Bohemian Shepherd

ATTRIBUTES: Friendly, Devoted, Alert and Intelligent

GROUP: Foundation Stock Service

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Double, Wavy

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Occasional

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Eager To Please

CHARACTERISTIC: Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Unknown

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Origin

Czech Republic

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Registration

2019

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Size

20.5 - 21.7 Inches (Males)

19.3 - 20.5 Inches (Females)

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Weight

41 - 60 Pounds (Male)

37 - 53 Pounds (Female)

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Expected Life

12 - 15 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of tenderness a particular breed is inclined to exhibit towards family members and familiar individuals is worth considering. Certain breeds may demonstrate distant behavior towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds warmly embrace everyone they are acquainted with treating them like their closest confidants.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed displays towards children, as well as their overall family-friendly nature, is an important consideration. It's crucial to always supervise dogs around young children or children with little exposure to dogs, regardless of the breed. However, certain breeds are known for their inherent affection and compatibility with children. They typically exhibit a higher level of patience, gentleness, and adaptability, making them more suitable for families with young kids. Remember that individual temperament and proper socialization also play significant roles in a dog's behavior with children.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
It is important to supervise and carefully introduce dogs to one another, regardless of the breed. However, certain breeds tend to be more naturally inclined to get along with other dogs both at home and in public settings. While individual temperament can vary, some breeds exhibit a generally friendly disposition towards their fellow canines making them more likely to have positive interactions and establish harmonious relationships.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to leave behind is an important factor to consider, especially for those with allergies or a preference for cleaner surroundings. Breeds that have high shedding tendencies will require more frequent brushing to manage their loose hair. Additionally, these breeds are more likely to trigger allergies in susceptible individuals and they may necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment tidy. However, it's worth noting that regular grooming and proper maintenance can help minimize the impact of shedding regardless of the breed.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks varies among breeds. When considering a breed, it's important to assess the time, patience, and budget you have available for grooming. Some breeds require more extensive grooming efforts with frequent baths regular brushing to prevent matting, and occasional professional trimming. These breeds may demand more dedication in terms of time and budget for maintaining their coat's appearance and health. On the other hand, some breeds have lower grooming needs, requiring less frequent bathing, minimal trimming, and occasional brushing to keep their coats in good shape. However, regardless of breed, all dogs require regular nail trimming to prevent discomfort or potential issues.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency of a breed to drool is an important factor to consider, especially for individuals who prefer a cleaner environment. Some breeds are naturally more prone to drooling and they may leave ropes of slobber on surfaces, your arm, or even create big wet spots on your clothes. If you are a neat freak and find this type of drooling behavior undesirable, it may be best to choose a breed that is known for its minimal drooling tendencies. However, it's important to note that not all individuals within a breed will exhibit the same level of drooling, so it can still vary on a case-by-case basis.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Double, Wavy
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of friendliness a particular breed exhibits towards unfamiliar individuals can vary. While certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around strangers, regardless of the setting, other breeds genuinely enjoy encountering new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The level of playfulness a breed exhibits, even beyond the puppy stage can vary significantly. Some breeds maintain a strong inclination for playing tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, continually seeking interactions that involve physical activities. On the other hand, certain breeds tend to be content with more relaxed activities, such as lounging on the sofa with their owners for the majority of the time.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Certain breeds have a natural inclination to notify you when unfamiliar individuals are in your vicinity. These particular breeds often display a heightened sensitivity towards any potential danger, whether it be the regular mail carrier or even a squirrel spotted outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are prone to becoming friendlier towards strangers who enter their domain and are welcomed by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to handle change, including alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily routines, and other variations in day-to-day life, can vary among different breeds. Some breeds show a remarkable ease in adapting to new environments, noises, and schedules. They tend to adjust smoothly to changes and are generally more flexible in their responses. On the other hand, certain breeds may find it more challenging to cope with unexpected or frequent changes, preferring a stable and consistent environment. It's important to consider a breed's adaptability when introducing new circumstances to ensure their comfort and well-being.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training a dog and their willingness to learn new things can differ among breeds. Certain breeds exhibit a strong desire to please their owners and are highly trainable. They are eager to learn and often show enthusiasm in participating in training sessions striving to make their owners proud. On the other hand, some breeds may have a more independent nature and show a preference for doing things on their own terms. They may require additional motivation or alternative training approaches to maintain their focus and engagement. Understanding a breed's natural tendencies in terms of trainability can help in selecting suitable training methods and achieving desired results.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed can vary widely. High-energy breeds tend to have a strong need for regular physical activities and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. They thrive on exercise, eagerly enjoying activities like running, jumping, and playing for extended periods throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds have a more relaxed disposition and typically require less exercise. They are content with a moderate amount of activity and may prefer to spend most of their time lounging or snoozing. Understanding a breed's energy level can help ensure that their exercise and mental stimulation needs are adequately met for their overall well-being.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy can vary significantly. Purpose-bred dogs, which have been bred for specific tasks or jobs, often thrive on mental challenges that engage their decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration abilities. Without sufficient mental exercise, these dogs may become bored and seek their own sources of stimulation, which may not align with the owner's preferences and could potentially lead to undesirable behaviors. Providing appropriate outlets for mental stimulation, such as interactive toys, puzzle games, training sessions, or engaging activities specific to their breed characteristics, is crucial to keep them mentally fulfilled and prevent boredom-related issues.
COLORS

