Fun Bohemian Shepherd Facts For Kids

The exact number of species that have evolved or have been added to the planet’s vast list of organisms is… well, quite huge. All life on Earth is still evolving and adapting. Humans needed to domesticate some animals to survive and then required some more to keep the herds of gentle creatures protected. That is why Sheepdogs were bred. Sheepdogs or herders usually guard and watch over herds of sheep, cattle, horses, and other animals. It is usually all farm or ranch animals, but their loyal service helped when the humans could not attend. The animal discussed today is one such species; the Bohemian Shepherd from the Czech Republic bred centuries back.

Don't get confused when it comes to a Bohemian Shepherd vs German Shepherd, as both the breeds are quite different. The Bohemian Shepherd is also known as Chodenhund or Chodský pes. The Chodský pes Czech sheepdog is a popular bohemian herder dog that was originally bred to manage the herds of sheep. Subsequently, the Chodský pes evolved as a search and rescue dog breed in the Chod region of Czech Republic. Intensive training and exercise must be accompanied by weekly grooming to ensure proper weight and overall good health of this dog breed. Here are some interesting facts about the Chodský pes herding dog from Czech Republic. Afterwards, do check our other articles on the Afghan hound and Russian Bear Dog as well.

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What type of animal is a Bohemian Shepherd?

The Bohemian Shepherd is a Czechoslovakian canine species belonging to the class of mammals and is a vertebrate shepherd which means that this animal has a spine. This dog breed was bred hundreds of years ago as herders and sheepdogs.  

What class of animal does a Bohemian Shepherd belong to?

Bohemian Shepherds belong to the class of mammals. This means that most Chodenhund dogs give birth to their off-springs and nurture them with milk through their mammary glands.

How many Bohemian Shepherds are there in the world?

The exact number of Shepherds is not known but in 2009 around 35000 puppies of Bohemian Shepherds were registered after all the efforts taken to revive the breed since 1982. The number can be expected to have tripled by now, but no one has the exact numbers yet.

Where does a Bohemian Shepherd live?

Bohemian Shepherds were bred in the Czech Republic, which neighbors Germany. The climate of the nation is somewhere between oceanic and continental. The summers there are warm, but the winters get really heavy due to the country being landlocked. The Bohemian Shepherd was bred to suit these conditions, but this dog breed can adapt to slightly different conditions as well.

What is a Bohemian Shepherd's habitat?

Bohemian Shepherds were originally used as guards for herds of domestic animals. They make very good family dogs and adjust to living in houses. However, this dog breed might not do very well with apartment living.

Who do Bohemian Shepherds live with?

Bohemian Shepherds can live with both families and other pets. This dog breed is very warm towards children and tend to be unbothered by strangers unless they are threatening.

How long does a Bohemian Shepherd live?

Bohemian Shepherds are expected to have an average life span of 13 years. Their lives can extend as much as 16 years under optimal care.

How do they reproduce?

Bohemian Shepherds are mammals and reproduce sexually. The gestational period normally lasts between 60-64 days and the time period between heats is usually six months. It is advised not to breed them more than once a year.

What is their conservation status?

Their conservation status is unspecified, but this dog breed is a rarer breed than most other dog breeds and are still not accepted as a separate breed in some places.

What do Bohemian Shepherds look like?

The Bohemian Shepherds are medium-sized dog breeds with a well-proportioned head, but their length exceeds their height by a bit. German Bohemian shepherd colors have straight double coats of fur covering their bodies which are available only in combinations of black and tan. The tan patches usually appear around their ears, snout, legs, and underside. This dog breed usually has brown eyes and black noses.

How cute are they?

Different people have different standards on cuteness. Bohemian Shepherd dog breeds are stubborn by nature, but their other characteristics and appearance make them adorable as family dogs with children. It is one of the breeds that is often mistaken for German Shepherds, but these are more cuddle-sized with a shorter height and are very friendly dogs. With regular training, their temperament can be effectively managed!

How do they communicate?

Bohemian Shepherds communicate the only way that domesticated canines can; through barks, yips, and growls. They are not too loud but can bark to warn their owner of anything strange. These dogs would also affectionately nuzzle onto their owner's lap and jump when happy. This dog breed is expressive, so you can expect to find cues on their faces as well.

How big is a Bohemian Shepherd?

The Bohemian Shepherd dog looks very similar to German Shepherds, with both having high energy levels. The Bohemian Shepherd size is slightly smaller than the German Shepherd. The average height for the Bohemian Shepherd dog breed is 19-22 in (48.3-55.8 cm). If proper exercise and weight management are not ensured, these family dogs tend to suffer from hip dysplasia in old age.

How fast can a Bohemian Shepherd run?

The German Shepherds, a species likely developed from Bohemian Shepherds, run at the speed of 30 mph (48.2 kph). The latter is longer compared to its height, is very physically active, and smaller than German Shepherds. It can be safely said that this dog breed can run at least at the speed of 25 mph (40.2 kph) over short distances.  

