OUR STORY

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In 2022, we began researching the next breed we wanted to welcome into our family. Our oldest daughter was struggling with an intense fear of dogs, and we knew we needed a breed with a natural affinity for children to help her overcome her fears. We wanted a dog that would be deeply devoted to its family, capable of alerting us to noises around our home, and that had an intimidating appearance yet remained naturally friendly and welcoming to visitors.

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After an extensive research process and countless conversations with Bohemian Shepherd owners, we concluded that this was the perfect breed for us! We were fortunate enough to meet two Bohemian Shepherds in person, and it was love at first sight. However, we quickly learned that Bohemian Shepherds are incredibly rare in the United States. At last count, there were thought to be less than 200 in all of North America. To bring one into our home, we would need to travel to their native country, the Czech Republic.​

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Our first journey to Prague took place in February 2023 when we brought back Bandit. It was a stressful experience—importing a dog is no small task. We spent countless hours researching flight restrictions, purchasing multiple dog carriers to meet airline weight requirements, and navigating airline policy changes, some of which occurred mid-process and left us scrambling for solutions. Despite these challenges, Bandit made it home with us. But I think we aged ten years from all the stress!

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When we brought Bandit home to Florida, we realized we were truly smitten with this breed. Our initial passion for owning one of these stunning dogs transformed into a desire to protect and promote the Bohemian Shepherd. We wanted to show others just how amazing they are. Through our journey to bring Bandit home, we became deeply connected with the Bohemian Shepherd Club of North America and many of its members.

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The Bohemian Shepherd is an AKC Foundation Stock Service breed, meaning it requires dedicated breeders to preserve and develop this rare purebred. Inspired by this mission, we decided to join forces with our Czech friends to help preserve this incredible breed. This led us to search for a female Bohemian Shepherd from a carefully selected pairing to further contribute to the breed's future.

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Our second trip to Europe, this time to bring home Chilli, was in December 2023. Although we were better prepared, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. During a layover in Denmark, we missed a connection and found ourselves stranded overnight. Thankfully, our thorough research paid off—Denmark’s regulations differ from the rest of the EU, allowing us to leave the airport with Chilli. That night, Chilli immediately melted our hearts. She snuggled up with us in bed and, despite being a puppy, never had an accident. She hasn’t left our bed since!

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Unfortunately, new CDC regulations now prohibit dogs from entering the United States unless they are over six months old. This change has created significant challenges for Bohemian Shepherd enthusiasts. Finding a breeder willing to raise a puppy to six months of age and then ship it in a plane’s cargo hold is extremely difficult. Both Bandit and Chilli traveled with us in the airplane cabin, and this policy shift has further encouraged us that we need to do all we can to ethically help the Bohemian in the United States.

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Despite these obstacles, we feel a deep sense of responsibility to preserve this incredible breed and to act as ethical stewards of the Bohemian Shepherds entrusted to us. We hope to connect with others who share our passion for rare breed preservation and who might join us in raising puppies. Together, we can keep this remarkable breed thriving while awaiting the day the CDC lifts its restrictive regulations.

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