Bohemian Shepherd: Your Complete Guide

The Bohemian shepherd is a rare breed that not many people have heard of before. However, just because this pup isn’t on your radar it doesn’t mean he isn’t worth your consideration! With the right owner, the Bohemian shepherd makes a courageous, active, and intelligent companion who will protect your home better than any fortress could.

Bohemian shepherds thrive with families who can match their high energy levels and keep their intelligent minds occupied throughout the day. They get along well with kids of all ages and can happily adapt to multi-pet households with proper socialization and training. However, there are plenty more factors to be aware of when adopting this breed.

This care guide will help you make an informed decision about whether a Bohemian shepherd is right for you, covering his temperament, history, health, and care needs. Spoiler alert: those who hate vacuuming — or having their clothes covered in fluff — might want to look elsewhere…

Quick Look at the Bohemian Shepherd

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Bohemian Shepherds?

The Bohemian shepherd originates from the Czech Republic, where the breed was first developed hundreds of years ago to herd, protect, and watch over livestock. However, these “jack of all trades” pups have served plenty of other purposes throughout history, including guarding borders and hunting and tracking game.

Unfortunately, the devastation of World War II didn’t spare the Bohemian shepherd; their population rapidly declined and the breed came close to extinction. However, thanks to the efforts of hardworking breed enthusiasts, the Bohemian shepherd was saved and is gradually increasing in popularity once more.

In fact, in 2019 the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Bohemian shepherd and published the breed standard, which covers intricacies like physical stature and disqualifying faults. In that same year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) also accepted the Bohemian shepherd into their foundation stock service group.

What Do Bohemian Shepherds Look Like?

The Bohemian shepherd is a medium-sized dog who has a distinct, oblong-shaped body and dense double coat.

He does bear a close resemblance to the German shepherd — thanks to his erect ears, muscular build, and alert gaze — but the two breeds aren’t related in any way or form. The Bohemian shepherd also stands slightly smaller and has a longer coat than the German shepherd.

Bohemian shepherds have black coats with tan markings appearing on the edges of their ears, muzzles, throats, and thighs. Some pups also have markings around their tails. No other coat colors are accepted by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard.

What Size Is a Bohemian Shepherd?

The Bohemian shepherd stands 19 to 22 inches tall and weighs between 37 and 60 pounds. Males are slightly larger, with an average height of 20 to 22 inches and weight of up to 60 pounds, while females typically only grow up to 20 inches and weigh around 37 to 53 pounds.

Besides sex, other factors that can affect a Bohemian shepherd’s size include lifestyle, age, health, and lineage. Exercising your pup regularly while keeping portions appropriately sized will ensure he maintains a healthy weight.

What Is a Bohemian Shepherd’s Coat Type and Length?

The Bohemian shepherd has a thick, dense double coat that repels water and protects him against harsh weather. The outer coat looks glossy and consists of long, straight, and coarse hairs, while the undercoat is short and soft in texture. There’s also prominent feathering around the ears, tails, and legs.

Thanks to their thick coats, Bohemian shepherds can tolerate cold temperatures. However, they do tend to overheat quickly and will need access to plenty of water and shade during hot, sunny weather.

What Is a Bohemian Shepherd’s Temperament?

Bohemian shepherds are devoted family dogs who are loyal, protective, and watchful over their owners. While they can be wary of strangers, they’re affectionate in the home and enjoy being showered in cuddles.

Bohemian shepherds are energetic in both mind and body. They’ll appreciate an owner who can satisfy their need for adventure and keep them mentally stimulated.

Are Bohemian Shepherds Good With Kids?

The Bohemian shepherd will effortlessly win over any kid’s heart — and not just because of his aww-worthy looks and welcoming expression! He’s sweet-natured, gentle, and incredibly patient with children, no matter how loud or excitable they are. His energetic, adventurous spirit also makes him a great playmate for older kids.

While the Bohemian shepherd is generally careful around young kids, it’s still important to supervise them together, especially during play. He often forgets his own size and might accidentally knock over children or jump over them, which can potentially lead to injuries. He also has natural herding instincts and may try and herd small children.

