Welcoming a Bohemian Shepherd puppy into your life is a thrilling experience, and with this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-prepared to provide the best possible start for your new furry friend.
Bohemian Shepherd puppies are a cross between a German Shepherd and a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, resulting in a unique and fascinating breed. They inherit the intelligence and loyalty of their German Shepherd parent and the energetic and adventurous spirit of their Wolfdog parent.
To ensure a smooth transition for your new puppy, it's essential to understand their exercise needs. Bohemian Shepherd puppies require at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime in a securely fenced area.
As a responsible owner, you'll want to prioritize training and socialization for your puppy. Consistent training and early socialization are crucial for developing good behavior and preventing potential issues like fear aggression.
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Characteristics
The Bohemian Shepherd is a big-hearted dog that loves their people above all else. They are friendly, intelligent, and devoted, making them a wonderful family dog.
With proper socialization early on, Bohemian Shepherds get along with children and pets. They display an extraordinary enthusiasm for all kinds of activities, no matter whether it's participating in dog sports or lounging beside you on the couch.
Here are some key characteristics of the Bohemian Shepherd breed:
- Affection Level: High
- Friendliness: High
- Kid-Friendly: High
- Pet-Friendly: Medium
- Exercise Needs: High
- Playfulness: Medium
- Energy Level: Medium
- Trainability: High
- Intelligence: High
- Tendency to Bark: Medium
- Amount of Shedding: Medium
Appearance
The Bohemian Shepherd's appearance is quite striking, with a long, double coat that's thick enough to withstand harsh winters. Its coat can reach lengths of 5 inches and is preferably black and tan in color, with the black color being the most dominant pigment.
Their ears stand erect and are shaped like triangles, making them relatively small for the size of the dog. Their almond-shaped eyes have a docile expression and are always brown.
The Bohemian Shepherd's body is classically described as oval-shaped and well-proportioned, with a muzzle that's darkly pigmented, as are its lip and nose. Their tail is thickly covered in fur and should easily reach their hocks.
Here are the average height and weight ranges for Bohemian Shepherds:
Their distinctive gait is fluid and elegant, making them a pleasure to watch in action.
Characteristics of the
The Bohemian Shepherd is a breed that's all about loyalty and affection. They're highly trainable and love having a job to do, whether it's participating in dog sports or just lounging around the house.
Their intelligence is off the charts, making them one of the easiest breeds to train. They're also naturally protective of their family, but with proper socialization, they get along great with kids and pets.
Here are some key characteristics of the Bohemian Shepherd breed:
They're also pretty energetic, so they need regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. A daily walk of at least an hour is a must, and they'll love joining you on agility training or trips to the dog park.
Their coat is medium-length and requires weekly brushing, with heavier shedding occurring seasonally. They're not considered allergy-friendly, so if you have allergies, this might not be the breed for you.
Care and Grooming
Bohemian shepherd puppies require regular exercise to burn off their excess energy. They need at least one hour-long walk per day, and physically and mentally stimulating activities like agility training or trips to the dog park.
Their long, thick coats shed moderately, but they only require weekly or biweekly brushing to prevent mats and tangles. It's essential to brush their coats regularly, especially during shedding seasons.
Bohemian shepherd puppies also need regular nail trimming, every 3 to 4 weeks, and ear cleaning, once a month. Brushing their teeth daily is also crucial for good dental health.
Care
Bohemian Shepherds are highly energetic dogs that need plenty of opportunities to learn, exercise, and play to thrive.
They require at least one hour-long walk per day, especially if you live in an apartment or don't have a fenced-in yard.
Bohemian Shepherds need both physically and mentally stimulating activities, such as agility training or obedience training, to burn off their excess energy.
Their long hair sheds moderately, but they only need moderate grooming.
Be sure to check their ears daily for pests and debris, especially since this breed has hairy ears.
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Trim your dog's nails as your veterinarian or groomer instructed, and they should not be clicking against the floor.
It's ideal to begin grooming at a young age so your dog will be comfortable with you cleaning their ears, trimming their nails, and brushing their teeth.
Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any serious illnesses earlier on and can help treat them as soon as possible.
Grooming
Grooming is a crucial part of Bohemian Shepherd care, and it's essential to establish a routine from an early age.
Bohemian Shepherds have a luxurious, insulated double coat that protects them from weather conditions and physical injuries, but it requires regular maintenance to prevent mats and tangles. They only need weekly or biweekly brushing to keep their coat in good condition.
Their long, thick coats shed more in the spring and fall, so a good undercoat rake will come in handy to remove the undercoat seasonally. This will help prevent excessive shedding and keep their coat looking healthy.
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Bohemian Shepherds are sensitive to over-shampooing, so it's best to limit bathing to only when necessary to prevent their skin from losing the necessary oils. When they do get dirty, a rinse is usually sufficient.
Trimming their nails every month or so is also essential to prevent them from clicking against the floor. Regular ear cleaning is also necessary to prevent wax buildup and debris accumulation.
Daily tooth brushing is crucial to maintain good dental health in Bohemian Shepherds. Brushing their teeth regularly will help prevent tartar buildup and keep their breath fresh.
Their hairy ears require daily checking for pests and debris, especially during shedding season. This will help prevent any discomfort or infection.
By introducing grooming from an early age, you can help your Bohemian Shepherd become comfortable with nail trimming, ear cleaning, and brushing their teeth. This will make grooming sessions a breeze for both you and your dog.
Regular veterinary checkups are also essential to detect any serious illnesses early on and create a care plan tailored to your dog's needs. Your vet will help you establish a grooming schedule that suits your dog's specific requirements.
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Feeding
Feeding your Bohemian Shepherd is crucial to their overall health and happiness. Divide meals into smaller portions to eat throughout the day, rather than leaving food out all the time, to prevent bloat.
