Bohemian Shepherd Breed Guide

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.

Who are Bohemian Shepherd dogs 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.

How much grooming does a Bohemian Shepherd need?

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 good condition.

Do Bohemian Shepherd bark much?

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.

Do Bohemian Shepherd bite?

Bohemian Shepherd's instinct to herd means that they may display behaviour to nip. This can be easily trained out of them so you shouldn't worry about this becoming a problem.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bohemian Shepherd?

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.

What is the weight & size of a Bohemian Shepherd?

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.

How much training does a Bohemian Shepherd need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bohemian Shepherd?

Overall, the Bohemian Shepherd is usually a healthy dog however there are some 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 should you feed a Bohemian Shepherd?

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.

What is the price of 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.