Regardless of their age, children should be taught how to properly interact with dogs. It’ll help foster healthy, safe, and positive bonding experiences.

Are Bohemian Shepherds Good With Other Animals?

Bohemian shepherds typically get along well with other pets, as long as they’re positively introduced to each other. However, they may try and herd small animals (as well as children). They should be kept on leash in public areas and closely monitored around animals like birds, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

Are Bohemian Shepherds Aggressive?

Bohemian shepherds aren’t innately aggressive. While they may growl or snap at potential threats, bites are extremely rare and they’re incredibly gentle with people and animals who pose no risk.

As is the case with any dog, neglecting the bohemian shepherd’s needs can exacerbate aggressive behaviors. That’s why it’s important to provide proper care and plenty of socialization and training. You should also ensure you use reward-based training measures; punishment methods have been known to increase aggression, fear, and anxiety in dogs.

Do Bohemian Shepherds Bark?

Bohemian shepherds aren’t known to be vocal, but they will bark to alert their owners or ward off threats. They may also bark if they feel bored (and likely exhibit other destructive habits like chewing and scratching). Keep these pups mentally stimulated with training sessions and interactive puzzle toys.

While Bohemian shepherds aren’t a loud breed, they still aren’t the best fit for small apartments; they’re fairly large and have high energy levels. They do best in households with spacious backyards where they can roam and play freely.

Are Bohemian Shepherds Affectionate?

Despite their tough looks, Bohemian shepherds are big softies at heart and will never turn down a good cuddle with their humans. They appreciate belly scratches and often lean against their owners — or climb over their laps — in a bid to gain hugs and attention. They’re also known for their affectionate, endearing expressions.

However, due to their alert nature, Bohemian shepherds are reserved around strangers. They’ll benefit from being exposed to a range of individuals at an early age to ensure they feel confident in the presence of new people.

Are Bohemian Shepherds Intelligent?

Like most working dogs, the Bohemian shepherd is incredibly intelligent and loves having his brain challenged. He enjoys activities that keep his mind occupied, such as exploring new areas, puzzle games, training, and agility, and he particularly thrives when given a job to do.

Are Bohemian Shepherds Energetic?

Bohemian shepherds love snuggling up with their owners, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t active! They have high energy levels and will need at least an hour of exercise per day to stay fit. This can come in the form of walks, hikes, runs, or dog sports like agility. They also need plenty of interactive play throughout the day.

Bohemian shepherds also have a keen sense of smell and particularly benefit from activities that work out their sniffers, like tracking, hide and seek, and snuffle mats.

Are Bohemian Shepherds Easy to Train?

Intelligent with an enthusiasm for learning, the Bohemian shepherd is one of the easiest pups to train. He can effortlessly master any advanced obedience commands, tricks, and even service tasks. His strong work drive also allows him to stay focused during long training sessions.

With that said, the Bohemian shepherd does need to be challenged; he won’t feel fulfilled if you throw the same, basic commands his way. He’ll appreciate an owner who is willing to put in the time and effort to teach him new things regularly. Thanks to his athletic build, he also makes a great candidate for competitive dog sports.

Are Bohemian Shepherds Good Watchdogs?

It should come as no surprise that Bohemian shepherds make excellent watchdogs — they were literally bred for it! They’re alert, protective, courageous, and loyal. If they detect a threat, they’ll alert their owners and retaliate with barks and growls. Their domineering appearance can also help ward off threats.

Are Bohemian Shepherds Good Service Dogs?

Bohemian shepherds are a great fit for service dog work; they form strong bonds with humans and can provide a calming, safe presence for people suffering from anxiety. Their intelligence, combined with their love for work, also allows them to stay focused for long periods and master complex service tasks.

Their sturdy builds also mean they can effortlessly take on strenuous tasks such as crowd control and wheelchair pushing. They’re also well-suited to psychiatric service tasks like deep pressure therapy (DPT).

How to Care for a Bohemian Shepherd?

