The Czechoslovakian Vlciak (Wolfdog)
The Experiment
The Wolf and The German Shepherd
In 1955, Col. Ing. Karel Hartl was appointed Chief of Service Cynology of the Border Guard in what was Czechoslovakia. He presented a project, which the results could return wolf abilities (resilience, rapid regeneration, and health) to the German Shepherd Dog population in the Czech Republic. The first litter was born at the breeding station of the Border Guard in Libejovice on May 26, 1958, between the Carpathian Wolf, Brita and the German Shepherd Dog, Cezar z Brezoveho haje. The wolves' genes were extremely strong and maintained 60-75% anatomical wolf character in the third generation of crossbreeds. It was discovered the crossbreeds, with the wolf anatomical features, keep the wolf's endurance in motion and temperament. Tests confirmed they could run continuously 50% longer distance without unevenly wear on their pads. They had a stronger orientation response, better night vision, and better hearing. Their coats had superior insulation capacity. It was necessary to monitor not only the exterior but also the character traits. Crossbreeds that were aggressive or fearful animals were not used for breeding.
In 1964-65, the results of the experiment were published, and the idea of a new breed emerged. In 1966, Karel Hartl wrote the first version of the breed standard. At that time, a pet animal breeder association (CsSCHDZ) applied for registration of the breed but was repeatedly refused due to such small numbers of individuals. It was not until 1970 that the breed was allowed to register their studbooks. Through the seventies, breeding continued mainly through the breeding kennel Border Guard in Malacky. Frantisek Rosik was the commander of the Malacky facility, 11th brigade at that time. Here he enriched the population utilizing the third wolf, Sarik. At that time, there were 56 dogs produced by civilian breeders and thousands serving in the armed forces. Again in 1976, the request to register as a breed was rejected. In 1981, after intense negotiations, the Czech Union allowed the breeders to develop a breed club and register litters.
On March 20, 1982, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog Breeders Club was founded. Frantisek Rosik was elected Chairman. The Border Guard started realizing issues with the regular change in handlers, which occurred on 15-month intervals. The Border Guard dogs started disrespecting the handlers after the 3-4 handler change. Fortunately, civilian breeders began to place emphasis on the use of the breed for working, companion, and sports dogs.
On June 13, 1989, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog standard was approved in Helsinki with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In 1990, the first titles were awarded to Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs at the World Dog Show in Brno. On April 28, 1994, the CESKOSLOVENSKÝ VLCIAK standard was recorded with FCI under No. 332.
It should be noted, that Col. Karel Hartl and Frantisek Rosik, together were co-founders of the breed. Hartl came up with the idea of developing a superior German Shepherd. He was mainly interested in how to return the German Shepherd to the genes of wolf resistance and performance. Rosik, who was known by dog enthusiasts as Granddad, had the idea of developing a new breed to become internationally recognized.