The Bohemian Shepherd is among the more rare breeds of dog that most people have never heard of, but those who have come in contact with this easily trained and attentive breed have tended to quickly fall in love with its lively personality and loyal, devoted nature.
For centuries, the breed has been utilized successfully to do multiple jobs, including guarding, herding, and service work, to name a few. These dogs have the appearance of a small German Shepherd Dog and are sometimes mistaken for them. However, this breed has a handful of distinct differences, including its gunmetal-black coat with vivid tan markings.
The Bohemian Shepherd hails from the Czech Republic and was created in the 1300s for patrolling the borders between Bohemia and Bavaria. On top of their patrolling duties, they were also used for pastoral work.
Post-war, the breed that was called the Chodsky Pes (Bohemian Shepherd) was one of several local dogs that had simply been forgotten. Dr. Vilem Kurz and Mr. Jan Findejs renewed the breed by finding remaining dogs to help fully re-establish it.
A Breed Standard was approved and the first litter in its resurgence was born in 1985. Today, Bohemian Shepherds may be found around the globe living as happy pets and hard-working helpers.
Here’s a look into five things to know before considering bringing this breed home with you:
Intelligent and eager to please, the Bohemian Shepherd could be the perfect companion for you if you’re looking for a dog that can learn every trick in the book. This is a breed that can do just about any job it is called upon to complete, and with that comes a need for mental stimulation. Bohemian Shepherds do best when given a responsibility of some sort, whether that be herding a flock of sheep, succeeding in a variety of dog sports, or achieving results at something in between.
Those who want a dog that looks like a German Shepherd Dog but does not come with the same type of size (or the need to get around any breed restrictions) could find themselves to be the perfect match for this obscure breed. It is important to note, though, that the two breeds are not the same. In fact, they bear no relation at all, despite just how similar they look.
The Bohemian Shepherd is much smaller than the German Shepherd, with males generally measuring between 19 and 22 inches tall and weighing 41 to 60 pounds. Females range from 19.3 to 20.5 inches tall and typically weigh 37 to 53 pounds.
Unlike German Shepherds, which come in a number of colors, the Bohemian Shepherd comes only in black and tan. The coat of a Bohemian Shepherd is longer than that of the German Shepherd and the breed has shorter, more closely carried ears. The Czech dog is also known to be a bit more sensitive in nature than the typical German Shepherd.
Like a lot of breeds that were originally bred to be sheepdogs, the Bohemian Shepherd has a high activity level and needs regular stimulation, becoming clearly unsettled or even depressed if left alone for long periods of time.
Living with a Bohemian Shepherd in an apartment may be possible, however, but it can only be done on a case-by-case basis. The ideal environment for this breed would be a large backyard with plenty of room to roam. It’s important to note that if you live in an apartment, or have a particularly small dwelling, you’re going to have to set aside even more time than the average owner to make sure your dog gets the proper amount of exercise it needs each day.
There aren’t many health issues that crop up frequently in the Bohemian Shepherd, and there are no life-threatening diseases to watch out for because of how closely guarded the global breeding program is for this breed.
Something to watch out for, though, are eye issues. These include cataracts, when the lens of the eye takes on a cloudy appearance, and glaucoma, which stems from pressure buildup in the eye. If glaucoma is not treated in time, it can leave a dog blind. Additionally, bloat and hip dysplasia are two of the more major issues that can occur in the Bohemian Shepherd.
As with all breeds, it’s essential to make sure to seek a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding pairs before having puppies.
Bohemian Shepherds don’t classify as barkers and are actually relatively quiet dogs. But, they’re not shy about barking to alert to a perceived threat or to ward off strangers. In fact, purposeful barking was one of the things this versatile breed was bred for. Dogs of this breed may also bark (and become destructive) if they become bored or are left to their own devices for many hours on end. It’s important to remember that this dog likes to work and will create its own “job” if necessary.
