Thinking About a Cesky Terrier?

Do you want a Cesky Terrier because they are rare and unusual?
Please think again. A dog is not a fashion accessory that can be discarded when you are bored with it.

Do you want a Cesky Terrier because they are glamorous and eyecatching?
Please think again. To achieve that look is both expensive and time-consuming. This is a breed that needs regular grooming.

Do you want a Cesky Terrier even though you are out at work all day?
Please think again. A Cesky Terrier can be noisy and destructive when left alone for long periods.

Do you want a feisty and outgoing terrier?
Please think again. The Cesky Terrier can sometimes be reserved with strangers and wary of new situations.

Do you want a loyal, obedient, loving and intelligent companion?

Then the Cesky Terrier may just be the right breed for you!


Now that you've met the gang, you may have fallen in love and decided that you would like to own a Cesky Terrier yourself. Well, your first job is to find out everything you can about the breed.

Cesky Terriers make wonderful pets. They are friendly, sociable dogs that adapt well to family life and get on well with children, other dogs and even cats. They will enjoy joining you on days out and holidays, where their good looks and friendly nature will attract a good deal of attention. They are intuitive and sensitive to their owners' moods. They will alert you to the presence of strangers by barking, but will welcome invited visitors quite happily as long as you are glad to see them too!

Cesky Terriers are very intelligent, quick to learn and with excellent memories. You must be consistently firm with your Cesky Terrier, but never harsh. A Cesky Terrier does not respond well to shouting and blows, but a quiet insistence on obedience works wonders, particularly if you have a treat in your hand! Your Cesky Terrier will want to please you, so use lots of praise when he is doing as he is told.

Will there be someone at home for most of the time? Cesky Terriers can be noisy and destructive if they are bored or lonely. Are you prepared to spend time grooming your Cesky Terrier regularly? He will need clipping every six weeks or so, and regular attention to his furnishings if they are not to become matted. Even though he is a small dog he still needs regular exercise, some of which should be off the lead. Do you have the time and somewhere safe to run free? A well-fenced garden is important for house training a puppy.

Cesky Terriers don't need to eat a lot to put on weight! Feeding lots of extra titbits is unnecessary and unkind. A fat Cesky Terrier is not a happy Cesky Terrier. You can tell if your adult Cesky Terrier is the right weight by pressing lightly on his side; if you can just feel his ribs under the light pressure of your hands he is the right weight; if you can't, he is too fat. It is possible to make a Cesky Terrier too thin. The ribs should not be sticking out. Young puppies often carry some extra weight (puppy fat) that they will grow out of.

Are you sure that you want a puppy? Cesky Welfare was established to help those Cesky Terriers that have fallen on hard times, often through no fault of their own. Owning a rescue dog can be a rewarding experience for both of you. All a rescue dog wants is a second chance. Contact details for Welfare are on the Cesky Terrier Club website.

If you can offer a loving, permanent, home with consistent, firm but fair handling, good food (but not too much of it), regular exercise and your companionship during most of the day, then maybe a Cesky Terrier is for you....

Where to buy your puppy in the UK
Always buy your puppy directly from the breeder. The breeder should be your first port of call should you have any problems with your puppy. Many breeders offer an excellent after sales service, and will always be glad to hear of the progress of a puppy they have bred.

The main source of information about puppies in the UK is the Cesky Terrier Club. The Secretary keeps a list of puppies currently available from reputable breeders. You might like to visit a show and meet some of the breeders and their dogs - this is a good way of making sure that a Cesky Terrier is for you. Check that the sire and dam of the litter have up-to-date BVA/KC Eye Test Certificates. Health problems in Cesky Terriers are rare but even so reputable breeders will try to ensure that they are breeding healthy puppies from healthy parents.

You may find that you need to book a puppy some time in advance. There are very few litters born in a year in this country, as Cesky Terriers are quite uncommon. Use the waiting period wisely – join the breed club and get to know the breed and the breeders. Try to come along to a club show or a fun day.

Ridley puppies
I rarely breed a litter, usually only when I want one myself. I breed and show dogs as a serious hobby, not as a business, and am committed to the welfare of this lovely and unique breed. The most important thing is, and has always been, my dogs and their welfare. They are much loved pets living with us, sharing and enriching our lives. When people ask me if I have show dogs my reply is “ I have pets, some of whom I show”.

My show dogs jump in puddles, race around , generally having a good time all together, then everyone enjoys being groomed, bathed and cosseted. I love showing them, meeting other breeders, people who are genuinely interested in the breed and want to learn more. My dogs enjoy showing as well and get excited as the preparations begin. If for some reason they are not completely at ease in the show ring environment (and some Cesky Terriers just do not enjoy the show ring) they become a beloved pet.

All my Cesky Terriers are eye tested and DNA profiled. I am a member of the Cesky Terrier Club and as such am governed by the Club’s Code of Ethics. I am also a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder.



I’m afraid prospective owners are vetted very strictly, as I hope I am by them. It is important to me that the right dog and its personality match the lifestyle and needs of the new owners. Because I care, I place endorsements on all my puppies to ensure their wellbeing. They are not to be sold abroad for gain, nor to be bred from.

The endorsements can be lifted by me, if and when appropriate. People who are genuine and care, will understand my concerns and will be happy to discuss their hopes and plans for the puppy’s future. I am always here with help and advice and should you ever need to re-home your Cesky Terrier at anytime I ask that you return it to me either to keep at Ridley, or to find a suitable new home, I also ask that you keep me updated as to their welfare and progress during the years. As their breeder I have a lifelong commitment - having delivered them safely into this world I continue to feel a responsibility during their lifetime.

It is important to me that my puppies go to good, permanent homes. After all, I took a lot of time and care over breeding and rearing them so I expect their new owners to take the same time and care over raising and training them. I love to hear from those who have a Ridley Cesky Terrier, and I am always at the end of the phone if new owners have any problems.