Portuguese Sheepdog 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.
Portuguese Sheepdog
Foundation Stock Service
Bohemian Shepherd
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Portuguese Sheepdog Overview
Portuguese Sheepdogs showcase a distinctive medium-sized frame with a long, wavy coat that can range from yellow to brown. Their expressive eyes and alert ears complement an athletic build designed for herding work. Known for their intelligent expression and agile movements, these dogs carry themselves with confidence and grace while maintaining their rustic appearance.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Portuguese Sheepdogs are more energetic than Bohemian Shepherds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Portuguese Sheepdogs require more grooming attention compared to Bohemian Shepherds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Portuguese Sheepdogs 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 Portuguese Sheepdogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Portuguese Sheepdog and Bohemian Shepherd, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Portuguese Sheepdog | Bohemian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Portuguese Sheepdog | Bohemian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-22 inches 42-55 cm | 19-22 inches 49-55 cm |
| Weight | 37-59 lbs 17-27 kg | 37-60 lbs 17-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Portuguese Sheepdog | Bohemian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Intelligent, Devoted, Lively | Friendly, Devoted, Alert and Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Portuguese Sheepdog | Bohemian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Portuguese Sheepdog Temperament
The Portuguese Sheepdog is known for being intelligent, devoted, lively, 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
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 Portuguese Sheepdog and Bohemian Shepherd, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Portuguese Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Sheepdogs 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
With their short, dense coat coat, Portuguese Sheepdogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Bohemian Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
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
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
Portuguese Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Issues
Bohemian Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Portuguese Sheepdog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding abilities
- Good with families
- Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be strong-willed
- May show herding behaviors
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 Portuguese Sheepdog and Bohemian Shepherd, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.