The Bohemian Shepherd is an intelligent, lively, quick, athletic breed which enthusiastically welcomes most any activity introduced, making the breed rather versatile.
They succeed in many arenas such as agility, dog dancing, schutzhund, search and rescue, nose work, tracking, pastoral work, obedience, therapy dogs, service dogs, and are now breaking into the fields of coursing, dock diving and endurance tests. The Bohemian Shepherd makes an excellent family dog due to its devotion to family members and adoration of children. This is a breed which loves to be with its family and also does well with other non-human members of the family when raised with them.
Photo credit: ©Agnieszka Koszyk
History
The monarchy of the Kingdom of Bohemia recruited the Chodové people to serve as guards from possible Germanic expansion into Bohemia along the borders between Bohemia and Bavaria. In 1325, the King of Bohemia acknowledged the rights of the Chodové people to breed special dogs to assist them in patrolling the borders. This breed was known as the Chodský Pes (Bohemian Shepherd). In addition to guarding, the people used these dogs for pastoral work. As with many breeds, the post war era left the Chodský Pes almost lost and forgotten. In 1984, Dr. Vilem Kurz and Mr. Jan Findejs launched the renewal of this beloved breed and sought to find remaining Chodský Pes to re-establish the Czech breed. The breed standard was approved and from this resulted the first litter born in 1985.
Quick Facts
Temperament: friendly, devoted, alert and intelligent
Height: 19 to 22 inches
Weight: 37 to 60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Foundation Stock Service
Health
There are a small number of diseases which affect the Bohemian Shepherd but so far nothing has suggested the breed suffers at a high degree to any particular disease. The breed is generally in good health. The breeding program is aimed at reducing hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
- Hip Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Locus D
Grooming
Grooming with the Bohemian Shepherd is quite easy. They are seasonal shedders and require a brushing once a week with an occasional bath.
Exercise
The Bohemian Shepherd likes to be working in activities but is also able to lay on the couch and cuddle with the family. They are a medium energy breed, without nervousness, and benefit from daily exercise, training or play.
Training
The Bohemian Shepherd makes an excellent family dog due to its devotion to family members and adoration of children. They, in general, are friendly to strangers and get along well with other household pets. However, they will be watchful over the family and yard. They are an athletic breed that loves to work but are also happy cuddling on the couch. The Bohemian Shepherd is an intelligent, quick to learn breed which enthusiastically welcomes most any activity introduced. The breed loves to be working but can move from activity to rest quite easily. The Bohemian Shepherd is very easily trained however, it requires a calm approach to training because it is a more sensitive breed. The basis of training should be playing, treats and praise with consistency. In any case, the breed will not do well in training using harshness, constant drilling or monotony.
Nutrition
The Bohemian Shepherd does well on a high quality diet for its athleticism and for a shiny coat. The Bohemian Shepherd is an easy to care for dog. The breed is tough, and resistant to cold weather. However, in the summer they can suffer from the heat. The breed should be kept indoors due to its devotion and love of the family and its need for a cool place to lie down. In general this breed is healthy physically and mentally. They do not suffer from nervousness. The Bohemian shepherd needs to be exercised, trained, play or be given some sort of job to maintain his sense of wellness.
