Polish Tatra Sheepdog
Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a gentle working dog breed that resembles a small bear by his looks. These dogs are considered livestock guardians, and their main instinct is to protect their herd. Polish Tatra Sheepdog will develop strong bonds with its owner, although it doesn't have to be by their side all the time.
These are rare dogs even in their native land. Some estimate is that there are around 8000 Polish Tatra Sheepdogs in the World, and the majority live in Poland.
Height:
24-28 in (60-70 cm)
Weight:
80-130 lb (36-60 kg)
Origin:
Poland
Life Expectancy:
10-12 years
Dog Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Polish Tatra Sheepdog has long, thick, straight, or wavy hair that needs a proper amount of grooming for this dog to look good. Their coat served as protection from the harsh climate and bad weather. Weekly brushing is required to keep the amount of hair under control.
These dogs shed heavily two times a year when they blow their coat entirely, and during that period, daily brushing is a must to control the amount of hair around the house.
This is a self-cleaning dog, so it doesn't require frequent baths.
Polish Tatra Sheepdog coat colors:
- White - little cream patches are undesirable
The rest is basic care. Trim their nails when needed (if they don't wear them down naturally), and brush their teeth weekly to prevent tartar buildup and bacteria development. Regularly check their ears for any sign of redness or a bad odor that can indicate an infection.
You can wipe their ears with a cotton ball dipped into an ear cleaner. The key for your dog to get used to everything above is to start early with them. Make a positive experience for the dog full of praises and rewards, and you can be sure that your dog will enjoy all these things when he grows up.
Exercise
Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are a highly energetic and active breed. They were bred to work all day, so these dogs need a lot of daily exercise. These dogs need an active lifestyle to be happy. They love to be outside and to be part of an action.
If you are thinking about getting a Polish Tatra Sheepdog, make sure you have enough free time and energy to spend outside playing and training your Polish Tatra Sheepdog. If your schedule can’t allow you that, consider getting some less active breed. They are best suited for houses with a big yard where they can explore.
Personality
These are good-natured dogs that create strong bonds with their owner and family. They are very devoted to their loved ones and will protect them no matter what. With their strong bark, they will alert you every time if they notice something suspicious.
You must start with training and socialization early to prevent your dog from being pushy or dominant. Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are highly intelligent dogs, but they are also independent and willful. In many cases, they will be stubborn, and to secure a well-rounded dog, you must start with socialization early.
Without the right training, they can become destructive, and you can have many problems. From an early age, expose your dog to many different people, sights, and sounds so he can grow into a well-behaved dog.
Polish Tatra Sheepdogs and children
Early socialization and proper training can teach them to behave even when children are around. If you train and socialize your dog well, your children will get a great playing partner with plenty of energy. These dogs can play for hours upon hours without getting tired or bored.
Your children will also get a guard dog that is naturally suspicious of strangers, and you can be sure that they will warn you about any potential dangers approaching your kids.
Polish Tatra Sheepdog and other pets
Polish Tatra Sheepdogs can get along well with other dogs and can enjoy their company, especially if they are raised together from the start.
Health problems
Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are dogs with a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Like any other dog breed, they are prone to some health problems that every (future) owner should be aware of. To be sure that you'll get the healthiest possible dog, never buy a dog from a puppy mill breeder or a pet store.
Polish Tatra Sheepdogs can suffer from
- Patellar luxation
- Cataracts - Cloudy spots on the lens of the eye
- Epilepsy - Brain problem causing mild to severe seizures.
- Gastric torsion or bloat
To be sure that your dog will be healthy, always buy him from a responsible dog breeder who regularly tests their breeding dogs to secure that their puppies will be healthy as well.
Polish Tatra Sheepdog Breeders
If you decide this is the right dog for you, it's time to find a good and responsible Polish Tatra Sheepdog breeder. Buying a dog from such a breeder will provide you with a healthy puppy who will not have health and temperament problems.
You must find a good Polish Tatra Sheepdog breeder that can help you learn about this breed and make an informed choice about getting a dog with these characteristics.
These are rare dogs, and if you are considering getting one, you must be prepared to wait. In most cases, breeders will put you on the waiting list, but we assure you that the waiting will be worth it. You will end up with the best possible puppy with whom you will enjoy every minute of the day.
If you are unsure whether this is the breed for you, check out this FREE GUIDE that will help you decide which dog breed is right for you.
SEARCH POLISH TATRA SHEEPDOG BREEDERS
World Dog Finder team
Updated at31.08.2023.
Breed History
Polish Tatra Sheepdogs originate from the Tatra Mountain area in Poland. These dogs were used by mountain workers for centuries. Many workers used these dogs because of their great working abilities – herding sheep. At that time they were also used for guarding factories and private properties.
As is the case with many other dog breeds, even Polish Tatra Sheepdogs faced extinction after the World War, because breed enthusiasts managed to protect the breed and preserve it.
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