The Bohemian Shepherd (also called Chodsky Pes) was bred in 1325 to help guard and patrol the borders of Bohemia and Bavaria in what was the historical kingdom of today’s Czech Republic. They were also eventually used for herding and protecting families overnight. Bohemian Shepherds are loyal, loving, and friendly dogs that can make amazing family pets.

Breed Overview

These dogs are quite similar in appearance to the German Shepherd, particularly in the coloring. They are medium in size with a thick and shaggy coat, triangular ears that they usually hold erect, and a feathered tail. Like the German Shepherd, the Bohemian is black with tan markings.

Bohemian Shepherd Characteristics

Bohemian Shepherd Puppies

The Bohemian Shepherd has a bunch of energy and is a relatively healthy breed with a few known health conditions and a lifespan typical for a dog this size. They are pretty friendly dogs that get along with most but do have protective natures, and they are known to be quite easy to train.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bohemian Shepherd 🧠

The Bohemian Shepherd is a highly intelligent and sensitive dog that absolutely loves spending time with their family. They are protective of their families and territories but not in an overly aggressive way. These dogs are pretty versatile and enjoy working but are happy working at almost anything, including enjoying a good cuddle.

Bohemian Shepherds are quite happy and energetic dogs that are also quite loving and affectionate. They are so devoted and bond so well with their families that they might develop separation anxiety if left alone for very long periods.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Bohemian Shepherds make fantastic family dogs! They love spending time with children, but keep in mind that their herding instincts could take over when around small children. As with any dog, very young children should never be left alone with a dog, regardless of how calm and sweet they are. Always educate your children on how to interact with dogs in a respectful way.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Bohemian Shepherd gets along very well with other pets, particularly if they are socialized alongside them while growing up. Like small children, the Bohemian might be prone to herding any smaller pets. They do generally get along very well with other dogs.

Things to Know When Owning a Bohemian Shepherd

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

You should provide your Bohemian Shepherd with high-quality dog food that is designed for their specific age, activity level, and size. Follow the recommendations on the back of the dog food bag to help you figure out how much you should feed your pup. And always keep an eye on the amount that you’re feeding them, as well as the number of treats as you want to avoid excess weight gain. Always talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Exercise 🐕

The Bohemian Shepherd needs a fair bit of exercise because of their working dog background and would do well with about 1 hour of exercise every day. While they are energetic dogs, they also enjoy lazing around the house and enjoy a nice cuddle with their families. They are calm dogs, particularly when inside the house and won’t do well if put in a confined space.

Training 🎾

Bohemian Shepherds are pretty easy to train as they are quick to pick up training and are quite intelligent. Because they are sensitive dogs, training should be accomplished in a calm manner while playing and in conjunction with praise and treats. Bohemians really want to please their owners, so they’ll pick up training and any new tricks and commands quickly.

Grooming ✂️

Bohemian Shepherds do have thick, shaggy coats, which will need brushing about twice a week, and probably more often during the shedding seasons of spring and fall. Baths should be with high-quality shampoo and usually no more than every 4 to 6 weeks.

You need to trim your Bohemian’s nails every 3 to 4 weeks, clean their ears once a month, and brush their teeth two to three times a week.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Bohemian Shepherds are a healthy breed, but like most purebreds, they are predisposed to a few different health conditions.

The vet will check the Bohemian’s elbows and hips and run blood and urinalysis tests to help rule out any of these more serious conditions.

The vet will check the Bohemian Shepherd’s eyes in addition to a complete physical exam.

Male vs. Female

One of the most apparent differences between female and male dogs is in the surgery. Neutering the male dog is a less expensive and less complicated operation than spaying the female, as well as having a shorter recovery time. If you have your dog neutered or spayed, it can help to curb unwanted behaviors, such as aggressiveness and running away, and it might help prevent future health conditions.

Another physical difference between males and females is in size, with females usually a little smaller and lighter than males. The female Bohemian Shepherd can be 19.3 to 20.5 inches in height, and 37 to 53 pounds in weight, whereas the male runs 20.5 to 21.7 inches and 41 to 60 pounds.

And then there are some that believe there are differences in temperament. It’s thought that female dogs are typically less territorial and aggressive than males and more affectionate. However, this is kind of a stereotype, as for most dogs, their personalities will be determined by how they were raised as puppies and how they’ve been treated throughout their entire lives.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Bohemian Shepherd

1. The Bohemian Shepherd Doesn’t Do Well in the Heat

They are tough dogs that can easily withstand cold weather but do not do well in the heat. Be sure to keep them indoors and not overexert them on hot days.

2. The Bohemian Shepherd Is Versatile

They can accomplish any number of duties, including dog dancing, therapy dogs, obedience and agility, nose work, search and rescue, herding, tracking, service dogs, and guard dogs.

3. The Bohemian Shepherd Is on an Emblem

The Junak-Czech Scouting is the Czech Republic’s version of Boy Scouts, and the Bohemian Shepherd is on their emblem. It was created by Mikolas Ales, a famous Czech painter, as a symbol of freedom and faithfulness.

Closing Thoughts

The Bohemian Shepherd is a loving and devoted companion that will bravely protect your family and play with your children.

Finding one of these dogs will definitely be a challenge. As mentioned previously, they are quite rare in North America, and you might need to transport one from the Czech Republic. Post your interest in this breed online on social media and keep an eye on rescues like the All Shepherd Rescue.

If you’ve always wanted a German Shepherd but were hoping for a smaller and calmer version, the Bohemian Shepherd is exactly that and could be the ideal fit for you and your family.

• See also: Karst Shepherd

Featured Image Credit: Martin Mecnarowski, Shutterstock