The Czechoslovakian Vlcak is quite a complicated name to pronounce, but what’s in the name, right? All that matters is personality, even if it’s an animal.
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak is a purebred dog that was used as an attack dog earlier, but now it’s used as a working or family dog.
These dogs are known for their energy and loyal nature. Keep scrolling to learn interesting facts about this breed.
About The Breed
Czechoslovakian Vlcak is a highly intelligent dog that can learn anything if it puts its mind to it.
Unlike other breeds, these dogs don’t just blindly follow everything their owner says. They have independent and primitive personalities making it complicated to train them.
If you’re a first-time owner, you won’t be able to handle this breed. Only professional trainers or owners with experience in training can train these dogs.
Reward-based and positive training methods are encouraging to them, and they respond well.
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak has an impressive wolf-like appearance. These dogs have longer bodies than taller ones. They have triangular-shaped short ears and amber eyes.
This breed has a solid and straight spine and a thick neck. Their scissor-shaped jaws and teeth are very strong.
They have an extensive and flat chest with a drawn-in belly. With a high set and bushy tail, these dogs are known to be very athletic and agile.
Czechoslovakian Vlcak Dog Breed History
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak breed was born as a result of an experiment. Between 1955 and 1965, in the then Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, Karel Hartl decided to breed German Shepherds and wolves to develop an attack dog.
He carefully planned the breedings using Carpathian wolves and German Shepherds. If we talk specifically, there were a total of 40 German Shepherds included in this experiment.
After breeding the first dog and wolf, further breeding of the resulting litter was done between dogs and hybrids only, so no more wolves.
The resulting dogs were studied to test their physical characteristics and temperament, including stamina, training capacity, and much more.
Third and fourth-generation dogs (addressed as F3 and F4) were removed from the starting dog and wolf breeding and used as army dogs.
The main purpose of this experiment was to develop working military dogs, and they are still used for this purpose.
With proper training, the Czechoslovakian Vlcak is also a great family dog. They are ranked as the number 1 popular dogs in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
In 2011, this breed’s category was changed from “herding dogs” to “working dogs” by the American Kennel Club.
Czechoslovakian Vlcak Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Czechoslovakian Vlcak |
| Other Name | Slovak Wolfdog |
| Dog Breed Type | Working dogs |
| Origin | Czechoslovakia |
| Parent Breeds | Carpathian Wolf, German Shepherd Dog |
| Height | 24-26 inches |
| Weight | 44-57 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years |
| Coat Type | Straight, Double coat |
| Common Colors | Silver-gray, Yellowish-gray |
| Grooming Needs | Average |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Fearless, Quick, Active, Lively, Sociable, Courageous |
| Apartment Living | Suitable for apartment living |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Dental issues, Degenerative myelopathy, elbow and hip problems, eye problems |
| Overall Health | Healthy |
| Intelligence Level | High |
| Trainability | Hard to train |
| Energy Level | High |
| Activity | Active |
| Litter Size | 6-7 puppies |
What To Know
• These dogs are loyal, and intelligent, and require early socialization and training.
• High energy levels need regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a spacious environment.
• The breed has a dense, straight coat that requires minimal grooming.
• Prone to hip dysplasia, it’s essential to monitor their joint health and maintain regular veterinary care.
Characteristics
Adaptability
Czechoslovakian Vlcak dogs are known for their adaptability to various environments. They can live in apartments or open spaces, as long as they get sufficient exercise.
Their resilience allows them to handle both hot and cold climates, thanks to their thick double coat.
These dogs thrive on mental stimulation and tasks, making them suitable for agility training and dog sports.
With proper socialization, they can coexist with other pets and children.
Their intelligence and problem-solving skills enable them to adapt well to changing situations, but they require consistent training and a confident owner to bring out their best adaptability traits.
Adaptability
Adaptive to apartment living
Suitable for new owners
Sensitivity range
Comfortable being alone
Comfortable with cold weather
Comfortable with hot weather
Friendliness
Czechoslovakian Vlcak dogs tend to be cautious around strangers, as their wolf ancestry makes them naturally reserved.