Bohemian shepherds are best suited to experienced owners who can put in the time and dedication to ensure their needs are met. They need plenty of exercise, lots of mental stimulation, and frequent grooming. They also need a healthy, protein-rich diet.

Do You Need to Groom a Bohemian Shepherd?

Unless they’re in their heavy shedding period, Bohemian shepherds only need to be brushed once a week to prevent tangles and mats. Use a slicker brush to remove excess undercoat hairs and stuck debris properly.

Bohemian shepherds have long coats that can become unruly over time — they’ll need to be taken to a professional groomer for a trim every month. During grooming trips, make sure to request nail clipping, ear cleaning, and a close examination of their skin.

Bohemian shepherds’ coats stay pretty clean. However, they (and your nose) will still benefit from a monthly wash.

Do Bohemian Shepherds Shed?

Bohemian shepherds shed moderately throughout the year, with periods of heavy shedding during spring and fall. They aren’t suitable for allergy sufferers (or for those who hate finding dog hairs on their clothes). During heavy shedding periods, Bohemian shepherds will require daily brushing to clear away the loose, excess hairs.

What Health Problems Do Bohemian Shepherds Have?

The Bohemian shepherd is a relatively healthy dog breed, and thanks to a controlled breeding program, they also aren’t at high risk of any life-threatening diseases. With that said, they do tend to suffer from eye problems such as cataracts, which is when the lens of the eye becomes clouded over.

One of the more serious eye conditions that Bohemian shepherds can experience is glaucoma. This condition is extremely painful and results from a buildup of pressure in the eye. Symptoms include cloudiness in the eye, redness, a dilated pupil, and excessive squinting. Left untreated, this condition can lead to permanent blindness.

Due to their size and physical build, Bohemian shepherds are also at greater risk of:

• Bloat: A life-threatening emergency where a dog’s stomach fills with liquid, gas, or solids and twists. Common symptoms include a swollen belly, drooling, dry retching, and pacing. Pups showing symptoms of bloat should be taken to an emergency vet immediately for treatment.
• Hip dysplasia: When a dog’s hip joint develops improperly, causing pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. Symptoms include limping, exercise intolerance, and weak muscle development in the rear. Hip dysplasia is treatable with anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, and surgery.

It’s important to take your pup to monthly vet checkups to ensure any health problems are caught early and can be managed properly. You should also only buy from reputable breeders who can provide you with both parents’ health certificates.

How Long Do Bohemian Shepherds Live?

Bohemian shepherds have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years with proper care. You can improve the chances of your pup living a long, healthy life with frequent vet visits, plenty of exercise, and feeding him a nutritious diet.

Avoid feeding Bohemian shepherds dinner scraps, as dogs who are overweight are likely to suffer from health issues that drastically shorten their lifespans.

What Should a Bohemian Shepherd Eat?

The Bohemian shepherd should be fed twice a day on a diet consisting of dried, high-quality kibble formulated for medium, active breeds. Due to his high energy level, he also benefits from a high protein content.

Most Bohemian shepherds will need 2 to 3.5 cups of food daily, with the exact amount depending on activity level. Young puppies will need to eat more frequently.

Is a Bohemian Shepherd the Right Dog for Me?

The Bohemian shepherd is a beautiful breed with a lively personality. However, he isn’t suitable for every family, so it’s important you make sure you can fulfill his needs before welcoming him to your home.

The Bohemian shepherd is ideal for people who lead active lifestyles and enjoy hiking and running in their spare time. He thrives when given a job to do, so he also makes a good fit for those who have farmland or are interested in competitive dog sports.

The Bohemian shepherd is well-suited to people who have previous experience with work-driven, energetic breeds. He’ll need someone who can be with him throughout the day and keep him busy with training, mentally stimulating games, and fun physical activities.

Those who are after a dog for protection will also appreciate this breed; his alert and courageous nature makes him one of the best watchdogs around.

With proper care and love, the Bohemian shepherd is sure to bless your home with a whole lot of fun, antics, and fluffy cuddles.