The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a fairly low-maintenance dog. They rarely need a bath as their weather-resistant coat will clean itself and they have very little body odor. Although they shed all year round, this will be much heavier twice a year. They’ll need frequent brushing, especially during the winter when their coat is thicker.
Although brushing will help, you should be prepared for a layer of fur to cover your home and therefore these dogs are not hypoallergenic.
Their strong nails grow fast and so will need to be trimmed regularly. You should also check and clean their ears as well as brushing their teeth.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog health risks
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is significantly healthier than other dog breeds and incredibly robust. But, of course, they can be prone to some health conditions. The ones you need to be particularly aware of are:
Although the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a healthy and robust breed, they’re still prone to some health issues. Make sure you are prepared for this by browsing and comparing top pet insurance providers to find the best option for you and your dog.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia typically affects large breed puppies that grow quickly. This condition is essentially arthritis of the elbow and will usually affect both elbows. Symptoms, which may not develop until adulthood, include the dog appearing stiff when getting up, swollen joints and limping after exercise. The treatment will depend on the severity but it’s likely that they will require corrective surgery.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is when the ball and socket rubs and grinds rather than gliding smoothly because it hasn’t formed properly in the hip joint. This can be in one or both hips and can occur from as early as 16 weeks or may be something they get when they are older. Large breeds are most likely to be affected as are working breeds due to the strenuous activity. This will restrict movement and be very painful. Treatment may include diet and weight management, oral supplements, physiotherapy and surgery.
Lens Luxation
Lens Luxation is when zonules, that usually hold the eye lens in place, are broken. This causes the lens, which is usually between the colored part of the eye and the back of the eye, to fall out of place. This can result in anterior luxation if it falls to the front of the eye or posterior luxation, if it falls to the back of the eye.
Symptoms will be more obvious if it’s anterior and will include a change to the way the eye looks, inflammation of the eye or keeping the eye shut. The causes can be primary — this means it’s hereditary and both eyes will be affected. It could be secondary — in this case only one eye tends to be affected and it can be due to eye trauma or glaucoma, for example.
Treatment will depend on the cause and where the lens is situated. There is a chance your dog could lose their vision or may have to have the eye removed.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs when your dog is lacking the enzymes they need to break down food and absorb it. As a result, the food will pass through them without being digested. No matter how much they eat, they aren’t getting any nourishment from it.
Symptoms you may notice are weight loss despite eating, loud rumbling noises from their stomach as well as frequent bowel movements and gas. This is most common in large breed dogs such as the German Shepherd and the most common cause is inflammation of the pancreas.
Sadly, there’s no cure but it can be treated. This is likely to include supplements of pancreatic enzymes. You’ll add this to their food and it’ll help to break it down so they can benefit from the nutrients.
Similar breeds to the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
If a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog isn’t quite the right breed of dog for you but you’d like a similar breed, then you might like to consider:
Whether you choose a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog or decide a similar breed would be a better option, you need to make sure you’re looking after your dog’s health.
Sign up to a wellness plan which covers your pup’s annual shots and boosters, then compare the best pet insurance plans so you are covered for any unexpected health issues.