How much does a Bohemian Shepherd weigh?

The average weight of a milky Bohemian Shepherd dog breed size falls between 35-60 lb (15.8-27.2 kg). The average weight is different for both the sexes of this species; the females usually weigh between 37-53 lb (16.7-24 kg) while the males are slightly heavier, falling between 41-60 lb (18.5-27.2 kg).

What are their male and female names of the species?

The Bohemian Shepherd belongs to the species of dogs. Hence, the males and females have different names. The male of this breed would be called a dog, while the female will be addressed as a bitch.

What would you call a baby Bohemian Shepherd?

A baby Bohemian Shepherd dog would be called a puppy, as is usual with all breeds of dogs.

What do they eat?

The Bohemian Shepherd hunting breed is very active by nature. The Bohemian Shepherd needs a diet high in nutrients accompanied with good exercise. These herding dogs are omnivores like most canines but would most likely prefer meat over other things. The Bohemian Shepherd diet comprises chicken or beef with a mix of balanced vegetables and/or brown rice. However, please always consult a vet to know a dog’s unique nutrient requirements.

Are they hypoallergenic?

No. The amount of shedding of their fur depends very much on their living conditions and the seasons of the year. These breeding dogs may not cause extreme reactions but it is one of the breeds that cannot be guaranteed to be hypoallergenic to people who are reactive to animal hair. Their sense of smell is also good and they don't have many health issues.

Would they make a good pet?

Bohemian Shepherd adults and Bohemian Shepherd puppies make amazing family pets with several tan markings due to their origin and great intelligent personality having a good temperament. These dogs, with long coats, are disciplined, curious, and affectionate by nature in origin and care. These intelligent dogs are especially loving towards the children of the family and are known to sometimes awaken their herding tendencies through trying to herd children together during exercise. Obedience training should be given to a Bohemian Shepherd puppy to manage its temperament.

The important point to know and remember here is that these breeding dogs can be very stubborn in personality as pets. These intelligent dogs need strict owners who are consistent with training, exercise, and food habits. If the owners are not so, then these dogs are known to take up a superior role. This breeding species requires constant physical and mental stimulation. Don’t leave these social canines alone for long unless you want a moody or grumpy pet waiting for you; they need your attention. These intelligent dogs don’t need a lot of visits to the grooming stations. Brushing their fur once a week is enough. Do remember to get them vaccinated as owners.

Lastly, they would want a sizable amount of room to move around in and do not take very well to apartments or city life. Let them play and run around in gardens, yards, or parks. Be patient when training them. This Bohemian Shepherd puppy gets very attached to their owners and would watch over you diligently. They can be the best guard dogs you have ever had.

Did you know...

The price for a Bohemian Shepherd puppy is in the range of $2,000-$2,500 in the US for a purebred healthy dog.

The Bohemian Shepherd was originally used by the Chodove people to guard the borders of Bohemia and was usually allowed only to be kept by the royalty.

Bohemian Shepherds have many names, including Chodsky pes, Czech Sheepdog, Bohemian herder, and Chodehund.

The Bohemian Shepherd is considered a great therapy dog due to its warm, sincere, and loving nature.

Although they are frequently mistaken for German Shepherds, they are actually quite different. The Bohemian Shepherd has been around for ages and are considered to be possible ancestors to their German counterparts.

Bohemian Shepherds make really good search and rescue dogs as well who can literally sense the victims from underneath the snow of avalanches or debris from earthquakes.

From where did Bohemian Shepherds originate?

The Bohemian Shepherd originated in the Czech Republic in the 14th century, around the 1300s in the Chodsko region. They were originally bred to guard herds and houses.

They precede German Shepherds, and hence, it is ridiculous for people to think this is a hybrid that came after the formerly mentioned species. The Bohemian Shepherd gained respect in their region due to their excellent capabilities as guard dogs and were very popular until the Second World War era when their population fell. They were restored later by breeders but a lot of nations still don’t see them as an actual breed even now for some reason.

What health problems are Bohemian Shepherds prone to?

The Bohemian Shepherd is healthy for most of their lives, but age, neglect, or stressful environments can make them prone to some diseases in later life. These disorders include:

Hip Dysplasia: Painful and chronic condition resulting from the faulty hip formation.

Elbow Dysplasia: A gene condition visible across other dog species as well, giving rise to faulty elbows which invite loads of other joint problems.

Bloat: Gas getting trapped within the stomach and swelling it up. Can cause death within hours if not immediately treated.

Eye Conditions: Numerous visual troubles are known to ail the Bohemian Shepherd, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Lens Luxation.

A lot of these can be discovered early inbreeding through DNA screening, and responsible breeders should take initiatives to minimize these conditions.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals from our Dogo Argentino fun facts, and Bergamasco Sheepdog interesting facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Bohemian Shepherd coloring pages.