Pet Wiki

Bohemian Shepherd

Also called Chodský pes, Chodenhund, Bohemian Herder, Czech Sheepdog

Lively and responsive without being hasty, this shepherd is steady, gentle and eager to cooperate.

SizeMedium
Weight17 to 27 kg (37 to 60 lb)males 19 to 27 kg, females 17 to 24 kg1
Height49 to 55 cm (19 to 22 in)males 52 to 55 cm, females 49 to 52 cm1
Lifespan12 to 14 years2
CoatLong, double coat
OriginCzech Republic (Chodsko region around Domažlice, south-west Bohemia)23
GroupFCI group 1
Provisionally recognisedShort profile
quick to learn and easy to train
calm, friendly family dog
alert watchdog with an excellent nose
12

Personality what they are like

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

Coat and looks how to spot one

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

Coloursblack to gunmetal black with rich tan markings1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active working dog that enjoys daily exercise and tasks such as herding, tracking, search and rescue, obedience or dog sports.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing keeps the long coat and dense undercoat tidy, with extra attention during seasonal coat changes.12

Home where they are happiest

Adapts well to family life, ideally with outdoor space and daily activity.2

Company who they like around

People-oriented and happiest as a full member of the family; relates well to children and other animals.21

The story where it all began

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

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    In 1325 King John of Luxembourg allowed the Chods to own large dogs, a privilege ordinary peasants did not have.2

  2. 2

    Its silhouette appears on the badges of the Czech Scouting organisation.2

  3. 3

    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

  4. 4

    Only one colour is allowed: black with vivid tan markings.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Chodové, an ethnic group from the Šumava region of Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) who guarded the border and used these dogs for herding and tracking.4

Name ideas for your new friend

KájaRusalkaRexLídaBohdanMílaShadowJáraFreyaOndraZoraPepi

A day in the life told by a Bohemian Shepherd

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.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 364, Group 1 Sheepdogs; provisional acceptance 29 April 2019; working trial required3
Czech Kennel Club (ČMKU)
Recognised2
AKC
Foundation Stock Service since 20192

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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.5

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.6

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.7 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.7 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.7 Pet Wiki plan

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 364 Chodský pes fci.beused for size, weight, coat, colour, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Bohemian Shepherd en.wikipedia.orgused for history, names, lifespan, recognition, fun facts
  3. FCI nomenclature: Bohemian Shepherd Dog fci.beused for provisional recognition
  4. croatian-veterinary-journal.org croatian-veterinary-journal.org
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.