Lively and responsive without being hasty, this shepherd is steady, gentle and eager to cooperate. It bonds closely with its family, gets along well with children and other pets, and keeps a keen eye on its home.12
how to spot oneBohemian Shepherd coat and colours
long, double coat
A shiny, fairly coarse outer coat 5 to 12 cm long, straight or gently wavy, over a thick undercoat, with a noticeable ruff on the neck and longer hair on the back and thighs. The body is compact and slightly rectangular.12
Comes inblack to gunmetal black with rich tan markings1
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bohemian Shepherd. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksBohemian Shepherd exercise needs
An active working dog that enjoys daily exercise and tasks such as herding, tracking, search and rescue, obedience or dog sports.21
where they are happiestBohemian Shepherd at home
Adapts well to family life, ideally with outdoor space and daily activity.2
who they like aroundBohemian Shepherd with people and other pets
People-oriented and happiest as a full member of the family; relates well to children and other animals.21
the hands-on bitsBohemian Shepherd grooming and care
Regular brushing keeps the long coat and dense undercoat tidy, with extra attention during seasonal coat changes.12
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Bohemian Shepherd, and at what times?
Feed your adult Bohemian Shepherd at least two meals a day, ideally at consistent times. For puppies, offer three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label and your vet for exact amounts.4
What should a Bohemian Shepherd eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for active breeds. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for the best diet plan.5
How often should I bathe a Bohemian Shepherd?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days, but you can bathe more often if needed. Generally, bathe at least every three months, or when dirty.6
How often does a Bohemian Shepherd need brushing?
Brush your Bohemian Shepherd every three days to keep the long double coat tidy, and daily during seasonal shedding. This helps manage loose hair and prevents mats.12
How do I trim a Bohemian Shepherd's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, avoiding the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.6
How much exercise does a Bohemian Shepherd need?
Your Bohemian Shepherd needs daily exercise, such as walks, play, or dog sports. As an active working breed, it thrives with a job to do, like herding or obedience. Aim for at least an hour of activity each day.21
How do I look after a Bohemian Shepherd's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible, or at least two to three times a week, using only dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or odor, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never insert anything into the ear canal.6
How long does a Bohemian Shepherd live?
A Bohemian Shepherd typically lives between 12 and 14 years, bringing many happy years of companionship.2
Is a Bohemian Shepherd good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Bohemian Shepherd is known for being gentle and good with children and other pets. It bonds closely with its family and is eager to cooperate.12
Can a Bohemian Shepherd be left alone?
This breed is very people-oriented and may struggle with long periods alone. It's best to gradually accustom them to short absences, but they thrive with company. For specific advice, consult a good breeder.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Bohemian Shepherd costs
Running costs for a Bohemian Shepherd, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Bohemian Shepherd legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Bohemian Shepherd in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
In 1325 King John of Luxembourg allowed the Chods to own large dogs, a privilege ordinary peasants did not have.2
2
A nearly 4-metre-tall statue of a Bohemian Shepherd near Újezd in the Plzeň Region is described as the world's largest dog statue.2
3
Only one colour is allowed: black with vivid tan markings.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
Its Czech name, Chodský pes, comes from the Chods (Chodové), people of the Chodsko area in western Bohemia who guarded the border for the Bohemian kings and kept these dogs for herding and guarding.7
Good morning! The sun peeks through the curtains, and I yawn wide. My human calls me for a walk, and I prance beside them, sniffing every flower. I keep an eye on the neighbors, my family is safe. At home, we play hide-and-seek with the kids, and I find them behind the sofa. Later, I help herd the chickens into their run, careful not to rush them. After lunch, I curl up by the fire while my human reads. It's a simple life: guard, play, rest. I wouldn't change a thing.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganBohemian Shepherd history
Its ancestors worked with the Chods, border guards settled on the Bohemia-Bavaria frontier in the 13th century who were granted the unusual right to keep large dogs. The type almost vanished after the Second World War until judges Jan Findejs and Vilém Kurz began rebuilding it in 1984, with the first litter in 1985.21
German Shepherd Dog
Croatian Sheepdog