Overview
The Czech Mountain Dog is a sturdy draft and sled dog developed in Czechoslovakia from the 1970s. It is friendly, strong and hardy.
Today it works in sledding, search and rescue, herding and therapy, and is increasingly kept as a family dog.
History
The breed began in 1977 when Petr Hanzlik bred a Slovak Cuvac female with a draft dog imported from Canada. He wanted a robust, low-maintenance, versatile dog for drafting and sledding, as Nordic breeds were hard to obtain behind the Iron Curtain.
The Czech Kennel Club recognised it in 1984. Early inbreeding was reduced in the 1990s by adding carefully chosen other breeds. It is not FCI-recognised.
Appearance
Males stand about 60 to 70 cm and weigh 30 to 40 kg; females are 56 to 66 cm and 26 to 36 kg. The body is slightly rectangular with straight, strong legs and large oval paws.
The dense, straight coat is about 10 cm long, mottled white with brown or black spots, with a rich undercoat in winter. The tail is feathery and carried in a sickle over the back when excited.
Temperament
Pleasant, friendly, confident and lively, and never aggressive. It enjoys working with its people and is eager in training when properly motivated.
It also makes a reliable watchdog.
Care and exercise
This is a high-energy dog that needs lots of daily exercise and activities such as sledding, bikejoring, tracking or agility. Patient, consistent training works best.
Brush regularly, more often during seasonal shedding.
Health
No breed-specific problems are well documented, but its small early gene pool means responsible breeders watch inbreeding. Typical life expectancy is 11 to 12 years.
