DogMatchUp

Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Bohemian Shepherd

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Medium

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Sporting Group

Bohemian Shepherd
Medium

Bohemian Shepherd

Foundation Stock Service

Quick Comparison

Size

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Medium
Bohemian Shepherd Medium

Lifespan

Chesapeake Bay Retriever 10-13 years
Bohemian Shepherd 12-15 years

Exercise Needs

Chesapeake Bay Retriever 4/5
Bohemian Shepherd 3/5

Grooming Needs

Chesapeake Bay Retriever 4/5
Bohemian Shepherd 2/5

Breed Overview

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Overview

Powerful and distinctive, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever boasts a thick, wavy coat in earthy tones perfectly suited for water work. Their strong, well-proportioned frame supports tireless swimming and retrieving, while their broad head features amber-colored eyes that convey intelligence and warmth. Known for their determined yet gentle nature, these retrievers combine rugged capability with family-oriented devotion.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive

Bohemian Shepherd Overview

Bohemian Shepherds showcase a balanced blend of strength and agility, with a medium-sized, well-muscled frame and distinctive double coat. Their alert expression and noble bearing reflect their heritage as versatile working dogs. Featuring a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, and intelligent dark eyes, these dogs carry themselves with natural grace and confidence.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Friendly, Devoted, Alert and Intelligent

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are more energetic than Bohemian Shepherds, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require more grooming attention compared to Bohemian Shepherds.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bohemian Shepherds.
  • Trainability: Bohemian Shepherds may be slightly easier to train due to their Bohemian Shepherd's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Bohemian Shepherds adapt better to apartment living, while Chesapeake Bay Retrievers typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Bohemian Shepherd, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Chesapeake Bay Retriever Bohemian Shepherd
Size Medium Medium
Life Expectancy 10-13 years 12-15 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Sporting Group Foundation Stock Service

Physical Characteristics

Feature Chesapeake Bay Retriever Bohemian Shepherd
Height
21-26 inches
53-66 cm
19-22 inches
49-55 cm
Weight
55-80 lbs
25-36 kg
37-60 lbs
17-27 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Regularly Occasional

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Chesapeake Bay Retriever Bohemian Shepherd
Temperament Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive Friendly, Devoted, Alert and Intelligent
Energy Level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
1/5
1/5

Compatibility

Feature Chesapeake Bay Retriever Bohemian Shepherd
Good with Children
3/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
3/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Temperament

Affectionate Bright Sensitive

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is known for being affectionate, bright, sensitive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Bohemian Shepherd Temperament

Friendly Devoted Alert and Intelligent

The Bohemian Shepherd is characterized by being friendly, devoted, alert and intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.

Temperament Comparison

When comparing the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Bohemian Shepherd, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Chesapeake Bay Retriever
3/5
Bohemian Shepherd
4/5

Good with Children

Chesapeake Bay Retriever
3/5
Bohemian Shepherd
5/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Bohemian Shepherd

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 5/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Bohemian Shepherd

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Bohemian Shepherd

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Bohemian Shepherd

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Bohemian Shepherd

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Care & Maintenance

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

4/5

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.

Grooming Requirements

4/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.

Bohemian Shepherd Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Bohemian Shepherds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

2/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Bohemian Shepherds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.

Health & Lifespan

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 10-13 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Bloat
  • Von Willebrand's
  • Epilepsy

Bohemian Shepherd Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Bloat
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Allergies

Pros & Cons

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Pros

  • Excellent water retriever
  • Loyal family companion
  • Weather-resistant coat
  • Strong work ethic

Cons

  • Heavy shedding
  • Needs extensive exercise
  • Can be stubborn
  • Reserved with strangers

Bohemian Shepherd

Pros

  • Highly intelligent and trainable
  • Devoted family companion
  • Versatile working abilities
  • Good with children

Cons

  • Requires regular exercise
  • May be reserved with strangers
  • Moderate grooming needs
  • Strong herding instincts

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Bohemian Shepherd, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.