The Vlcak Dog: A Comprehensive Guide

The vlčák is an ancient dog breed that originated in the Czech Republic.

It's believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.

This breed was originally used for guarding and hunting.

The vlčák is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a short, dense coat.

Its coat can be a variety of colors, including black, brown, and gray.

The Czechoslovakian Vlcak's history began in 1955 with a deliberate crossing of a German Shepherd Dog with a Carpathian Wolf.

This experiment continued for ten years, aiming to combine the wolf's qualities with the dog's favorable traits.

In 1965, a plan was created to breed this new dog, which would eventually become the Czechoslovakian Vlcak.

The breed was recognized as a national breed in the former Czechoslovakian Republic in 1982.

The Czechoslovakian Vlcak gained international recognition when it was acknowledged by the United Kennel Club on July 1, 2006.

Expand your knowledge: Black Czech Wolfdog

The Czechoslovak Wolfdog, or vlčák, is a sturdy breed with a distinctive physical appearance.

Their shoulder height is quite variable, ranging from 60 cm for females to no upper limit for males, with a typical range of 65-75 cm.

The breed's body frame is rectangular, with a height-to-length ratio of 9:10 or less.

Their weight is also quite consistent, with males weighing at least 26 kg and females weighing at least 20 kg.

One of the most striking features of the vlčák is their eye color, which is a light amber set obliquely.

Their ears are short and upright, triangular in shape.

Their teeth are complete and very strong, with both scissors-shaped and pliers-shaped dentition acceptable.

The breed's spine is straight and strong, with a short loin.

Their chest is large and flat, rather than barrel-shaped.

Their belly is strong and drawn in.

Their back is short and slightly sloped, with a high-set tail that reaches the tarsi when lowered.

Their forelimbs are straight and narrow-set, with paws slightly turned out and a long radius and metacarpus.

Their hind limbs are muscular, with a long calf and instep.

The vlčák's coat color is yellow-grey to silver-grey, often with a light mask.

Their hair is straight, close, and very thick.

Their movement is light and harmonious, with a long stride and a typical tenacious canter.

The vlčák is a social dog that forms strong bonds with its family, but can be wary of strangers. It's essential to socialize the puppy from an early age to prevent aggression towards smaller animals.

Female vlčáks are generally more controllable than males, but both sexes can experience a challenging adolescence. This is why early socialization and training are crucial.

The vlčák is a playful and temperamental breed that learns quickly, but it doesn't train spontaneously. You'll need to find ways to motivate it during training sessions.

One common issue with training vlčáks is that they can get bored with repetitive exercises, leading to a loss of motivation. To avoid this, mix up your training routine and keep it engaging.

Vlčáks have excellent senses and are great at following trails. They're also very independent and can adapt to working at night if needed.

However, teaching a vlčák to bark on command can be challenging. They tend to communicate in other ways, such as through body language or quiet noises like growls and whines.

If you're considering a vlčák as a Search And Rescue dog, be prepared for a more demanding training process. With patience and consistency, they can excel in this role.

Here are some key traits to keep in mind when working with a vlčák:

Vlčák is a carnivorous mammal that primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and fruits.

They are solitary animals and have a large home range, which they mark with their scent to keep other vlčáci away.

Their diet consists mainly of meat, but they also eat plants, fruits, and insects.

Vlčáci are skilled hunters and can climb trees to catch their prey.

Their thick fur helps them stay warm in cold temperatures, which is typical in their mountainous habitats.

They are generally quiet animals, but they will vocalize to communicate with other vlčáci.

In the wild, vlčáci can live up to 15 years, but their lifespan in captivity is typically shorter due to various health issues.