyal family members, but their unique personalities make them not suitable for everyone.

The breed is characterized by a strong attachment to the family. It is so strong that most dogs are difficult, if not impossible, to pass on to other owners. They tend to love one person, although they accept other family members.

They do not like to express their feelings and are reserved even with their own. Relationships with children are contradictory. Most people are fine with children, especially if they grew up with them. However, small children can irritate them, and they do not tolerate rough play well.

Other people's children need to be very careful around these dogs. It is best for older children, from 10 years old.

Since these dogs require a special approach and training, they would be a very poor choice for novice dog owners. In fact, only those who have experience in keeping serious, dominant breeds should get them.

They prefer the company of family to the company of strangers, of whom they are naturally suspicious. Early socialization is absolutely necessary for the wolfdog, otherwise aggression towards strangers will develop.

Even the calmest dogs are never happy with strangers and certainly will not warmly greet them.

If there is a new member in the family, it can take years to get used to it, and some never get used to it.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs are very territorial and sensitive, which makes them excellent watchdogs whose appearance can scare away anyone. However, or cope with this task better.

They experience all forms of aggression towards other dogs, including territorial, sexual and dominance. They have a rigid social hierarchy that provokes fighting until it is established.

However, after building a hierarchy, they get along well, especially with their own kind, and form a pack. To avoid aggression, it is better to keep them with dogs of the opposite sex.

They are as predatory as wolves. Most will chase and kill other animals: cats, squirrels, small breed dogs.

Many threaten even those with whom they have lived their lives since birth, and there is nothing to say about strangers.

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is intelligent and can successfully complete any task. However, they are incredibly difficult to train.

They do not try to please the owner, and carry out the command only if they see the meaning in it. To force a wolfdog to do something, he must understand why he should do it.

In addition, they quickly get bored with everything and refuse to follow commands, no matter what they will get for it. They listen to commands selectively, and carry them out even worse. This does not mean that a wolfdog is impossible to train, but even very experienced trainers sometimes cannot cope with it.

Since social hierarchy is extremely important to them, these dogs will not listen to anyone they consider below them on the social ladder. This means that the owner must always be of a higher rank in the eyes of the dog.

Wolves travel many kilometers in search of food, and a German shepherd can work tirelessly for hours. So one should expect high performance from their hybrid, but also high requirements for activity. Volchak needs at least an hour of exercise a day, and this is not a leisurely walk.

It is a great companion for running or cycling, but only in safe areas. Without the release of energy, the wolf will develop destructive behavior, hyperactivity, howling, and aggression.

Due to the high load requirements, they are extremely unsuitable for apartment living; you need a private house with a spacious yard.

Care

Extremely simple, just regular brushing is enough. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is naturally very clean and has no dog smell.

They shed very heavily, especially seasonally. During this time, they need to be brushed daily.

Health

As already mentioned, an extremely healthy breed. One of the purposes of hybridization was to improve health and wolfdogs live longer than other dog breeds.

Their lifespan ranges from 15 to 18 years.

A handsome man with gray fur with a reddish tint. Muscular, toned body. Long, strong limbs and piercing yellow eyes. Do you think we are talking about a wolf? You are wrong. This is a characteristic of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed. What are these unusual pets? And how to make friends with them?

The lean pet, dubbed the “Czechoslovakian Wolfdog,” appeared recently. The dog was artificially bred for military operations. At different times, more than one attempt was made to crossbreed a wolf and a dog. However, all of them were not successful. And only in this breed was it possible to embody the ideal set of qualities.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog: characteristics of the breed

A large, strong pet, visually reminiscent of a wolf, has inherited the best qualities of its ancestors. The heightened instinct and obedience of the dog are combined with the endurance, good health, and fearlessness of the wolf. This dog will responsibly guard the home, any territory, and herds of animals. The dog, intended for guard duty, is widely in demand as a rescuer. It was also appreciated by the ordinary population.