However, once they form a bond with their family, they display remarkable loyalty and protectiveness.
They may not be overly affectionate like some breeds, but they do value their human pack.
Early socialization helps them become more comfortable around new people, ensuring a well-adjusted and friendly Vlcak in different situations.
All About Friendliness
Lovable with family
Kid-friendly
Dog-friendly
Frank with strangers
Personality
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak has an interesting personality thanks to its wild Carpathian Wolf and German Shepherd ancestry.
They got their pack mentality from the wolf and their loving personality from the German Shepherd. The mixture of two fierce breeds resulted in this very affectionate and loyal breed.
These dogs are not your regular cuddling dogs, and they will rather run than cuddle on your lap.
Their high energy levels make them suitable as working dogs. They are more than happy to do a task if given clear authority and instructions.
These dogs require a lot of work from your side, so it can be a bit overwhelming to handle them.
The Vlcak is capable of doing heavy jobs like working in the military and guarding livestock and families.
For this kind of work, these dogs require proper and firm training from as early as possible.
As they are full of energy, they need tons of exercise; otherwise, they will become moody, cranky, and disobedient.
Your pet should think of you as a leader, not a mere owner. This thinking makes them feel like they are a part of your family.
Dominant behavior from their owner will make them feel the opposite, leading to negative behavior.
Having a hunting ancestry, the Vlcak is not expected to be on their best behavior with their other animals.
This makes early socialization very important for them. The more you let them play with other animals, the more friendly they will become toward others.
These dogs can also get suspicious of strangers, so you should take them to dog parks and introduce them to new environments. Proper training and socialization will help to do this.
Temperament
Friendly with Children
They’re loyal and protective, making them great family pets. Teaching kids to respect their space and providing supervision is wise.
Early socialization helps Vlcaks bond well with children, fostering strong and safe relationships.
Always prioritize safety and educate your children about dog interaction.
Amicable to Other Pets
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak breed is generally amicable towards other pets when raised together. Early socialization is key to fostering peaceful coexistence.
They can develop strong bonds with other animals in the household but may have a strong prey drive, so supervision is wise, especially with smaller pets.
Barking Tendencies
They’re vocal when they sense danger or excitement. Training can help control excessive barking, teaching them when it’s appropriate to speak and when to stay quiet.
Socializing from a young age can also help them be less reactive to various stimuli.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
They thrive on companionship and may get anxious when left alone for long periods. It’s essential to train them early, gradually increasing alone time.
Providing toys, treats, or puzzles can keep them occupied. If left alone excessively, they might become destructive or develop separation anxiety.
Ensuring a routine and creating a comfortable space can help them adapt to occasional solitude, but they generally prefer being with their human family.
Pros And Cons Of The Czechoslovakian Vlcak Dog Breed
Pros
- Exceptional wolf-like appearance.
- Intelligent and trainable nature.
- Loyal and protective companion.
- High endurance for active lifestyles.
- Low grooming and health needs.
Cons
- Not suited for novice owners.
- Requires consistent socialization.
- Can exhibit strong territorial instincts.
- Prone to wanderlust tendencies.
- Potential for stubborn behavior.
Male Vs. Female Attitude
The only difference between males and females is their size.
Appearance
General Appearance
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog boasts a striking appearance. These dogs resemble wolves with a thick double coat, which helps them endure harsh weather.
Their ears stand erect, giving them a vigilant look. Their eyes are almond-shaped and amber in color. A bushy tail adds to their wild charm.
With a strong, agile build, these dogs are medium-sized and muscular. This breed’s overall appearance captures the spirit of the wild, making them unique and captivating pets.
Coat Color
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak has a double and straight coat which is silver-gray or yellow-gray with a light mask.
Looking at their fluffy coat, you might think that it’s difficult to groom them. But in reality, it’s quite easy to take care of this breed.
Their coat is weather-resistant, has dirt brushes on its own, and has little doggy smell.
Apart from brushing, you need to bathe them occasionally to maintain the beautiful look of their coat.
