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Bohemian shepherd

The Bohemian Shepherd, or Chodský pes, is a Czech herding breed from the Chod region near the Bavarian border, where it was used by border guards from the fourteenth century.

It looks broadly like a smaller, lighter German Shepherd with a longer coat.

It stands 49 to 55 centimetres, weighs 16 to 25 kilograms and lives twelve to fifteen years, with a long thick double coat and a full ruff. It is one of the more genuinely healthy working breeds — the gene pool was maintained through working stock rather than show fashion — and it is versatile, biddable and good-tempered, which makes it easier to live with than many herding breeds of comparable drive.

Origin
Chod region, Czech Republic; documented since the 14th century
Size
49–55 cm; 16–25 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Long thick double coat with a ruff
Temperament
Versatile, biddable and good-tempered
Health
Notably robust; hip dysplasia the main concern

Related: German shepherd · Anatolian shepherd dog · Australian shepherd · Bucovina shepherd dog · Caucasian shepherd dog

2 bohemian shepherd photos, newest first

  • Vareniki III, a bohemian shepherd

    Vareniki III

    Vareniki III was promoted to stage manager during a curtain emergency; unfortunately, a clockwork train misses the platform.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Vareniki III, a bohemian shepherd

    Vareniki III

    This is Vareniki III's chair now. It was mine on Tuesday.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a bohemian shepherd

A comparatively easy working breed. They are biddable, tolerant and adaptable, and they suit active families better than most herding dogs of similar energy.

They still need a job. Agility, obedience, herding or scent work — an hour of exercise plus training keeps them content.

The double coat needs brushing twice a week and daily through the seasonal moult.

Health is genuinely good for a purebred, which is worth noting: the breed was kept as a working animal rather than reshaped for the show ring. Ask for hip scores regardless.

They are alert and will bark to announce, and they are friendly rather than sharp with strangers.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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