Business card

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed has several names. Pets are sometimes called “Czechoslovakian Wolfdog”, “Czech Wolfdog” or “Wolfhund”. And sometimes you can even hear “wolf dog”. This name fully reflects the origin of the pet. Wolf dogs are animals obtained by crossing a dog and a wolf.

A brief description of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed will allow you to get to know this unique animal better.

• Weight. The body weight of male pets starts at 26-28 kg. The weight of bitches is usually from 20-22 kg. The final weight limits are not specified in the standard.
• Height. Boys have a height at the withers of 65-67 cm, while girls have only 60-62 cm. These are the lower limits specified in the standard. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that the size of an adult Czechoslovakian wolfdog is slightly larger than these parameters.
• Color. The dog is distinguished by its zonular color. The color of the coat can be gray, silver, yellow-gray and slightly red. The pet is characterized by a small mask on its face, white in color. There are white characteristic markings on the inside of the neck and chest.
• Lifespan. On average, the Czechoslovakian wolfdog lives about 13-16 years.
• Character . The wolfdog is independent, but at the same time immensely devoted and faithful to its owner. He is brave and resilient. A determined dog, sensing danger to its owner, will rush at the offender, without thinking about his size.
• Intelligence. Strength and endurance in the Czech Wolfdog are combined with developed intelligence and the ability to act independently and instantly. If a person is drowning, the dog will not wait for a command, but will rush to the aid of the drowning person.
• Security and guard potential. He is a born guard. You can safely entrust him with the protection of your tenant and things. Invite your dog to guard your slippers. You will see for yourself that the faithful guard will not let anyone near the shoes and will strictly carry out the order until you cancel it yourself.

A brave and hardy wolfdog needs an owner with a strong and firm character. The dog will become obedient only if it senses the leader of the pack in its owner. Only a reputable owner is able to raise a worthy pet. And if you can become that “leader”, you will receive a faithful, loving and devoted companion.

Breed standard

A wiry, large dog, visually reminiscent of a wolf, has a proportional, balanced body. From birth, the wolf has strong teeth and fairly developed muscles. Despite its large dimensions, the dog is very harmonious and moves with enviable ease.

Table - Breed standard Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

In addition, cowardice or excessive aggressiveness are serious grounds for disqualifying a pet, unlike the Saarloos wolfdog (a breed developed in the Netherlands by crossing a wolf with a German shepherd, and recognized in 1981).

Advantages and disadvantages

The most significant drawback of this breed is its low controllability. To this day, neither breeders nor dog handlers have been able to make the dog completely obedient. And if you remember the size and strength of the animal, you can imagine how dangerous a wolf dog can be.

Table - Advantages and disadvantages of the Czech Wolfdog

Do not forget about the main feature of the Czechoslovakian wolfdog. This is an independent, strong-willed pet that only a born leader with an equally strong character can cope with. Beginning dog handlers should not own such dogs. Thistle is strictly prohibited for families with children.

Origin history and interesting facts

History of the breed The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog does not have dark spots. These pets were born thanks to bold experiments conducted in 1955 in Czechoslovakia. Breeders, having received government support, under the supervision of Karel Hartl, crossed the best representatives of German shepherds with specially captured Carpathian wolves.

The resulting offspring turned out to be capable of further reproduction. Painstaking selection work lasted ten years. The resulting hybrid of a dog and a wolf completely satisfied the government. The pet had all the qualities necessary for a military dog.

Volchak began to be actively used for service on the border in 1965. However, outside Czechoslovakia they knew nothing about them until the 90s. The unique pets became known all over the world only after the collapse of the country in 1993. Strong, resilient dogs instantly attracted the interest of the world community. And in 1998, a breed standard was adopted.

Do you know that…

Legends can be made about the endurance and strength of this breed. Pets are true all-rounders who can easily cover long distances, are able to pull a sled and will immediately rush into the water to save a drowning person. They are indispensable for hunting, because they can track prey by smell even in the dark. The following interesting facts characteristic of the Czech Wolfdog are officially recognized.

