At a glance the quick version
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.31
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.31
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.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Regular brushing keeps the long coat and dense undercoat tidy, with extra attention during seasonal coat changes.31
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to family life, ideally with outdoor space and daily activity.1
Company who they like around
People-oriented and happiest as a full member of the family; relates well to children and other animals.13
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 1985.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In 1325 King John of Luxembourg allowed the Chods to own large dogs, a privilege ordinary peasants did not have.1
- 2
Its silhouette appears on the badges of the Czech Scouting organisation.1
- 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.1
- 4
Only one colour is allowed: black with vivid tan markings.3
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 364, Group 1 Sheepdogs; provisional acceptance 29 April 2019; working trial required2
- Czech Kennel Club (ČMKU)
- Recognised1
- AKC
- Foundation Stock Service since 20191
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bohemian Shepherd. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Bohemian Shepherd en.wikipedia.orgused for history, names, lifespan, recognition, fun facts
- FCI nomenclature: Bohemian Shepherd Dog fci.beused for provisional recognition
- FCI Standard No. 364 Chodský pes fci.beused for size, weight, coat, colour, temperament, history
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.