Czech Mountain Dog
Also known as Český Horský Pes · Bohemian Mountain Dog
Czech Republic, Working and herding dogs
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 56–70 cm
- Weight
- 26–40 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11–12 yrs
- Friendly
- Confident
- Lively
- Hardworking
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Czech Mountain Dog is a large, strong sledding and draught dog bred in Czechoslovakia from 1977. It has a dense, hard, white coat with black or brown patches and a plumed tail that curls over the back when it is excited. It is used for sledding, search and rescue, carting and as an active family companion.
Size
- Size
- Large
- Height at shoulder
- 56–70 cm
- Adult weight
- 26–40 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Bigger breeds keep filling out until 18–24 months.
Lifespan
11–12 years
Most Czech Mountain Dogs live 11–12 years. Like other large dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 7, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
The ideal is a pleasant, friendly, confident and lively dog that is never aggressive. It works willingly with patient, motivated training and also makes a reliable watchdog.
- Friendly
- Confident
- Lively
- Hardworking
Food
For a typical 33 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 1,540 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 1.3 L–2 L
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Puppies of large breeds need a diet made for large-breed growth, so they grow steadily rather than fast.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayA high-energy working breed that needs plenty of daily activity and does well in sledding, bikejoring, tracking and other sports.
Grooming & shedding
The thick coat needs brushing at least weekly, and more when the winter undercoat sheds.
Health
It suits active families with space, ideally in cooler climates. Train with patience and consistency. The breed began from a very small gene pool, so ask breeders about health testing and outcrossing. It is uncommon outside the Czech Republic.
The breed can be prone to
- Inbreeding risk from a small founding population
- Joint problems common to large breeds
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip and elbow scoring
Not every Czech Mountain Dog is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
Petr Hanzlík bred the first litter in 1977 by crossing a Slovak Cuvac bitch with a black-and-white draught dog from Canada, wanting a hardy sled dog when Nordic breeds were hard to import behind the Iron Curtain. Owners helped pioneer Czech sled racing, and the breed was recognised nationally in 1984. Other breeds were added in the 1990s to widen the gene pool.
- Country of origin
- Czech Republic
- Type
- Working and herding dogs
- Recognition
- Recognised by the Czech Kennel Club since 1984; not recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Czech Mountain Dog right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
- You need a dog you can easily lift or carry
Cost to keep
Higher than average- Food, insurance and medicines cost more for a big dog
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 11–12 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Czech Mountain Dog FAQ
How big does a Czech Mountain Dog get?
Adult Czech Mountain Dogs typically stand about 56–70 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 26–40 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Czech Mountain Dogs live?
Typically 11–12 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Czech Mountain Dog need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Czech Mountain Dog need?
Brushing a few times a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Czech Mountain Dogs easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Czech Mountain Dogs shed?
Quite a lot. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control — expect more around spring and autumn.
Are Czech Mountain Dogs good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Czech Mountain Dog live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Czech Mountain Dogs have?
The breed can be prone to inbreeding risk from a small founding population, joint problems common to large breeds. Not every Czech Mountain Dog is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.