Bohemian Shepherd
- Medium
- Foundation Stock Service
The Bohemian Shepherd, also called the Chodsky Pes, is a friendly, devoted herder from the Czech Republic. Alert and intelligent, this medium dog bonds closely with its family and thrives on having a job to do.
- Height
- 19.3 to 21.7
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 37 to 60
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15
- years, median 13.5
- Senior from
- 10.1
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Temperament
- Friendly, devoted, alert and intelligent
- Coat
- Wavy, Double, medium
- Origin
- Czech Republic
The Bohemian Shepherd, also known as the Chodsky Pes, is a medium-sized herding and watchdog breed from the Czech Republic. It stands about 19 to 22 inches tall and weighs between 37 and 60 pounds, with a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
It wears a medium-length, wavy double coat. Friendly, devoted, and alert, this is a dog that patrols its home and stays close to the people it loves. It can be quite vocal when it senses something is off, which makes it a natural watchdog.
The Bohemian Shepherd belongs to the Foundation Stock Service group, a reflection of its newer arrival on the wider stage.
Temperament and needs
Scored 1 to 5 for the breed overall. Individual dogs vary.
- Affectionate with family4 out of 5
- Good with young children4 out of 5
- Good with other dogs4 out of 5
- Openness to strangers3 out of 5
- Playfulness4 out of 5
- Watchdog and protective nature4 out of 5
- Adaptability4 out of 5
- Trainability4 out of 5
- Energy level4 out of 5
- Mental stimulation needs4 out of 5
- Barking level4 out of 5
- Shedding3 out of 5
- Grooming frequency2 out of 5
- Drooling1 out of 5
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
The Bohemian Shepherd does well on a high-quality diet that supports an active build and a glossy coat. Match feeding amounts to your dog's age, weight, and activity level, and adjust as needed to keep it at a lean, healthy weight.
This is an easy dog to feed and care for overall. Ask your veterinarian for guidance on portions and any supplements, especially as your dog moves through different life stages.
Grooming
Grooming the Bohemian Shepherd is straightforward. The medium-length double coat is a seasonal shedder, and a weekly brushing keeps it in good shape, with more frequent brushing during heavier shedding periods. Bathe occasionally, as needed.
Make regular nail trims part of the routine, since overgrown nails can be painful and make running or walking harder. Check and clean the ears as needed to keep them fresh.
Regular at-home teeth brushing, paired with professional cleanings, helps keep the teeth and gums healthy and the breath fresh.
Exercise
The Bohemian Shepherd is an energetic breed that needs daily exercise, training, or play. It likes to stay busy but settles easily, and once well exercised it makes a willing couch buddy in the evening.
Daily walks, hikes, and play sessions all help keep this dog in shape. Without that daily outlet, energy can build and show up in less welcome ways, such as excessive barking or chewing.
Bred as a working dog, the Bohemian Shepherd shines in active pursuits and dog sports. These include agility, dog dancing, search and rescue, nose work, tracking, pastoral work, and obedience, with the breed now moving into coursing, dock diving, and endurance tests as well.
Training
The Bohemian Shepherd is intelligent, eager to please, and welcomes most any activity you introduce, which makes it easy to train. It has a strong memory and picks up new commands and tricks readily.
This breed is more sensitive than many, so it does best with a calm, reward-based approach built on play, treats, praise, and consistency. Harshness, constant drilling, or monotony work against it and can break the bond and instill nervousness, so keep training gentle and varied.
Socialize your Bohemian Shepherd as a puppy to help it grow into a well-adjusted adult. Devoted to its people and fond of children, it also does well with other animals in the household when raised alongside them.
Health conditions
1 condition is documented for the Bohemian Shepherd.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- Degenerative MyelopathyNervous System & Behavioral
Sources
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