• Incredible Endurance. The handsome wolf-dog can easily cover a distance of 100 km, reaching speeds of up to 12 km/h. At the end of the race you will not notice a single sign indicating fatigue. The dog is energetic, full of strength, his mouth is closed, and he breathes through his nose. Invite him to continue jogging, and he will run on with excitement.
• Unique power. If you harness two dogs to a sleigh or a scooter with a trainer standing on it, the pets will easily carry the “carriage”, developing a fairly high speed. Moreover, even “ladies” of advanced age (10-12 years) cope with this task with dignity.
• Wolf move. The dog has a light gait. She moves very harmoniously, taking long steps. Moreover, most pets are pacers. They move like wolves, moving one-sided paws.
• "Voice!" . Wolfdog can't bark. He inherited the ability to howl from the wolf. However, an intelligent dog has such a wide range of ways of expressing itself that it does not need barking. The pet easily uses body language; he thoroughly masters the technique of growling, whining, and sometimes grunting.

The Czechoslovakian pet is extremely unpretentious in maintenance. It is able to withstand both high temperatures and quite cold temperatures. Therefore, most often wolf cubs live on the street. However, chaining this beast is not recommended at all. The dog needs a fairly spacious enclosure. Keeping such a giant in an apartment is very difficult, but quite possible.

Arrangement of residence

The best option for a wolfdog is an enclosure. It should be fenced with a high and strong fence that the growing handsome man will not be able to overcome. It is necessary to take care of a strong lock. An intelligent and cunning wolf-dog can learn to open simple bolts and easily dismantle any wooden barriers.

The enclosure should have a booth built taking into account the size of the dog. It is recommended to cover the entrance to the “house” with dense, thick material that will protect the kennel from wind and precipitation. Wolf dogs are very active and inquisitive. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that your pet will definitely try everything. And if you keep a dog in an apartment, then you shouldn’t scold him for damaging the furniture.

Necessary care

Whatever the conditions in which your dog-wolf hybrid is kept, it is necessary to provide it with decent care. Your giant can handle most procedures on his own. But control and timely assistance will not harm him.

• Regular walking. Be sure to take long walks twice a day. Pay special attention to the early socialization of your pet. For this purpose, from the first months of life, the puppy must be taken to crowded places. The dog must get used to noise and human behavior. It is recommended to use a muzzle when walking your pet. And it is better to prefer a harness than a collar.
• Bathing. This event is not necessary for your pet. It has a coat that is not prone to getting dirty. At the same time, the dog is not afraid of water, and if you want to give him a bath day, then, as reviews from owners about the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog show, he will enthusiastically support your idea.
• Ear cleaning. It is necessary to periodically monitor the condition of the ears. Dog handlers recommend cleaning once a month in winter and once every two to three weeks in summer.
• Combing or blowing. The wolfdog undergoes molting twice a year. This process is very intensive. At this time, almost all of the undercoat falls out. To speed up the fur replacement process, it is recommended to give your pet water treatments. And after them, connect the compressor and thoroughly blow all the wool with warm air. This procedure will not only eliminate lost hairs, but also prevent the formation of tangles and irritations on the skin.
• Nail trimming. Usually the dog copes with this procedure on his own. Provide him with decent walking on different surfaces and problems with claws will not arise. If your pet lives at home, they may need to be shortened periodically. For this, special forceps are used.
• Teeth cleaning . The teeth, and especially the fangs of the wolf dog, need regular cleaning. This procedure is carried out only in a veterinary clinic.

Feeding

When purchasing a puppy from a nursery, be sure to ask what the baby was fed. It's best to stick to the same nutrition strategy. This will make it much easier and faster for the baby to adapt to new conditions. In the future, two feeding options are possible.

1. Natural nutrition. In this case, the diet should contain a lot of meat products. Be sure to include cottage cheese, raw chicken eggs, kefir, and boiled offal in your diet. Low-fat sea fish is healthy.
2. Ready food. Most dog handlers and veterinarians are inclined to use industrial feed. This is a balanced diet that saturates the dog’s body with all useful substances. Just choose high-quality premium or super-premium food.

