Dogs of this breed were originally called Chodsky pes since they originated in the Chodsko region of the Czech Republic in the 1300s. Initially, they were used as guard and herding dogs. Today, they make wonderful family dogs that will guard and keep watch over their human owners at all times. Czech Sheepdog and Bohemian Herder are some common names for this breed.
This clever type of dog is constantly eager to try new things and attentive of their human companions' requirements. They thrive in homes with children and families and need daily physical and mental stimulation with toys and activities to remain happy. For those who have patience and consistency, these pups are excellent companions for anyone who is prepared to put in the time and effort.
A complete list of Bohemian Shepherd dog characteristics and qualities is provided below.
Highlights
- The coat of the Bohemian Shepherd is black and tan. Over the eyes, ears, snout, feet, and underside are all covered with tan markings.
- Seasonal shedding is common in the Bohemian Shepherd, which sheds moderately throughout the year. They are not regarded to be safe for anyone with allergies, and they require regular brushing to keep them in good condition.
- A higher amount of energy is required by Bohemian Shepherds. A trip to the dog park, agility training, or obedience training can help burn off some of that extra energy. Provide at least one hour of daily exercise to your dog.
- They require an owner that is both patient and firm when it comes to training. Training sessions for these dogs must be exciting and rewarding to keep them engaged and engrossed.
- These dogs have a hard time being left alone for long periods of time. With a large yard to run around in and numerous individuals to care for them, they thrive.
- The Bohemian Shepherd is said to get along great with other dogs, cats, and small pets in the household.
- Children will love the Bohemian Shepherd. They adore children and will do all in their power to keep the ones they have safe and secure.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
35 to 60 pounds
Lifespan
10 to 15 years
Height
19 to 22 inches
History
The Bohemian Shepherd, also known as the Chodsky Pes, dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest breeds of dog. They were originally considered to be employed to guard the southwest boundaries of the Czech Republic near the town of Domazlice, which is located in the Chod area. Local residents are referred to as Chords by the novelist Alois Jirasek who wrote about their revolt. Bohemian Shepherds have since become part of Czech mythology because of this insurrection depicted in his books. When renowned Czech artist Mikolas Ales painted multiple depictions of the Bohemian Shepherd, the breed became well-known throughout the United States.
The Czech Boy Scouts' official emblem still has a depiction of the Bohemian Shepherd. They weren't actually bred for commercial purposes until at least the early 16th century, despite their ancient origins. It wasn't until much later that breeding records began to be well kept. Bohemian Shepherds' popularity in the Czech Republic may have been spurred by the construction of vast kennels on aristocratic estates, according to historians. In addition, researchers believe that the Bohemian Shepherd Dog is a forerunner of the German Shepherd Dog, despite the lack of convincing proof.
While the German Shepherd Dog did not appear for several centuries after the trade between Germany and Bohemia, it is possible that the Bohemian Shepherd was a forerunner to this breed. After World War II, the number of purebred dogs began to decline, and the popularity of the Bohemian Shepherd faded. In 1984, a small group of dedicated breeders began working to raise the standard of the breed and restore it to its previous lustre. The Czech Republic is home to the majority of the breeders operating today. New criteria and breeding initiatives have resulted in the birth of 3,500 registered Bohemian Shepherds. A non-profit organisation, the Bohemian Shepherd Lovers Club, was established in 1991 to raise awareness of this unique breed.
Personality and Temperament
The Bohemian Shepherd is a calm, gentle, dedicated, and loyal canine. Despite their intimidating size and appearance, they are reputed to be a peaceful and friendly breed. Because they are so committed to their loved ones, they make a wonderful family friend
Dogs like the Bohemian Shepherd were developed to be multi-purpose working dogs, and they live up to their name. They become destructive and despondent if they don't get regular, strenuous exercise. For this reason, get kids involved in household chores as well as physical activities like jogging and playing sports.
Intelligent, bold, and attentive, the Bohemian Shepherd has a personality. Whenever they hear noise or someone enters their domain, they will likely create a noise. They will bark and alert their owners even if they don't bite or become hostile.
Care
A minimum of one and a half hours of daily physical activity is required for this working breed. Give them plenty of time to run around in a fenced-in yard in addition to long walks. Jog, bike, or hike with them in the company of nature. Even though they might live in a small apartment, they prefer houses with large yards.