This breed is a high-energy medium-sized breed, so they need a diet that matches their needs. As they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years, their dietary needs will change.
You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Bohemian Shepherd's diet, as individual dogs have varying needs based on weight, energy, and health.
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Training and Behavior
Bohemian shepherd puppies are quick learners and enjoy the activity of learning, making them easily trainable. They thrive on consistent praise, plenty of treats, and fun training sessions.
To keep them engaged, it's essential to start training early, as they can become bored quickly. Their growth plates aren't fully closed until they reach two years old, so exercising them carefully is crucial.
Positive reinforcement training methods work best with Bohemian shepherd puppies, and they excel in activities that challenge their intelligence, such as agility games. With proper training and socialization, they can become valuable members of society, used for tasks like search and rescue missions.
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Temperament & Intelligence
The Bohemian Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed that thrives on mental and physical stimulation. They are quick learners and enjoy the activity of learning, making them easily trainable.
Their sensitive nature means they pick up on subtle cues, so positive reinforcement training methods are best. Provide them with consistent praise, plenty of treats, and find ways to keep training fun to keep your Bohemian Shepherd interested.
Their herding instincts can sometimes get the better of them, especially around small children or pets. Early socialization is key to helping them understand what's acceptable behavior.
Bohemian Shepherds are naturally protective of their families, but not in an overly aggressive way. They bond closely to their immediate family and are warm and open, showing a great deal of affection.
They are highly trainable and can excel in various roles, from service animals to search and rescue missions. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them a valuable asset to any team.
Their high energy levels mean they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Providing them with a purpose, such as training or playtime, can help keep them occupied and happy.
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Exercise
The Bohemian Shepherd needs a fair bit of exercise every day, about 1 hour is a good amount to keep them happy and healthy.
They're energetic dogs, but they also enjoy relaxing at home and getting plenty of cuddles with their families.
These dogs are calm, especially when they're inside the house, and they don't do well in confined spaces.
Health and Wellness
The Bohemian Shepherd is a relatively healthy breed, but like any other dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia are potential problems, as well as degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy.
Regular ear cleaning and maintenance are crucial to prevent ear infections in Bohemian Shepherds, who are prone to these issues due to their floppy ears and active lifestyle.
Bloat, also known as gastric torsion or twisted stomach, is a life-threatening condition that can occur in Bohemian Shepherds. It's essential to be aware of the symptoms and take preventative measures, such as feeding smaller, more frequent meals.
Some common health concerns in Bohemian Shepherds include:
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Eye Conditions (such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and glaucoma)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
Health and Conditions
The Bohemian Shepherd is a relatively healthy breed, but like any other dog, they can be prone to certain health issues.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are potential hereditary health problems to look out for, as well as degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy.
Regular ear cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent ear infections in Bohemian Shepherds, due to their floppy ears and active lifestyle.
Bloat, also known as gastric torsion or twisted stomach, can be life-threatening and is a condition to be aware of.
Bohemian Shepherds can be predisposed to various eye conditions, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and glaucoma. Regular eye exams can help detect and manage these issues early.
Here are some common health concerns in Bohemian Shepherds:
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Eye Conditions (cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
Responsible breeding practices can help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in this breed.
The Struggles in Heat
They are tough dogs that can easily withstand cold weather but do not do well in the heat.
Be sure to keep them indoors and not overexert them on hot days.
Adopt or Buy
The Bohemian shepherd is an incredibly rare breed in America, with only about 100 dogs in the American population.
You can expect to pay between $1,600–$2,000 for a Bohemian shepherd puppy, depending on the breeder and country.
Additional shipping costs of about $1,200 or travel costs may apply if you're picking up a puppy in person, which is what most breeders prefer.
To find a reputable breeder, you can contact the breed club BSCNA at [email protected], which works with breeders in Europe to import puppies.
Check out AKC Bohemian shepherd breeders for more options.
Due to their rarity, the chance of finding a Bohemian shepherd in a shelter is extremely unlikely.
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Puppy Care
Bohemian Shepherd puppies have a bunch of energy and are relatively healthy, but they can be prone to a few known health conditions.
To keep your puppy happy and healthy, provide them with plenty of opportunities to learn, exercise, and play. Bohemian Shepherds need both physically and mentally stimulating activities to thrive.
Agility training, obedience training, or a trip to the dog park are great ways to burn off your puppy's excess energy. Make sure to give your puppy at least one hour-long walk per day, especially if you live in an apartment or don't have a fenced-in yard.
Daily ear checks are crucial for Bohemian Shepherds, as their hairy ears can trap pests and debris. Trim your puppy's nails as your veterinarian or groomer instructed, and keep an eye out for clicking sounds against the floor.
Regular grooming is essential for Bohemian Shepherds, and it's best to start early so your puppy becomes comfortable with nail trimming, ear cleaning, and brushing their teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bohemian Shepherds rare?
Yes, Bohemian Shepherds are a relatively rare breed in the US. Their scarcity makes them an intriguing choice for dog enthusiasts looking for a unique companion.
Do Bohemian Shepherds bark a lot?
Bohemian Shepherds may bark excessively if they don't receive daily exercise and mental stimulation. Regular activity helps prevent unwanted behaviors like barking and chewing
What is the difference between a German Shepherd and a Bohemian Shepherd?
The Bohemian Shepherd is smaller than the German Shepherd with a straighter back, and has a longer, black coat. This distinct appearance sets it apart from the more familiar German Shepherd breed.
How big does a Bohemian Shepherd get?
A Bohemian Shepherd typically stands 48-55 cm (19-22 inches) tall and weighs 15-25 kg (35-55 lb).
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