The Bohemian Shepherd is a medium-sized shepherd breed known for its lively, happy, and loyal nature towards its family. While they are generally not aggressive, they can become protective and bark loudly if they feel threatened. Particularly when it comes to children, they will go to great lengths to safeguard their family and may not easily accept the presence of strangers. However, they typically get along well with other pets and dogs in the household. Due to their excellent sense of smell, they are often utilized as search and rescue dogs in the Czech Republic.
In summary, the Bohemian Shepherd is a rare breed that displays a vibrant and devoted personality towards its family. They are known for their protective nature, especially when it comes to children, and have a strong sense of smell that makes them valuable in search and rescue operations.
Below, we look at Bohemian Shepherd dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Bohemian Shepherd, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Bohemian Shepherds!
| Dog Breed | Bohemian Shepherd |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 35-55 lbs (average) |
| Height | 19-22″ (average) |
| Location | Czech Republic |
| Ancestry | Unknown |
| Date of Origin | 14th Century |
| Group | Sheepdog and Guard dog |
| Life Expectancy | 9-13 years |
| Price | $500 – $600 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Bohemian Shepherd, also known as the Chodsky Pes, is an ancient breed that can be traced back to the 14th century. Originally, they were used to guard the borders of the Chod region in Bohemia, near the town of Domazlice. The local people of this region, known as Chods, were the inspiration for author Alois Jirasek’s writings about their uprising. In these writings, the Bohemian Shepherd was depicted as a symbol of this rebellion and eventually became part of Czech folklore. Renowned Czech artist Mikolas Ales further popularized the breed by painting them, and the Bohemian Shepherd is still featured on the official badge of the Czech version of the Boy Scouts.
Although the breed has a long history, it was not professionally bred until the 16th century. Unfortunately, breeding records were not well documented until much later. Historians believe that larger kennels, possibly owned by aristocrats, played a role in the breed’s growth throughout the Czech Republic. Some researchers also believe that the Bohemian Shepherd may have influenced the creation of the German Shepherd Dog, although there is no solid evidence of their relationship. However, given the historical trade between the two countries, it is possible that the Bohemian Shepherd is an ancestor of the German Shepherd Dog.
After World War II, the Bohemian Shepherd lost popularity and the number of purebred dogs declined. However, in 1984, a group of dedicated breeders began setting new standards and working to rebuild the breed. Today, there are numerous breeders, mostly located in the Czech Republic, and approximately 3,500 registered Bohemian Shepherds born since the new standards and breeding programs were implemented. The Bohemian Shepherd Lovers Club was founded in 1991 to promote the breed and ensure its preservation.
🐕 Bohemian Shepherd Appearance
A medium-sized sheepdog, the Bohemian Shepherd. They are frequently misidentified for Shiloh Shepherds or long-haired German Shepherds. They appear incredibly boxy since their length is only a little bit greater than their height. They have a velvety, downy coating that is thick. They shield themselves from the severe weather of their home land with a long, straight, and rough overcoat. Their coats are often fluffy and some are longer than others. They have short, upright ears that are high on the head. They have almond-shaped, dark brown eyes. They have black colouring and a black nose. They walk with a flowing pace that is light and leisurely. Bohemian Shepherd pups all have a very identical appearance and don’t begin to have any unique characteristics until they are between 6 and 7 months old. They don’t start to exhibit their true adult coloration, including their tan markings, until they are 6 months old. The Bohemian Shepherd always has brown marks on his black coat. On their breast, they may have white markings.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black |
⚡ Fun Fact: Bohemian Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don’t mind being left alone for a few hours either.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Bohemian Shepherd
The very clever Bohemian Shepherd is a dog that just seeks to please its owner. They make wonderful family pets and obedience dogs. A strong leader must engage with the Bohemian Shepherd to help them understand their role in the household. To make sure they are a well-adjusted family member, kids require early socialization and instruction. The Bohemian Shepherd will guard their family from strangers and will bark when someone suspicious approaches their house, despite the fact that they are not a violent breed. They enjoy spending time with young people and get along well with other canines as well as smaller house pets. The Bohemian Shepherd is a wonderful candidate for a service dog since it has a strong propensity for dealing with people who have disabilities. They are effective search and rescue dogs because they can use their keen sense of smell to locate victims, narcotics, and even bombs.