Shedding
The appearance of the Czechoslovakian Vlcak changes seasonally, called dramatic shedding. These dogs shed twice a year.
Size
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak are gigantic dog breeds that grow tall between 24 to 26 inches. Male dogs are said to be larger than female dogs.
Their huge size and wolf genes can become dangerous if not trained on time.
Vital Statistics
| DOG BREED GROUP | WORKING DOGS |
| HEIGHT | 24-26 INCHES |
| WEIGHT | 44-57 POUNDS |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12-16 YEARS |
Health
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak dogs are very healthy in general. However, there are some issues connected with their health that you need to know about.
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye issues
- Elbow dysplasia
Health And Grooming Requirements
Shedding quantity
Drooling capability
Effortless to groom
Overall health
Capable of weight gain
Size
Maintenance And Care
Like all dog breeds, the Czechoslovakian Vlcak dogs need proper care from time to time.
First of all, the moment you get this dog to your home, take them to the vet and make vet visits a regular habit.
You need to modify your schedule now that you have decided to get a pet. You need to take them on walks and exploration and give them plenty of time to play daily.
Having a pet like the Vlcak requires a lot of work and dedication. If you are someone who works outside a lot and goes home rarely, this dog is not the right choice for you.
Leaving Vlcak alone for a long time makes them feel lonely, and they get destructive as a result.
Maintain Vlcak’s dental hygiene by brushing his teeth twice a week. Check your pet’s ear from time to time to prevent any possible risk of infections.
Also, trim their nails the moment you notice a clicking sound if you don’t want scratches everywhere.
Grooming
This dogs have a low-maintenance coat, making grooming relatively simple. Brush their dense fur once or twice a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
Bathing is only necessary when they get dirty. Trim their nails regularly to avoid overgrowth. Clean their ears as needed to prevent infections.
Teeth brushing should be a part of routine care. Pay attention to their paws, ensuring no debris is stuck.
Food And Nutrition
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak dogs are known to be very active and athletic, which means burning lots of energy in a day.
Canine athletes and working dogs like this breed need a high-quality performance diet daily to remain healthy and fit.
It’s okay to get confused about how much to feed your dog. To clear up this confusion, you should visit your vet.
A vet will make a suitable diet plan for your dog, keeping in mind its health, age, size, and many other factors.
Giving your dog measured meals rather than feeding them when you feel like it will help to maintain their health.
Exercise And Activity Level
This dogs are highly active and require plenty of exercise. They have bundles of energy to burn, and a sedentary lifestyle won’t suit them.
Daily physical activity is essential to keep them happy and healthy. This includes brisk walks, jogs, or hikes to stimulate their minds and bodies.
They thrive on activities like agility training and obedience tasks. If you have access to open spaces, they’ll love running freely.
Mental stimulation is also crucial, as they are intelligent and love problem-solving games.
Physical Requirements
Energy range
Intensity
Exercise requirements
Playful nature
Trainability
These quick learners respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement training. However, their strong-willed nature requires experienced handlers.
Begin training from an early age to build a strong bond and establish authority.
Teach basic commands, socialize them with people and other animals, and expose them to various environments to reduce their natural wariness.
Keep training sessions short, engaging, and fun to maintain their interest.
Trainability
Effortless to train
Intelligence
Capable of biting
Tendency to attack prey
Urge to howl or bark
Wanderlust nature
Conclusion
As the Czechoslovakian Vlcak has a hunting ancestry, you need to supervise their play sessions with other animals and kids. They might get a little aggressive if they sense any danger
By looking at a Czechoslovakian Vlcak, you might mistake them for a wolf.
Explore More Dog Breeds…?
FAQs On American Bulldog Dog Breed…
Where do the Czechoslovakian Vlcak dog breeds come from?
Czechoslovakia
What is the best diet routine for a Czechoslovakian Vlcak?
High-quality dog food divided into two meals a day.
How much exercise is required for a Czechoslovakian Vlcak?
Two hours daily
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.