Breeding

Only professional dog handlers should be involved in breeding the Czech Wolfdog. It is necessary to carefully select partners for mating. Otherwise, you may end up with aggressive or uncontrollable offspring.

The first estrus is observed at 10-12 months. It is repeated only once a year. The dog can easily withstand pregnancy. However, she does not experience any difficulties. Childbirth proceeds easily and smoothly in most cases. About six to seven puppies are born.

Then the wolf cub turns into a very caring mother who will never abandon her babies. The dog intuitively knows how to take care of puppies. Human help is not needed here. The mother copes well with all responsibilities on her own.

Training

To raise a worthy pet, you will need to put in a lot of patience and perseverance. Don't forget that this is a difficult dog. An emotional and intelligent dog will constantly look for ways to outsmart you and get away with training. It is important to show persistence, firmness and not give the wolf the opportunity to establish his own rules.

When training your wolf-dog, strictly follow the four recommendations of dog handlers:

1. Keep yourself in check. Never raise your voice at a dog or allow yourself to lose your temper.
2. Do not panic . Remember that the leader of the pack is you. Therefore, you can always control your pet. If you allow yourself to panic, the dog will sense it with lightning speed. And his trust in you will disappear.
3. Don't hurt the dog. It is strictly forbidden to resort to cruel physical force. This provokes the development of aggression.
4. Encourage. The wolf's obedience should always be reinforced with rewards. And it’s not just about delicacy. A smart dog is able to detect praise in your words, intonations, and movements.

Diseases and treatment

Czech wolfdogs have strong, truly wolf-like health. And thanks to high-quality breeding work, they do not have genetic diseases. However, even such hardy and strong pets have their “Achilles heel”. They have a predisposition to the development of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, but not of a congenital nature. The most common diagnosis in dogs is hip dysplasia.

Veterinarians say that the disease develops against the background of the following factors:

• poor nutrition;
• calcium deficiency in the diet;
• insufficient physical activity;
• short walks or no walks;
• untimely or independent treatment of injuries;
• slippery surface on the floor.

An unpleasant diagnosis is not a death sentence. The disease can be treated, and quite successfully. But initially you need to get ready for long-term treatment, which requires a lot of moral strength and financial investments.

Vaccinations

Don't forget about vaccinations. They are able to protect the dog from many unpleasant pathologies. The same vaccination schedule is recommended for wolfdogs as for German shepherds:

• first - the puppy is vaccinated at one month of age;
• the second - done after three to four weeks;
• the third takes place closer to the year.

In the future, the thistle must be vaccinated once a year. Before vaccination, be sure to give your pet anthelmintic medications seven to ten days before vaccination.

TOP nicknames

Each puppy receives a name in the nursery immediately after birth. It is entered in the pet’s veterinary passport. However, owners rarely leave these names, preferring to give their pet their nickname.

The Czechoslovakian wolfdog “girl” can be called by the following names:

• Athena;
• Posya;
• Ruddy;
• Ollie;
• Olivia;
• Aurora;
• Bizzy;
• Sandra;
• Maggie;
• Monica;
• Jessica;
• Maggie;
• Russia;
• Miranda;
• Connie;
• Laura;
• Nymphira.

And if a Czechoslovakian wolfdog “boy” appears in your house, you can name your favorite:

• Biker;
• Dukis;
• Carol;
• Olf;
• Rex;
• Invar;
• Desert;
• Cruz;
• Carol;
• Crumpet;
• Erema.

Photo review

One look at your pet is enough to feel the full power of this handsome man. He seems to radiate strength, power and determination. Take a close look at the photos of puppies and dogs of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed, and you will see for yourself that it is impossible to resist this magnetism.

Cost and where to buy

This breed is not very common. Few breeders will dare to raise these strong-willed and strong dogs. Therefore, a Czechoslovakian wolfdog puppy is not cheap. On average, the price of a baby is 40-60 thousand rubles (data as of March 2018).

