Polish Tatra Sheepdog

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Polish Tatra Sheepdog Profile

This big, strong, impressive shepherd dog called the Polish Tatra Sheepdog is resistant to climatic conditions. Podhalanskis, another name for this breed, have an all white coat. They do best in northern climates, as they have a thick, long woolly outer coat. Their eyes are deep and brown, and are slightly slanted. They have medium sized drop ears and large feet. Their long tails have been used by humans for sturdiness during a dangerous trek through the mountains. These dogs have special intelligence and instinct, and they are very watchful. Tatras are distrustful of strangers, but faithful and completely devoted to their master and his family. They can be rather independent, exerting their dominance over anyone if nobody else exerts dominance over them. They should be socialized and trained when they are young to know who is master. The Tatra sheepdog is a proud dog and just like any social animal it needs constant contact with its master. They are especially alert at night, often voicing their complaints and warnings to anything nearby. Their imposing attitude and beautifully massive appearance make them a good guard and companion dog.

Other Names: Owczarek Podhalanski, Tatrzanski

Height: 23 - 34 inches.
Weight: 100 - 150 lbs.

Color: White only.
Coat: Thick, straight or slightly wavy hair that is hard to the touch with a profuse undercoat. The Poles used to use their fur for spinning wool.

Temperament: Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are calm, intelligent and alert. They like to bark at night. They are very discerning and sensitive. They are calm, affectionate with family and very protective of them. They are wary of strangers and can appear threatening to them. They will bite if threatened or pushed to their limit. They have a placid and cheery attitude otherwise. Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are independent at heart, and need training to be told who is boss. They are social dogs and greatly enjoy being with family.
With Children: Medium. Gentle, caring and good with well-behaved children, but will not tolerate abuse from a child.
With Pets: Yes, they usually do well and are not dog-aggressive. In working conditions, it does well with other dogs and may tend to try to herd other animals.

Watch-dog: High. They are not shy when it comes to something being out of place or unusual. Owners have remarked at their tendency to bark a lot at night, and are thought to be even more alert at night than during the day.
Guard-dog: Very High. They are very protective of family and things they think belong to them. They will bite if pushed.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Care and Exercise: Grooming is moderate with occasional brushings. Owners have reported this breed to be relatively easy to keep groomed.
Training: With quiet and gentle treatment Polish Tatra Sheepdogs can be trained as companions, guard dogs and rescue dogs or all the above. They can be a little stubborn and hate compulsion by shouting, scolding or physical force. They can literally be offended and may pretend to be blind and deaf. Proper training requires consistency and determination in enforcing the desired behavior.
Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Medium. They can excel as guide and service dogs, but they can be rather independent. Problem Solving - High. Polish Tatra Sheepdogs learn fast and eagerly.

Activity: Medium. Tatras have a rather low stimulation threshold.
Special Needs: Fenced yard, leash, socialization, grooming and training.
Living Environment: Polish Tatra Sheepdogs don't stand city conditions well. They are working dogs living in a hard, mountain climate. They enjoy a high social life and prefer to be around their master and family rather than off running around, although somewhat independent. The best owner for this breed would be a dog-experienced owner living in a northern climate.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Health Issues: Allergies, cataracts, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and bloat. Bloat is a common health concern to most dogs, being the largest killer of dogs second to cancer. It is also referred to as gastric torsion or twisted stomach.

Life Span: 11 - 14 years.
Litter Size: 5 - 8 puppies.

Country of Origin: Poland
Polish Tatra Sheepdog History: The Polish Tatra Sheepdog, originated in the Podhale, in the Tatra Mountain region of Poland, near the high range of the Carpathian Mountains in southern Poland. The big white mountain dogs probably come from Mastiff dogs, which came to Europe from Asia and Tibet. They have existed in Polish mountains for thousands years. Developed as a livestock guardian, the breed is also used for personal protection, as guard dogs for private property, for military and police work and carting. Although the breed has most likely existed for hundreds of years in Poland, the advance of mountaineering in the mid-19th century brought them to the attention of the outside world. The breed was left almost extinct as a result of World War II. In the 1980s an American Foreign Service Officer who was stationed in Poland found these dogs and liked them so much that once he was back in the States he arranged to have three of them shipped to the U.S. In 1981 the breed was brought to America and Canada, just after martial law was declared in Poland. Some say they left "by a whisker". Their name in Polish, "owczarek", means "sheepdog". The rest of the name comes from where they are from: Podhale. They have been used for centuries as a sheepdog, guardian at factories, and livestock guardian. They were often used for pulling carts for dairy, horticulture and bakery items. Today, bright individuals of this breed are selected for police work, military or as guide dogs. Other dogs that are not so bright or do not serve as much purpose are still kept around in order to spin wool from their fur!

Class: Sheepdogs and Cattledogs
Registries: FCI

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs

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