Shopping Basket

Free UK delivery on all orders above £30

Order yours before 2.30pm for same day dispatch

30 days free returns

bohemian shepherd dog breed pictures 3 scaled - Bohemian Shepherd

Bohemian Shepherd

The Bohemian Shepherd dog breed originated in the Czech Republic around the 1300s in the Chodsko region, hence why these dogs were commonly called the Chodský pes. They were first used as guard dogs and as herding dogs. Today, they make great family pets who will protect and watch over their humans.

Other names this dog goes by include Bohemian Herder, Czech Sheepdog, and Chodenhund. Although these are purebred dogs, you may still find them in shelters and rescues. Remember to adopt! Don’t shop if this is the breed for you.

The Bohemian Shepherd is an intelligent breed, always up for trying new activities and very aware of their humans’ needs. This sociable dog thrives in households with children and families, and they require daily physical and mental stimulation with toys and games to stay happy. While they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners, these pups learn very quickly with patience and consistency and make great companions for those willing to put in the time.

FunkyPaw recommends a good dog bed to give a good night’s sleep to your medium-sized Bohemian Shepherd. You should also pick up this dog fetch toy to help burn off your pup’s high energy!

Breed Characteristics:

Adaptability

Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.

If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!

Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.

Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.

Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.

Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.

All Around Friendliness

Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.

See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family

Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.

**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.

Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.

Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash  in public!

Health And Grooming Needs

If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!

Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.

Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.

Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.

If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.

Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.

Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.

Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!

Trainability

Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.

Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.

Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.

Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.

Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.

Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.

Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.

Physical Needs

High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.

Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.

A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.

Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.

Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.

Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.

Vital Stats:

Dog Breed Group:Herding DogsHeight:19 to 22 inchesWeight:35 to 60 poundsLife Span:10 to 15 years

More About This Breed

Highlights

  • The Bohemian Shepherd’s coat color is black and tan. The tan markings appear above the eyes, around the ears, on the muzzle, and on feet and underside.
  • The Bohemian Shepherd is an average shedder with heavier shedding occurring seasonally. They are not considered to be allergy friendly and require weekly brushing.
  • Bohemian Shepherds have higher energy needs. Agility training, obedience training, or a trip to the dog park will help burn off that energy. Make sure you give your dog at least one hour-long walk per day.
  • When it comes to training, they need an owner who’s patient and firm. These dogs are extremely intelligent and become bored quickly, so training sessions must be interesting with plenty of positive reinforcement.
  • These dogs do not like being left alone for long periods of time. They are very social and do best in homes with a backyard to run in and multiple people to help care for them.
  • The Bohemian Shepherd is said to get along great with other dogs, cats, and small pets in the household.
  • The Bohemian Shepherd is a great choice for families with children. They adore kids and will love and protect the children in their household.

History

The Bohemian Shepherd is an old breed which first originated in the Czech Republic Territory around the early 1300s. They were bred as guard dogs to watch over families during wartime and became a more versatile breed, used as a herding dog. Though this breed is rare, the dogs quickly gained popularity in their region.

There was no conscious breeding program for these dogs, whose numbers started to dwindle, until about 1984, when their popularity grew and the breed started to grow in demand. Since these dogs could perform so many different jobs and were always eager to work, they appealed to families and single owners alike who needed a dog for a task.

This breed was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2019, and the Bohemian Shepherd was placed in the Foundation Stock Service Group.

Size

Bohemian Shepherds are a medium-sized breed. They stand 19 to 22 inches at the shoulder and weigh 35 to 60 pounds.

Some dogs can be smaller or larger than average.

Personality

The Bohemian Shepherd is a faithful companion and will guard its home as best they can. While they are not known to be very vocal dogs, they will bark to alert their owner of any dangers. Their dark coloring may make them appear more intimidating than they actually are, and once they get to know a stranger, they’ll become calm and affectionate.

When it comes to training, the Bohemian Shepherd needs an owner who’s patient and firm. These dogs are extremely intelligent and become bored quickly, so it is important to keep training sessions interesting and provide plenty of positive reinforcement and treats! They are always eager to learn new tricks and need to feel like they have purpose. They must remain occupied or else these dogs can become destructive.