Nurseries

Contact only trusted nurseries. It is strictly forbidden to purchase Volchak by hand. Sometimes unscrupulous breeders can sell a puppy with the makings of aggression. It’s scary to even think about what this baby could grow out of.

Pay attention to the following kennels of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed:

• BEST-DOG-CLUB IKU in Moscow- http://www.alvas.ru/bdc-iku-czech-wolfdog.htm;
• “Luxury luck” in Yekaterinburg- https://ok.ru/chekhoslov/topic/65328212514050;
• « Alfresco Life" in Chelyabinsk- http://sobaki.pro/index.php?m=Poroda&page=Poroda/Pitomniki&id=Wolf&pit=32758.

If a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog appears in your home, then remember the most important rule - always be on the alert. It is strictly forbidden to treat this pet with connivance. You must not let your guard down - be prepared to calmly and confidently take over the “lamb” in wolf’s clothing in any situation.

Reviews: “At 9 months he was already independently guarding his territory.”

I have been the owner of a Czech Wolfdog dog for 2 years now. I was very interested in this breed. Before I bought it I had a Rottweiler. The dog breeders I knew were very scared about his character, but I still decided. I adopted a three month old male. The appearance, of course, was frightening at first; everyone said it was a wolf. But everything turned out to be much simpler, the character is similar to a German shepherd, and is easy to train (first group FCI).

Of course, he turned out to be a wayward child, but this, like people, everyone has a different character, recognizes only one owner, but treats the rest of the family very well. At 9 months he was already independently guarding his territory. Very friendly towards other dogs. Loves to chase cats and birds. The breed is little known in Russia, but is seen quite often at foreign exhibitions.

SeregaTMB, http://otzovik.com/review_1723265.html

This miracle has only been with us for 10 days, but we already have the first vivid impressions. We adopted a wolfdog, and we were told that he was the calmest and most reasonable in the litter.

He lived the first three days calmly. Then my husband took the wolf cub to our house. They decided to let him into the house for now, because they didn’t have time to build an enclosure. A couple of days after the move, we left him at home alone and, returning about four hours later, found that everything that was standing on our large, wide and high window sill had been thrown onto the floor. That's all: two oak barrels, flowers in pots, three large vases. He was probably looking out for us. The television cable was divided into several parts, the rest was just small things.

The wolf cub jumps like a kangaroo already at 2 months old. Once, when I woke up, I saw him already in flight at a height of at least a meter, after which he landed on the bed and his jaws instantly closed on my hand. Naturally, he gets tryndels, and gradually something begins to settle in his head.
And what happened when his husband decided to eat a duck leg in front of him! The wolf cub climbed over her husband’s body like a monkey and screamed like a knife. Since then, nothing much has changed; we try not to eat with him or feed him at the same time.

OksanaGSV, https://otzovik.com/review_5026543.html

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, I say right away, is not a dog for beginners and if you are going to get such a dog, it is advisable that you do not have small children. I have two male dogs. Zack and Cody. Cheerful wolf cubs. As soon as I got Zach, friends poured into my house in an endless stream and played with the wolf cub for days. The puppy's appearance was simply mesmerizing. It felt like I had tamed a real wolf! And the growling, and the habits, and the manner of gait... well, everything! Unless he howls at the moon. But as he grew older, my friends visited me less and less.

He only acknowledged me and a couple of my best friends. And he drove the rest out of the yard with malicious barking, and I couldn’t wean him off this bad habit. But then they told me that from early childhood it is necessary to accustom him to the animals and people around the puppy. Well, who knew?..
But I raised Cody according to all the rules. When Zach was little, he always loved to jump on my lap and lick my cheek. And now... Now a two-year-old male is rushing at me, knocking me off my feet and pouring saliva all over my neck. 6468 Tibetan Mastiff: how to raise a mighty giant dog 9561 Basenji (African Non-Barking Dog): A Legendary Breed of Silent Dogs with Human-Level Intelligence

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