🤝 Are Bohemian Shepherds Friendly or Aggressive?
Bohemian Shepherd dogs are known to be friendly and get along well with other pets. They also tend to be moderately friendly towards strangers. If you have children, this breed can be a great choice as they are kid-friendly dogs. Additionally, Bohemian Shepherds are cat-friendly and dog-friendly, making them suitable for families who want to have multiple pets or participate in dog meetups. These dogs are often recommended for elderly people due to their temperament and compatibility with older individuals.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- Trainable
- Stable
🐩 Bohemian Shepherd Care & Maintenance
The Bohemian Shepherd sheds a lot during the year and is not hypoallergenic. Expect to discover hairs all over the house because they do occasionally shed throughout the year. To prevent tangles, they should be brushed once a week. When they are outside in the fields or forests, their coat will tangle and get matted. When grooming, gently work through any knots using a pin brush and metal comb, paying special attention to the hair on the back of their thighs, under their front legs, and behind their ears. Detangling spray can be used to assist untangle knotty situations. Use a leave-in conditioner after brushing to keep their coats in excellent condition. The Bohemian Shepherd doesn’t need to be bathed frequently. Plan to give them a gentle wash bath at least twice or three times a year. Every week, clean their ears to prevent infection, and trim their nails as needed every few weeks.
Bohemian Shepherd dogs have a moderate amount of shedding, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Regular brushing can help to minimize the amount of hair that is shed. The extent of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the specific breed type. As for bathing, it is recommended to give these dogs a bath every 4 to 6 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 1.8 cups daily, costing you about $1.20 – $1.40 daily, or approximately $34.00 – $45.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Bohemian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 14 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Bohemian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Bohemian Shepherd Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Bohemian Shepherd Dog Breed can be:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
While minor concerns include:
- Ear Infections
🤧 Important: Is Bohemian Shepherd hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Bohemian Shepherd.
⚡ Bohemian Shepherd Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Bohemian Shepherd a great choice for families with young children?
The Bohemian Shepherd is a great choice for families with young children because they are protective and loving towards their family, especially children. They will guard and watch over children, keeping them safe from strangers.
Is the Bohemian Shepherd breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Bohemian Shepherd is not considered a suitable breed for apartment living due to their energetic nature and need for physical exercise. They require a large, secure yard to run and play in.
How much exercise does a Bohemian Shepherd require compared to other breeds?
The Bohemian Shepherd requires a moderate amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They have an energetic temperament and need daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Is the Bohemian Shepherd breed known for being good with other pets?
Yes, the Bohemian Shepherd breed is known for being good with other pets. They generally get along well with other dogs and even smaller pets in the home. Proper socialization is important to ensure positive interactions.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Bohemian Shepherd?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Bohemian Shepherd include the Shiba Inu, Basenji, and Australian Cattle Dog. These breeds also have similar traits such as intelligence, independence, and loyalty.
What are the common health issues that Bohemian Shepherds are prone to?
Common health issues that Bohemian Shepherds are prone to include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy. Regular vet check-ups and responsible breeding practices can help minimize these risks.
Are Bohemian Shepherds known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Bohemian Shepherds are generally known to be easy to train due to their high level of intelligence and eagerness to please their owners. However, consistent and firm leadership is important to establish their place within the family hierarchy.
Are Bohemian Shepherds more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Bohemian Shepherds are not particularly prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds. However, like any dog, they can develop separation anxiety if not properly trained and socialized from a young age.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Bohemian Shepherd that are suitable for people with allergies?
Dog breeds similar to the Bohemian Shepherd that are suitable for people with allergies include the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Bohemian Shepherd are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Smaller sizes of dogs similar to the Bohemian Shepherd, such as the Shetland Sheepdog or the Welsh Corgi, are best for individuals or families with limited space. These breeds are known for their intelligence and adaptability to smaller living environments.
Is the Bohemian Shepherd breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Bohemian Shepherd breed is known to be good with children with special needs. Their loving and protective nature makes them well-suited to provide emotional support and companionship to children with special needs.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Bohemian Shepherd?
The grooming needs of the Bohemian Shepherd are moderate compared to other breeds. They have a medium-length double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. They shed moderately and may require more frequent grooming during shedding seasons.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Bohemian Shepherd dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