The Bohemian Shepherd is a very versatile breed and can fill several roles. These dogs are used as service animals, search and rescue, therapy dogs, and for scent tracking. Since the Bohemian Shepherd is such an active breed, they’re ideal participants in agility games. On some occasions, they even go back to their herding roots and have been known to nip at the heels of children in an attempt to herd them together!

These dogs have a decent amount of energy and do not like being left alone for long periods of time, so owners of this breed must be able to provide adequate exercise and playtime each day. They are very social and do best in homes with a backyard to run in and multiple people to help care for them. After a nice walk outside, the Bohemian Shepherd will gladly come relax on the couch with their human to cuddle.

Health

Bohemian Shepherds are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be subject to certain health conditions. Not all Bohemian Shepherds will get any or all of these diseases, but it is important to be aware of while considering this breed.

Some of the more common health problems Bohemian Shepherd’s suffer from include:

  • Bloat
  • Ear infections
  • Eye conditions
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia

Care

Bohemian Shepherds, especially as puppies, will have higher energy needs since this is a herding breed, so they’ll need both physically and mentally stimulating activities. Agility training, obedience training, or a trip to the dog park to socialize with other dogs are all great examples of how to burn off that energy. Make sure you give your dog at least one hour-long walk per day, especially if you live in an apartment or don’t have a fenced-in yard.

These dogs have long hair so make sure to check their ears daily for pests and debris, especially since this breed has hairy ears. You should also trim your dog’s nails as instructed by your veterinarian or groomer. They should not be clicking against the floor. It’s ideal to begin grooming at a young age so your dog will be comfortable with you cleaning their ears, trimming their nails, and brushing their teeth.

Make sure to keep up with regular veterinary checkups and your vet will help create a care plan for your dog. Keeping up with vet visits will help to detect any serious illnesses earlier on and can help treat them as soon as possible.

Feeding

An ideal Bohemian Shepherd diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy. This breed is predisposed to bloat, so make sure to divide meals into smaller portions to eat throughout the day rather than leaving food out all the time.

As with all dogs, the Bohemian Shepherd’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Bohemian Shepherd’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.

Coat Color And Grooming

The Bohemian Shepherd’s coat color is black and tan. The tan markings appear above the eyes, around the ears, on the muzzle, and on feet and underside.

The Bohemian Shepherd is an average shedder with heavier shedding occurring seasonally. They are not considered to be allergy friendly and require weekly brushing to prevent the hair from becoming matted and clean the ears weekly.

They have long, thick top coats that can either be straight or wavy, and they have a soft undercoat which helped protect them from the harsh elements of their native Czech Republic. They can tolerate cooler temperatures more so than extreme heat but if outside, always provide your dog with access to water at all times.

Children And Other Pets

The Bohemian Shepherd is a great choice for families with children. They adore kids and will love and protect the children in their household. Since they have such high energy levels, they love running around the yard or playing a good game of fetch with their family members.

Although they are only medium-sized dogs, it’s still important for children to know how to correctly play with their dogs in order for both dog and child to remain safe. The Bohemian Shepherd won’t get too rough while playing, but as stated before, they might attempt to herd small groups of children. Be aware of this when letting your dog romp around with kids!

Overall, these are great dogs for kids. They’ll be loyal guardians and provide hours of playing and cuddling. That said, children should always be taught how to properly approach and handle puppies and dogs. Children should never approach any dog while eating and should never approach the dog in an aggressive fashion, as they can get spooked. No dog should never be left unsupervised with a child.

The Bohemian Shepherd is said to get along great with other dogs, cats, and small pets in the household. Early gradual introductions and socialization will be key in making this possible. But sometimes, it just comes down to luck of the draw when it comes to having a dog that gets along with other pets.

Rescue Groups

Some people purchase Bohemian Shepherds without understanding the breed or what goes into raising and caring for one. As a result, many may end up in the care of shelters and rescue groups.

Rescues specifically for Bohemian Shepherds might be hard to come by. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to all kinds of dogs. You can take a look at the following:

  • Wright-Way Rescue
  • Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
Leave a Reply
Free UK Delivery

On all orders above £30

30 Days Free Returns

30 days money back guarantee

Same Day Dispatch

Order yours before 2.30pm

100% Secure Checkout

MasterCard / Visa / PayPal / Klarna