Bohemian Shepherd – A Guide to These Amazing Dogs

Are you thinking of adopting a Bohemian Shepherd into your family? Then there are a couple of things you really need to know about these impressive dogs before you do.

The Bohemian Shepherd is a medium-sized pup that originated in the Czech Republic and was first bred to herd and guard. Today, these furry pups make beloved pets for active families who want a loyal companion that’s not shy of hard work.

But is this breed a good choice for you, your circumstances, and your dog owner experience? Lets find out!

What Is a Bohemian Shepherd?

The Bohemian Shepherd is a stunning dog that’s very athletic and devoted to its owners. Not dissimilar to other herding dogs such as the German Shepherd or the Belgian Malinois, these dogs are confident, caring, intelligent, and very active.

They get on really well with children and form strong bonds with those they love and trust. Having been bred as guard dogs, these pups also have a protective side and won’t shy away from looking after their families.

History of The Bohemian Shepherd

The Bohemian Shepherd is an old breed dating back to the 1300s. The Chodové people were employed by the King of Bohemia to protect their lands against German invasion. They bred a specific dog that could help them and also work the land. This dog was the Bohemian Shepherd (also called the Chodský Pes).

Although an old and popular dog, they’re a very new addition to the American Kennel Club‘s list of breeds. In fact, they weren’t recognized as a breed until 2019.

Like many other dogs, these pups were affected by WW II. Their numbers seriously declined and many people forgot about the Bohemian Shepherd. It wasn’t until decades later that breeders made a huge effort to bring back the numbers of these dogs – and we’re very glad that they did!

Temperament of The Bohemian Shepherd Dog

Bohemian Shepherds are great family dogs. They’re loyal, fun, sweet, and get on really well with kids. They’re a versatile breed and can be put to work too. In fact, they’ll love having a job to do. They’ve been known to work as rescue dogs, scent trackers, therapy dogs, and as service animals.

They also make great guard dogs. As a pretty scary breed (thanks to their dark coats), they’re good at deterring intruders. They’re also very intelligent and can alert their owners to anything unusual.

These dogs were bred to work closely with humans so Bohemian Shepherds are very obedient and love to please their owners. They’re relatively easy to train and can easily learn new commands and tricks.

These pups are highly intelligent and require lots of daily physical and mental stimulation. They’ll thrive in canine classes and will really benefit from puzzle toys and snuffle mats. It’s important you keep them engaged and their brains stimulated. A bored Bohemian Shepherd can become destructive.

Training a Bohemian Shepherd Dog

This herding dog is very smart but they do need a patient owner. Their intelligence can mean that they get bored easily (or distracted) so training sessions need to be kept fun, interactive, and short.

Like other pups, Bohemian Shepherds respond best to positive reinforcement. They also love the odd treat! Try to reward them with toys or healthy treats such as peas, chunks of asparagus, or pieces of broccoli. Of course, lots of affectionate petting from you will also help!

Do Bohemian Shepherds Get On With Kids?

Yes! Bohemian Shepherds are a great option for families with kids. They’re fun, energetic, and protective – which is a winning combination. They bond a lot with family members, regardless of their size, and will be happy to play with children and cuddle up to watch their favorite film.

Because these pups are working dogs, they’re also very patient. Of course, kids should be taught how to interact properly with dogs, but Bohemian Shepherds are a little more forgiving than other breeds.

But, children should still be monitored when playing with dogs.

Do Bohemian Shepherd Dogs Get On With Other Dogs?

It’s really important to socialize and train Bohemian Shepherd puppies from a young age. This will help them to make friends and become confident as an adult.

A well-socialized Bohemian Shepherd will get on with other dogs and enjoy canine company. They may be a little territorial at first (thanks to their guarding instincts) but should warm up when they realize there’s no threat.

It’s important to introduce dogs correctly so that the experience is a happy one that they’re likely to repeat.

Appearance of A Bohemian Shepherd

Bohemian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs that have beautiful black and tan coats. They often have tan markings around their cheeks, legs, chest, and ears. They have very thick fur that can give them the appearance of being larger than they actually are. Their coat can be slightly wavy or straight.

Similar to German Shepherds, they have long muzzles and pointed erect ears. They have powerful, athletic bodies and may have sloped backs like German Shepherds too. These pups definitely look like German Shepherds.

