Chodsky Pes - All About the Bohemian Shepherd Dog
German and Belgian Shepherds are well-known to almost everyone. However, the Chodsky Pes is a shepherd dog that only a few people are familiar with. Unjustly so, because this beautiful four-legged creature has many talents and a wonderful character!
The Chodsky Pes was provisionally recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) in April 2019 and listed in Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (excluding Swiss Cattledogs), Section 1 Sheepdogs with working trial.
Chodsky Pes History
This shepherd dog is an ancient breed from the Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. With its versatile abilities, it took on multiple tasks in the 13th century. It served as a guard dog for the Chods, who used it in the border region to Bavaria. This is why it is also known as the Choden Dog and Chodenland Dog. In addition, it herded cattle, kept predators away from the herds, and assisted its owners during hunting trips by tracking down game.
After World War II, the population of Chodsky Pes was in decline. Fortunately, in 1984, Jan Findejs and Vilem Kurz decided to revive the nearly forgotten Bohemian Shepherd Dog. They sought out remaining Chodsky Pes dogs and also crossed them with other shepherd dogs. Their endeavor was successful, as six Bohemian Shepherd Dog puppies were born just a year later. The establishment of a breed standard by Findejs gave the Chodsky Pes a clear identity as a dog breed.
Chodsky Pes Appearance
A dog with a majestic appearance, the Chodsky Pes captivates many with its athletic presence. This is partly due to its harmonious and rectangular body structure and its muscular limbs. The almond-shaped eyes have a dark brown color and exude alertness. The small erect ears are set high and slightly rounded. Its muzzle emphasizes its strength - it is of medium length, powerful, and black pigmented. The tail of the Chodsky Pes is carried slightly curved downwards.
Bohemian Shepherd Dog Size and Weight
Its abundant coat gives the impression that it is an imposing four-legged companion. However, the Chodsky Pes is a medium-sized dog and is smaller and more delicate compared to the (modern) German Shepherd.
Males measure between 52 and 55 centimeters in height and weigh between 19 and 27 kilograms. Females are slightly smaller with a withers height of 49 to 52 centimeters. Their weight ranges from 17 to 24 kilograms.
Chodsky Pes Coat and Colors
The coat of the Chodsky Pes consists of two layers. The topcoat is long, smooth or slightly wavy, and shiny. The soft undercoat is dense and protects the dog from cold and wetness. Regarding coat color, this breed only allows one accepted color combination - black with tan markings, also known as "Black and Tan". The intensity of the brown markings may vary, but a rich pigmentation is preferred.
Chodenland Dog Personality and Temperament
- Trainable
- Willing to work
- Focused
- Protective
- Energetic
- Friendly
- Active
- Intelligent
- Lively
- Courageous
- Playful
- Adaptable
- Loyal
Its exceptionally friendly nature deserves special mention. While working, the Chodenland Dog acts disciplined and shows remarkable concentration on its tasks. However, when living with its family, its affectionate side emerges. It reveals a deep bond with its human and is only happy when fully participating in family life.
Chodsky Pes Health and Life Expectancy
The Bohemian Shepherd Dog enjoys good health. However, like any breed, it is prone to some breed-related health conditions, although to a lesser extent. These include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye diseases (such as entropion and ectropion)
- Degenerative myelopathy (a neurological spinal cord disease)
This working dog's excellent health is also reflected in its life expectancy. On average, Chodenland Dogs live to be 12 to 15 years old.
Chodsky Pes Care
The Czech Shepherd Dog has a silky coat. However, it is generally a low-maintenance breed. During shedding season, it is advisable to brush out dead hair a few times a week. Outside of this hairy time, brushing once a week is sufficient to maintain the beauty of the coat. Regular bathing or visiting a groomer multiple times a year is usually not necessary.
Other grooming rituals should be followed as with all dogs, including regular teeth brushing, nail trimming as needed, and ear care.
Is this breed suitable for me?
Working dogs are generally recommended for experienced dog lovers. However, the Chodsky Pes proves to be trainable and adaptable, making it suitable for ambitious dog beginners as well. Its high willingness to please, high concentration, and intelligence positively contribute to its trainability.
To be balanced, this dog needs both physical and mental stimulation. Therefore, this breed is well-suited for people who are active and enjoy engaging in demanding dog sports such as obedience and mantrailing. Additionally, the Czech breed is also the perfect candidate for various training purposes. For example, Chodsky Pes dogs are trained as search and rescue dogs, protection dogs, and detection dogs. Of course, this diligent working dog also feels at home on a farm and can passionately take on herding animals without previous training. It goes without saying that the Chodsky Pes will also claim the position of guard dog without a prior training program. It is considered highly alert and will always want to protect its family.
Families with children can rejoice because the Chodenland Dog is excellent as a family dog due to its gentle and playful nature. The social nature of the breed means that introducing them to cats is likely to go smoothly as well. In general, these shepherd dogs are closely bonded with their families and appreciate the company of their loved ones. This makes them perfect companions for people who can spend a lot of time with them.
Buying a Chodsky Pes - Breeders and Prices
Chodsky Pes puppies can be purchased in the Czech Republic, but also occasionally in Germany and Switzerland. When searching, interested individuals should ensure that the Chodsky Pes breeders adhere to FCI standards and select only healthy parent dogs for breeding. The prices for a Chodenland Dog are in the higher range and start from 1,200 euros. As it is a rare breed, it is advisable to contact Chodsky Pes breeders early on.
Alternatively, interested individuals can always look for dogs resembling the Chodsky Pes in animal shelters and with animal welfare associations that are looking for a loving home. Numerous German Shepherd mixed breeds are waiting to be adopted by animal-loving people. Some of them will surely exhibit many characteristics of the Chodsky Pes and become loyal and valuable family members.
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