Bohemian Shepherd
波希米亞牧羊犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Bohemian Shepherd (Chodský pes) is a medium-sized, long-coated herding and guarding dog whose ancestors patrolled the Bohemian–Bavarian border for the Chodové people from the 14th century, revived from near-extinction in 1984. The FCI standard describes a lively but not impetuous dog — docile, easily trained, attentive, modest and undemanding, fearless, strong-nerved and exceptionally vigilant with no sign of nervousness — and the AKC calls it an excellent family dog that adores children and is vocal when it senses danger. It thrives on agility, nose work, tracking and other jobs.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 49–55cm |
| Weight | 17–27kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15years |
| Breed group | AKC: fss FCI: 1 |
| Role | Herding |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 60–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 4/ 5 |
| Good with children | 4/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 4/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 2/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 4/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is reported in the breed. Ask your vet promptly if your dog has a seizure.
Degenerative myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord condition of older dogs, is reported in the breed; a DNA test identifies risk. Ask your vet if an older dog shows hind-leg weakness.
Neuroaxonal dystrophy / neurological DNA-tested conditions
Inherited neurological conditions are reported in the breed and DNA tests exist for some. Ask your breeder which tests were done.
Behaviour
Docile, vigilant, no nervousness
The FCI standard describes a lively dog with fast but not impetuous reactions — docile, easily trained, attentive, easy to control and amenable; modest, undemanding and tenacious; a loving member of the family; fearless, strong-nerved and exceptionally vigilant with a superb sense of smell — and says the breed is noted for its lively personality with no signs of nervousness.
A family dog that wants a job
The AKC says the Bohemian Shepherd makes an excellent family dog because of its devotion to family members and adoration of children, does well with other pets it is raised with, and as a herding and watchdog breed patrols its home, is very alert and can be quite vocal if it senses danger. It succeeds in agility, dog dancing, search and rescue, nose work, tracking, herding, obedience, coursing and dock diving.
Temperament
The AKC summarises the breed's temperament as "friendly, devoted, alert and intelligent".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 4/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Bohemian Shepherd
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Bohemian Shepherd Dog (standard no. 364, group 1)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Bohemian Shepherd — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Bohemian Shepherd Dog — FCI standard no. 364 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]FCI-Standard No. 364 — Bohemian Shepherd Dog (Chodský pes) — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.