Bohemian Shepherd Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

16-25 kg

Height

48- 55 cm

Lifespan

9-13 years

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About the Bohemian Shepherd

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

The Bohemian shepherd dog breed came from the Chodosko region in the Czech Republic. Records of these dogs existing started in the 1300s when they were used as guard dogs and herding dogs in the Bohemian Southwestern borders. Nowadays these dogs make excellent pets for families looking for a trusty companion that is loyal and can protect you and your loved ones.

These dogs are sometimes called Chodosky pes but they have also been known to be called the Czech sheepdog or the Bohemian herder. These are purebred dogs however this doesn’t mean that they don’t end up in shelters and rescues so remember to look there first if you are interested in this breed.

Rescue dogs deserve a loving home just as much as Bohemian Shepherd puppies so always remember to adopt first before you shop. The Bohemian Shepherd is a smart dog that loves being around family members. They are great with children and the elderly and will happily soak up all the attention in the house.

Like most dogs, they require a good amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation so if you enjoy long walks and playing fetch this might be the dog breed for you. The work you put into this versatile breed will pay off and leave you with a loyal companion that will listen to your commands and protect your family.

Once you have had a good read through this guide, you should have all the information to decide whether this breed is the one for you.

What is the history & origin of the Bohemian Shepherd?

The Bohemian Shepherd is somewhat of an ancient breed with evidence showing they were around all the way back in the 14th century, specifically in their native Czech Republic. They started out as companions that guarded homes and lands.

It was discovered quite quickly that this breed made a good herding dog so farmers started using them more and more for their work. Although a relatively rare breed, this dog became more prevalent after their use for herding was unlocked and they began to be professionally bred.

There was no breeding program to increase the population of this dog breed and all the way up until around 1984, the numbers of this dog breed declined steadily. For some reason, in 1984, the popularity of this breed began to grow again and the demand for Bohemian Shepherds skyrocketed.

It is thought that part of the reason for Bohemian Shepherds becoming popular again is because of their instinctive ability to work and perform useful tasks. They are capable of working through harsh conditions and cold weather and make excellent service dogs and even therapy dogs.

It wasn’t until 2019 that the Bohemian Shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club as well as the Dog Registry of America.

What is a Bohemian Shepherd breed?

This breed is best described as a medium-sized shepherd dog that makes great family companions. They are loyal dogs that form strong attachments to their owners and will protect them at all costs. This makes them great at keeping watch of the house and alerting anyone in the house to unwelcome visitors.

Their appearance is more intimidating than their nature. They are usually black with tan markings on some parts of their body such as their ears, legs, and feet. This makes them ideal for warning of potential intruders. The reality, however, is these are friendly dogs that will be gentle and affectionate when you meet them even if it is the first time.

The Bohemian Shepherd is used for several roles from guarding to herding and even just as a furry companion in a loving family. Because they are naturally athletic, the Bohemian Shepherd performs exceptionally well in dog sports. They have even been known to learn dog dancing.

They also get on well with other dogs and other pets which makes them ideal if you already have a furry friend at home. Because these dogs form strong bonds with their owners, they do not like being left on their own for long periods. This can stress them out and they can develop separation anxiety.

Who is a Bohemian Shepherd best for?

The Bohemian Shepherd is best suited in a large family household that has loads of attention and affection to give them. They need daily exercise which means they get on best in a family that enjoys the outdoors. Long walks and hikes are perfect for this breed to burn off their high stores of energy.

These are intelligent dogs that need a good amount of mental stimulation. This comes as no surprise considering they have been used as working dogs that spend their time performing tasks such as herding. Luckily you won’t have to find a field of sheep to get their brain working. Simple games such as fetch are just as good and the training process is sufficient to stimulate their mind.

After a long day running around the park and playing with other dogs, the Bohemian Shepherd will be more than happy to snuggle up on the couch with their loved ones and drift off to sleep. If you have a job that requires you to be out of the house for a long time then this breed might not be ideal for you.

The Bohemian Shepherd is a very sociable breed of dog that enjoys company at all times. If they are left on their own for too long they can become irritated and stressed. This can lead to antisocial behaviour such as barking and destruction of furniture. So it’s better to have someone at home at all times to avoid coming home to a ripped-up sofa.

Bohemian Shepherd Grooming & Shedding

These dogs have a long coat that is usually black with some tan markings. They are described as being average shedders and require weekly brushing to keep their coats in a good condition.

Do Bohemian Shepherds bark a lot?

The Bohemian Shepherd isn’t known for having a strong tendency to bark. Some reasons that they might bark include if they become overexcited, feel threatened or are stressed out.

What is the average weight & height of a Bohemian Shepherd dog?

The Bohemian Shepherd is a medium-sized sheepdog that has a healthy weight of somewhere between 16-25 kg. On average they stand between 48 to 55 centimetres tall.

Are Bohemian Shepherds easy to train?

Because these dogs are highly intelligent it is actually quite easy to train them up to listen to you. It is important to start training them when they are young and impressionable. Early socialization will get them used to being around other animals and strangers. Proper obedience training will prevent any problems with bad behaviour once they are fully grown.

How do Bohemian Shepherds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Bohemian Shepherd is an energetic and affectionate canine. They make a great companion and addition to large families. They are extremely friendly dogs that get on well with smaller pets and children. They love to spend their time learning new tricks and exploring the outdoors.

Because of the strong bond, they form with their owners, these dogs should not be left on their own for a long time. This can stress them out and lead to destructive behaviours. Instead, someone should stay at home to keep them company and calm.

Does the Bohemian Shepherd have any common health issues?

The Bohemian Shepherd has a few health problems to which they are predisposed. Common issues that can arise include hip dysplasia, ear infections, eye problems, and elbow dysplasia.

What is the lifespan of a Bohemian Shepherd?

The average life of a Bohemian shepherd is somewhere between 9 and 13 years.

How much does a Bohemian Shepherd need to be fed?

The diet for this dog should be similar to that of a high-energy medium-sized dog. As they grow from a puppy to full-grown dogs their diet will change so contact your vet for the recommendation for the type of food they should be having and the right portion sizes.

How much can you expect to pay for a Bohemian Shepherd in Australia?

The average price for a Bohemian Shepherd is around $1500. There are numerous breeders but the most important thing to find is someone that can provide a full medical history of both parents.

Bohemian Shepherd FAQs

What’s the difference between a Bohemian Shepherd and a German Shepherd?3

The German Shepherd is a larger dog with a slightly lower life expectancy. German Shepherds have also been known to adapt better to small living spaces such as apartments.

Is a Bohemian Shepherd aggressive?

No, these dogs are not normally the aggressive type however if they feel threatened they make display hostile behaviours such as excessive barking. This can be more of a problem if the Bohemian Shepherd is a rescue dog that has experienced neglect for a large proportion of its life.