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PATTERNS

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About The Breed

The Bohemian Shepherd is a highly intelligent and energetic breed, known for its agility, athleticism, and versatile nature. This breed enthusiastically embraces various activities and excels in multiple arenas. Whether it's agility, dog dancing, schutzhund, search and rescue, nose work, tracking, pastoral work, obedience, therapy dogs, service dogs, or emerging fields like coursing, dock diving, and endurance tests, the Bohemian Shepherd is capable of thriving in various disciplines.

In addition to their impressive working abilities, Bohemian Shepherds also make excellent family dogs. They exhibit deep devotion towards their family members and possess a natural fondness for children. Their desire to be with their human family is strong, and they generally get along well with other pets if properly socialized from an early age.

Overall, the Bohemian Shepherd's combination of intelligence, liveliness, versatility, and affectionate nature makes it a well-rounded and well-suited companion in various activities and as a loving member of the family.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A BOHEMIAN SHEPHERD

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Bohemian Shepherd: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

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The Bohemian Shepherd is fortunate to be affected by only a limited number of diseases. Thankfully, there is no evidence suggesting that this breed suffers excessively from any specific ailment. Generally, the breed enjoys good health and efforts in the breeding program focus on minimizing hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and epilepsy.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association.

Health

Grooming

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Taking care of your Bohemian Shepherd's grooming needs is a breeze. These adorable pups shed their fur seasonally, so all you need to do is give them a gentle brush session once a week. And don't worry, an occasional bath should suffice to keep them smelling fresh and clean.
Health

Exercise

+
The Bohemian Shepherd possesses a great balance between being a working dog and a perfect companion for cozy moments on the couch with the whole family. They are a medium energy breed and exhibit a calm demeanor without any tendencies towards nervousness. Daily exercise, training, or playtime greatly benefits these dogs, allowing them to maintain their vitality and overall well-being.
Health

Training

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The Bohemian Shepherd is an ideal choice for families as it displays unwavering loyalty towards its family members and has a fondness for children. These dogs generally exhibit a friendly attitude towards strangers and can get along harmoniously with other pets in the household. However, they remain vigilant when it comes to safeguarding their family and property. Being athletic by nature, they thoroughly enjoy engaging in activities, yet they equally relish leisurely moments on the couch for cuddling. The Bohemian Shepherd is highly intelligent and quick to grasp new concepts, readily embracing various activities with enthusiasm. While they excel in working, they can easily transition from intense activity to relaxation. Training this breed proves to be relatively effortless but a calm approach is essential due to their sensitivity. Using positive reinforcement such as play, treats, and praise consistently will yield the best results. Harsh methods, repetitive drilling, or monotony should be avoided in training sessions as they do not respond well to such approaches.
Health

Nutrition

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To support their athleticism and maintain a glossy coat, the Bohemian Shepherd thrives on a high-quality diet. Taking care of this breed is relatively straightforward. They are known for their toughness and resilience making them well-suited for cold weather conditions. However, it's important to note that they may struggle with excessive heat during the summer. Due to their strong bond and affection for the family, it is recommended to keep them indoors where they can find a comfortable and cool spot to rest. Overall, the Bohemian Shepherd is a robust and mentally sound breed displaying a healthy disposition without nervousness. In order to ensure their overall well-being, regular exercise, training sessions, playtime, or engagement in some sort of task/job are necessary to fulfill their need for stimulation and a sense of purpose.

Historiography

The Kingdom of Bohemia once enlisted the assistance of the Chodové people to serve as guards protecting the borders between Bohemia and Bavaria from potential Germanic expansion. As part of their duties, the Chodové were granted the right to selectively breed special dogs for border patrols. These dogs came to be known as the Chodsky Pes, or the Bohemian Shepherd. In addition to their guarding duties, these dogs were also utilized for herding livestock by the Chodové people. However, like many other breeds, the Chodský Pes faced a decline and near obscurity in the aftermath of the war. In 1984, Dr. Vilem Kurz and Mr. Jan Findejs took the initiative to revive and preserve this cherished breed. They endeavored to locate and regroup the remaining Chodský Pes dogs, eventually re-establishing the Czech breed. The breed standard was established and in 1985, the first litter of Chodský Pes puppies was born marking a significant milestone in their revival.

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