HISTORY

In historic terms the Czechoslovakian Vlciak (Vlčák ) is a relatively modern breed. Pronounced "vl-chak" the misnomer of 'wolfdog' can be negatively ambiguous. While perhaps closer by genetics in comparison to other breeds, the CSV is an FCI & IKC recognised breed of dog & is not a wolf hybrid!

ORIGINS

In 1955 Karel Hartl, a life long canine advocate was part of the then Czechoslovak Socialist Republic program to breed the male German Shepherd Dog Cézar to the female Carpathian Wolf Brita - with the first litter born on 26 May 1958.

The intended purpose was to produce a robust, military working dog which would combine the elevated qualities & instincts of the wolf with the more favourable & trainable qualities of working line German Shepherd Dogs.

RESULTS

The original mating established firstly - that progeny from male dog / female wolf & male wolf / female dog was possible & secondly - that offspring were themselves fertile & capable of successfully continuing an emerging breed.

As expected, the first hybrid puppies closely resembled the wolf & in retaining much of their characteristic behaviours were exceptionally difficult to train.

In adulthood, the first generation of hybrids were then successfully bred with German Shepherds to decrease the wolf percentage. By third & fourth generation puppies - in addition to increased trainability, puppies exhibited superior tracking skills, elevated night vision, more acute hearing & greater scent capabilities in comparison to other sporting / working dogs.

Founding female Brita was mated to a second German Shepherd male called Kurt, which created the basis of a second line & a third was created by breeding male wolf Argo with female German Shepherd Asta.

ARTICLES

• OSKÁR DÓRA
• PETER KROTKOVSKÝ
• 'GRANDAD' ROSÍK

RECOGNITION

In 1982 the Ceskoslovenský Vlciak was recognised as a national breed via the general committee of the breeders' associations & was officially recognised by Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World Canine Organisation) in 1989.

PROGRESSION

PATROL DOG OR PET?

Many owners may suggest they remain a little of both in equal positives & negatives! We don't advovate CSV as an ideal breed for the first time dog owner - while they can make excellent pets they require more consideration in aspects such as security, socialising, training, enrichment & understanding.

It's vital to recognise the nature of the CSV is a strength within the breed standard - not something to be bullied, dominated or "trained out".

MISREPRESENTATION

The Czechoslovakian Vlciak is NOT a wolf hybrid. Hybrids (where one parent is a wolf) are subject to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 & below F3 require DEFRA licence in the UK. As proud ambassadors for our breed, we work hard to ensure they are correctly described, championed & protected.

LEGALITY

As an internationally recognised breed of dog the Czechoslovakian Vlciak is legal to import, own & breed in the UK. However the UK Kennel Club does not currently recognise the CSV as a breed so you may face obstacles if looking to show above local level or beyond breed events.