Bohemian Shepherd

People-oriented, watchful and versatile

The Klub přátel chodského psa, the breed’s Czech parent club, describes a lively, attentive dog that enjoys working with people. Many Bohemian Shepherds respond enthusiastically to a shared game. A toy can be as useful a training reward as a piece of food. Friendly, clear exercises suit this often sensitive dog better than shouting or endless repetition.

Watchfulness can appear as barking when someone arrives at the house. During visits, your dog should have somewhere to observe with a little distance. A behaviour you want, such as waiting calmly, should first be practised and rewarded without guests present. How readily the dog welcomes strangers also depends on its previous experiences.

As a herding dog, it may try to keep a group together when people spread out. Adults should watch for chasing or crowding when children run around. The dog should always have somewhere quiet to retreat. Introductions to another dog or a cat should be prepared carefully. Although the breed is often described as friendly, living together depends on the individual animals' experiences and responses.

Everyday life

Outings together, small learning tasks and activities using its nose offer this dog plenty of variety. At home, a familiar toy can first be left in sight and later hidden behind an easily accessible object. Your dog can search for it and bring it back. Hiding places and difficulty should give it a reasonable chance of success.

The breed club also describes mantrailing. This teaches a dog to follow the individual scent trail of a particular person. With expert guidance, the dog can gradually learn to follow longer and more challenging trails. Other options include agility, an obstacle course, or learning small movements and tricks together. Suitable activities depend on the dog's interests, age and health.

A Bohemian Shepherd can live in a flat when daily outdoor activity is part of the routine. Contact with its family is particularly important. A cool resting place should be available on hot days, with longer or strenuous outings planned for cooler times. Dependable care arrangements and gradually introduced time alone also need planning. Persistent barking or pacing when you leave warrants advice from a vet and, where needed, behavioural support.

Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗

Day-to-day care

The longer outer coat and dense undercoat, an additional layer of hair underneath, should be brushed regularly. There can be considerably more hair to deal with during moulting. Behind the ears and in thickly coated areas, it is worth checking carefully for tangles and skin changes. Small twigs and other debris can be removed after walks through undergrowth.

Nails and paws need regular checks. Toothbrushing with dog toothpaste should ideally be a daily habit and introduced gradually. Food portions should reflect actual activity and body condition. Beneath the long coat, checking body shape with your hands can help you notice weight gain early.