Health
Efforts have been made to reduce sickness in this tiny group of dogs, which have a limited gene pool, by the breeding organisations. However, despite their best efforts, there are still many diseases that are more widespread in the Bohemian Shepherd than other breeds, despite the use of genetic testing when breeding animals.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a painful and degenerative disorder that affects as many dogs as any other form of orthopaedic disease. Any breeding dog must undergo screening tests, and a dog with an unacceptable hip score should not be used for breeding.
Elbow Dysplasia
It's a disorder that comprises a variety of elbow-related ailments. Hip Dysplasia, like other debilitating conditions, can have a negative impact on a dog's quality of life, especially as the dog becomes older. Affected dogs must be removed from the breeding pool to limit the occurrence of this illness.
Bloat
The Bohemian Shepherd, like many other large dogs, is susceptible to Gastric Dilatation (or bloat). When gas is trapped in the stomach, an animal will swell up and die within hours if the stomach rotates on its axis and is not treated. As with neutering, a prophylactic procedure is available and can be done at the same time.
Eye Conditions
PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and Lens Luxation are two disorders that have been linked to the Bohemian Shepherd. Many eye diseases can be detected via DNA screening, and this is a critical step in ensuring that the illness burden on the population is kept to a minimum.
Recommended Health Tests
- Hip Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Locus D
Nutrition
Freshwater should always be readily available to your dog. Feed a well-balanced, high-quality canine diet. Overeating can be avoided by feeding two small meals each day. But make sure to talk to your veterinarian about both the type and amount of food you're feeding your pet. To keep your dog from acquiring too much weight, keep an eye out for treats and any supplemental food.
Grooming
Once a week, you should brush your dog's coat to remove loose hair and keep it from becoming matted. During the spring and fall, when your dog sheds more, you should increase your brushing frequency in order to keep up with the loose hair.
Depending on how dirty your dog gets, a bath once a month should be enough. Every month, make sure to look at its nails to see if they need to be trimmed. At least once a week, check your pet's ears for any build-up of wax, debris, or other irritation. Finally, make it a point to brush your teeth at least twice daily.
Exercise
A minimum of one hour of daily activity is recommended for Czech sheepdogs. Taking a stroll, running, trekking, or playing a vigorous game of fetch are all good options. Sports involving dogs, such as agility and herding, can also be excellent methods to burn off excess energy, both physically and mentally.. Czech sheepdogs, when given enough exercise, tend to be quiet and content inside, making them ideal for cuddling on the couch.
It's vital to remember that this breed has a tendency to overheat because of its thick hair. Limit your outdoor workouts during the hottest part of the day.
Training
Most Czech sheepdogs have a strong desire for obedience, as well as a high level of intelligence that allows them to learn fast. Begin socialisation and training as early as possible. It's best to enrol your pup in a puppy obedience class to teach them the fundamentals of good behaviour. From an early age, make an effort to expose it to a variety of people, dogs, and environments to help it develop a sense of security and comfort.
Consistency in training cues and positive training approaches are essential for a successful training programme. Because of their sensitivity, these dogs may be unable to learn if subjected to harsh corrections. They also like a variety of training methods in order to keep their brains active.
Children and Other Pets
Families with young children will appreciate the Bohemian Shepherd. In their hearts, they are devoted to children and will do everything in their power to ensure their safety. They enjoy running around the yard or playing fetch with their family members because of their high amounts of energy.
Regardless of the size of the dog, children should know how to play with their pets in order to keep both the dog and the child safe. While playing, the Bohemian Shepherd won't be too harsh, although, as previously said, they may try to herd small groups of children into a certain direction. Consider this when letting your dog play with children!
Overall, these dogs are excellent companions for children. They'll be devoted companions who'll keep you amused for hours on end with their endless play and cuddling. However, children should always be taught how to approach and handle puppies and dogs in a safe and proper manner. In order to avoid getting startled, children should never approach any dog while it is eating and should never approach the dog aggressively. A dog should never be left alone with a child, no matter how old they are.
When it comes to living with other animals, the Bohemian Shepherd is known to get along well with both large and tiny ones. Early introductions and socialising are essential to achieving this. When it comes to having a dog that gets along with other pets, it's just a matter of luck.
Puppies
It costs between $700 and $900 for a Bohemian Shepherd puppy. There aren't many Bohemian Shepherds in the United States, although they are common in the Czech Republic. For a Bohemian Shepherd puppy, you'll likely have to import one from the Czech Republic, which will be expensive, but we couldn't find any puppies for sale at this moment. Estimates could cost more than $2,000 USD.
Dog Breeds Similar to Bohemian Shepherd
- German Shepherd
- Shiloh Shepherd
- King Shepherd
- Czechoslovakian Vlcak