Size of a Bohemian Shepherd

Bohemian Shepherd Dogs usually weigh between 35 and 60 pounds. Females may be a little smaller. They can grow to be 19 to 22 inches tall.

Some dogs might be smaller or larger than the average.

Do Bohemian Shepherds Shed?

Bohemian Shepherds have a double coat and are moderate shedders. That means they’ll need a good weekly brush and will probably shed more as they blow their coats (when the seasons change).

Unless they roll in something stinky (like poop 🙄) they should only need the occasional bath but that can help to get rid of some of the dead hair too.

Their thick coat helps them to withstand cold weather but it’s important to keep them cool in summer.

Grooming a Bohemian Shepherd

Apart from weekly brushing and the occasional bath, you should also check your pup’s ears for debris to prevent infections. If they go for a wet walk (check out the best waterproof collars) or if they like to go for a swim, always make sure their ears are dry too.

Dental hygiene is important for all dogs. Brush their teeth regularly and clip their nails so that they’re comfortable. Many breeds keep their nails short automatically, but ask a groomer or your vet if you’re not sure.

Bohemian Shepherd Health

These dogs are usually healthy, provided they’re fed a high-quality diet, get enough exercise, are kept mentally entertained, and are taken to the vet for regular checkups. Even then, these pooches can suffer from some diseases and conditions.

• Bloat. This can be a very serious condition. Using a slow-feeder bowl can help to reduce the likelihood of bloat happening.
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Eye disease
• Ear infections

Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of these conditions and contact your vet if you’re worried.

Bohemian Shepherd Lifespan

With enough love, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and vet trips, a Bohemian Shepherd can live to be between 10-15 years old.

How Much Exercise Does a Bohemian Shepherd Need?

Bohemian Shepherds are active dogs and need around an hour of exercise every day. This is best if it can be split up into two half an hour walks or play sessions. It’s also really important that they exercise their minds through training and interaction with humans and dogs.

Because these pups are so intelligent, they’ll excel in dog sports and canine classes. It’s important they get enough exercise to keep them stimulated and for them to maintain a healthy weight.

What Should You Feed a Bohemian Shepherd Dog?

These doggos need canine-specific food that caters to medium-sized dogs. It should be rich in nutrients and vitamins and contain enough calories for them to stay healthy but not put on the pounds.

A great option is fresh dog food. This is packed full of veggies and good ingredients and they’re often pre-portioned depending on your pup’s activity levels to help with weight gain.

As rewards and snacks, you can offer them healthy veggies or other human foods. Check out the BarkingTalk Food Page for more healthy ideas.

Can Bohemian Shepherds Live in Apartments?

Even though they are a versatile breed, Bohemian Shepherds do much better in homes with a yard for them to play in. In their native Czech Republic, they were used to having fields to roam in and an outdoor job to do.

Even though they’re happy jumping onto the couch and cuddling with their owners, they do need outdoor space, so are not the best choice for those in apartments.

Do Bohemian Shepherds Bark?

This breed doesn’t bark a lot and they definitely couldn’t be considered yappy. They don’t, however, mind using their voice if they need to alert you to something. They’re not the loudest barking dog breed, but when they do bark, it’s an impressive and low one that definitely helps to deter intruders!

The Ideal Owner of a Bohemian Shepherd Dog

Bohemian Shepherd Dog owners need to be active people who love the outdoors and spending time with their beloved pets. They should have some experience with intelligent breeds and know how to train them so that it’s interesting and fun.

A Bohemian Shepherd will love accompanying you on long walks, hikes, and playing in the dog park, so it’s important you like to spend time outdoors too.

Adopting a Bohemian Shepherd Dog

Because they’re purebred pups, it’s unlikely that these dogs will end up in a shelter. But you never know! So it’s always worth checking there first to give a pooch a home.

If you want to adopt from a breeder, it’s essential you do your research and only adopt from a responsible one. They should give you health checks and certificates that show your pup and its parents are healthy.

Never adopt from a puppy mill as they may not be breeding according to the breed standard which could result in unhealthy and unhappy Bohemian Shepherd puppies.

A good and ethical breeding program will produce healthy pups looking for a new home!

Final Thoughts

The Bohemian Shepherd dog is an athletic, intelligent, and hard-working dog that’s perfect for families. They’re protective yet also patient and can be best friends for adults and kids alike!

They’re active and need regular exercise. They can be great guard dogs and wonderful companions – they really are versatile pups!