HISTORY

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

ORIGINS

In 1955 Karel Hartl undertook a biological experiment in the then Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, to breed the male German Shepherd Dog Cézar to the female captive Carpathian wolf Brita - with the first litter born on 26 May 1958.

The word 'experiment' is perhaps misleading as there was an intended purpose - to produce a robust, military working dog which would combine usable qualities & instincts of the wolf, with favourable qualities of the dog.

IMAGES

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.

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.

OWNING - Are CSV legal in the UK?

Yes. As an internationally recognised breed of dog the Czechoslovakian Vlciak is legal to import, own & breed in the UK. Currently, the UK Kennel Club does not recognise the CSV so you may face obstacles if looking to show.

FINALLY - Misrepresentation

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.