The Czechoslovakian Vlcak (CSV) is a highly intelligent and active breed of dog, originally bred for military and border protection. They are loyal and affectionate companions that form a very close bond with their owners, but also have a strong protective and defensive instinct that can make them wary of strangers.
They are highly intelligent, but use this mainly for their own interests and intentions. They are quick to spot weaknesses in human leadership, are escape artists when they want to be, love to rearrange the garden and can dig real craters. In the case of lack of exercise, they independently look for tasks, which in very few cases coincide with the owner’s intentions, and are very exuberant in all situations, but especially in greeting/joy.
When interacting with other dogs, behaviour varies according to gender, socialisation, individual character and training. The CSV is usually a dominant and self-confident dog, aware of his status at all times. Even as a young dog, he must learn that he is not allowed to usurp “world domination”, which requires consistent training and straightforward leadership, especially during puberty. Within the pack, this is usually no problem if the dogs of the same sex are of the appropriate age, but with foreign dogs it requires much more education. Often other dogs are tolerated in the presence of the owner, but the CSV is not a dog that can be let run on every dog run without any problems or that can be integrated into existing dog groups. In addition, they have a prey drive of varying degrees, which can make dealing with smaller dogs or animals difficult. This is where well-considered socialisation pays off.
The CSV is a great companion when raised and handled appropriately in the family and quickly becomes the children’s best friend. However, as with all other dog breeds, children and dogs should never be left unsupervised/alone with each other. The CSV is a very active dog and both dog and child must learn safe handling so that both sides can enjoy it and the dog does not run over the children or the children torment the dog.
Indoors, Czechoslovakian Vlcaks are relaxed and unobtrusive when sufficiently exercised, saving the action for outside. They are indisputably very clever and can be trained for a wide range of tasks if the CSV is having fun. Boring endless repetitions and pressure won’t get you far here and the CSV will switch to stubborn. Trained with imagination and joy, you can achieve a lot with the CSV from obedience/ obedience/ rally obedience to nose work and pulling dog sports, knowing that they are all-rounders and that there are certainly more suitable breeds for every sporting discipline that are considered specialists here.
They need varied mental stimulation and sufficient exercise. Boredom often leads to destructive behaviour, which can become a problem. Furthermore, staying alone is difficult in many cases. The CSV attaches itself closely to its family and wants to be present everywhere. When left behind, it is not uncommon for them to howl or destroy the furniture. Here the future owner needs a good plan B and C.
All in all, every owner of a Czechoslovakian Vlcak needs a sense of humour and the will to be consistent.
It is also important that all family members involved stand behind the decision to bring a CSV into the family. Otherwise, problems can quickly arise when the sweet little puppy becomes a demanding young dog or puberty sets in.
Below you will find a YouTube video about the “CSV – what they are really like”. To get a first impression of the breed, it is absolutely worth watching it. The Club für Tschechoslowakische Wolfhunde Deutschland e.V. made this production possible, of which I have been a member for almost 20 years now.
Did you like the video and want to learn more? Take a look at all the other pages.
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