To 1968
After the World War II (1939-1945) there was great tension within the European countries, forming two fronts, Eastern and Western. The strip separating the two sides was defined as “the iron curtain”. The Republic of Czechoslovakia was freed from German rule in 1945, and after several changes of direction finally located on the eastern communist side and geographically formed part of the so-called “Iron Curtain”. Because direct military action never occurred between them, this situation was called “the cold war” (1945 – 1991). In this political and social environment the beginnings of the Czechoslovakian Wolf Dog are framed.
Tracing and reconnaissance of the border was carried out under extreme harsh physical and climatic conditions. For this purpose, German Shepherds were used, so far the best dogs for border security.
Europe 1945
Former Socialist Republic of Czechoslovakia
In 1955, in the town of Libejovice, in South Bohemia a scientific project was started at the hands of Colonel and biologist Karel Hartl. Its initial objective was not to create a new breed, but to study the viability of reproduction between dogs and wolves as well as that of their offspring, for later use in border security work, mainly in tracking tasks. It was hoped to have copies that would correct the physical deficiencies of the German shepherds. To begin the tests, the wolf of the Carpathians (or Eurasian wolf) was selected, very adapted to the desired medium and the German shepherd.
Carpathian wolf
Colonel Karel Hartl
The first attempts to matting the wolf Brita and the German shepherd were not successful. This situation forced to replace the reproductive male. The first optimal crossing was made between the same wolf Brita and the German shepherd Cezar Z Brizoveho haje
Cezar Z Brizoveho haje
The first litter is born on May 25, 1958. Most puppies are valid for procreation and continued breeding.
Wolf Brita and the german shepherd Kurt Z Baclavky
The second matting was made between the same wolf Brita and the German shepherd Kurt Z Baclavky.
This created the first two bloodlines of the race that would serve to support the following tasks of the project.
First and second blood lines
Besy and Bety, first litter. Bylka, Ungo, Old, Osa, Suna, Pedro and Zarka, anothers mattings of first and second blood lines
Karel Hartl concluded that it was possible to breed between wolves and dogs and that their offspring were fertile. The number of cubs per litter did not differ from those of their predecessor
species. However the temperament, tenacity, timidity and aggressiveness in the first generation of hybrids were similar to those of the wolves.
Some of the dogs born from the two litters were sent to military kennels on the border of Slovakia and crusaders with other German shepherds who were not related to those used initially.
species. However the temperament, tenacity, timidity and aggressiveness in the first generation of hybrids were similar to those of the wolves.
Some of the dogs born from the two litters were sent to military kennels on the border of Slovakia and crusaders with other German shepherds who were not related to those used initially.
Old and Odin, sons of Berta
As the project progressed, it was found that hybrids from the second generation onwards could be educated and trained if they were separated from their mothers on time and individually
raised. Thus, third and fourth generation individuals were successfully used by the military as service dogs on the border guard. The result was really good, which led to the decision to create a
race based on the work done.
Their physical resilience was verified. For example, after a 100-kilometer run they took 3 to 4 hours to recover, while the German shepherds ran a 50-kilometer race and required between 10
and 12 hours. His olfactory sensitivity and resistance to changes in weather and humidity was also greater than that of German shepherds.
None of the dogs that were the object of the project was to be stopped by civilians because the direction of the project was military.
The project was finalized in 1965, when Karel Hartl wrote the racial standard and a plan for the breeding of this breed still not recognized. It consisted of combining the useful qualities of the
wolf with the dog’s favorable qualities.
In the same year the registration of the new race was proposed, but it was denied by interpreting that it was little advanced.
raised. Thus, third and fourth generation individuals were successfully used by the military as service dogs on the border guard. The result was really good, which led to the decision to create a
race based on the work done.
Their physical resilience was verified. For example, after a 100-kilometer run they took 3 to 4 hours to recover, while the German shepherds ran a 50-kilometer race and required between 10
and 12 hours. His olfactory sensitivity and resistance to changes in weather and humidity was also greater than that of German shepherds.
None of the dogs that were the object of the project was to be stopped by civilians because the direction of the project was military.
The project was finalized in 1965, when Karel Hartl wrote the racial standard and a plan for the breeding of this breed still not recognized. It consisted of combining the useful qualities of the
wolf with the dog’s favorable qualities.
In the same year the registration of the new race was proposed, but it was denied by interpreting that it was little advanced.
The information on this page about the history of the Czechoslovakian Wolf Dog has been extracted from the web http://tenerunplc.blogspot.com.es/. Thanks to Ruth Nieto and Fernando Lourido, for their authorization to reproduce this text, and for the kn owledge they have transmitted to me and that help me understand this breed a little more each day. Thank you for your effort and dedication to bring people to the Czechoslovakian Wolf Dog and to help the general knowledge of this breed in our country.