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Polish Tatra Sheepdog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Polish Tatra Sheepdog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank266
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Polish Tatra Sheepdog dog profile picture
OriginPoland flagPoland
Other Names
What other names does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog have?
Polski OwczarekTatra Mountain SheepdogOwczarek Podhalanski
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Polish Tatra Sheepdog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Polish Tatra Sheepdog get?

What is the average size of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?

Large
Weight
How much does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog weigh? How much should a Polish Tatra Sheepdog weight? What is the normal weight of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog? How much does a full-grown Polish Tatra Sheepdog weight?
80-130 pounds (36-59 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?
105 pounds (47.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Polish Tatra Sheepdog? Polish Tatra Sheepdog height:
Female: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Male: 26-28 inches (65-70 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?
Female: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Male: 27 inches (67.5 cm)

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog in the United States? How much money is a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?

Where to buy a Polish Tatra Sheepdog with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Polish Tatra Sheepdog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Polish Tatra Sheepdog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Polish Tatra Sheepdog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Polish Tatra Sheepdog? How many Polish Tatra Sheepdog are there in the world?
Average: The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Polish Tatra Sheepdog? Is the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Polish Tatra Sheepdog obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Polish Tatra Sheepdog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IndependentIntelligentCalm
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Polish Tatra Sheepdog sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Polish Tatra Sheepdog a good family dog?
High: Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Polski Owczarek need? Polish Tatra Sheepdog social needs:
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Polish Tatra Sheepdog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Polish Tatra Sheepdog roam?
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Polish Tatra Sheepdog have high prey drive?
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Polish Tatra Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Polski Owczarek bark?
Low to Average: The Polish Tatra Sheepdog rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Polish Tatra Sheepdog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Polish Tatra Sheepdog in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Polish Tatra Sheepdog indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Polish Tatra Sheepdog be left alone? How long can you leave a Polish Tatra Sheepdog alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog? How much bite force does a Polish Tatra Sheepdog have? How strong is a Polish Tatra Sheepdog bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Polish Tatra Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Polish Tatra Sheepdog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Polish Tatra Sheepdog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Polish Tatra Sheepdog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Polish Tatra Sheepdog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Polish Tatra Sheepdog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Polish Tatra Sheepdog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Polish Tatra Sheepdog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Polski Owczarek? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Polish Tatra Sheepdog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog do?
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed? Most common health risks of Polish Tatra Sheepdog:
Hip Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Polish Tatra Sheepdog see the vet?
Average
The Polish Tatra Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs live? How old can a Polish Tatra Sheepdog be? What is the age limit of the Polish Tatra Sheepdog? How many years can the oldest Polish Tatra Sheepdog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?

How long is the lifespan of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Polish Tatra Sheepdog: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog have? What is the activity level of the Polish Tatra Sheepdog?
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Polish Tatra Sheepdog need? How much exercise do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs require per day?

Do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed need?
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Polish Tatra Sheepdog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Polish Tatra Sheepdog? How much food should I feed my Polish Tatra Sheepdog?
5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Polish Tatra Sheepdog risk for obesity:
High: The Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding. If you want to keep balance, increase the amount and frequency of your daily dog walk and play with the Polish Tatra Sheepdog more often.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Polish Tatra Sheepdog weight regularly.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Silky
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Polish Tatra Sheepdog coats?
Cream White
Grooming
How to groom the Polish Tatra Sheepdog and how often? How often should I take my Polish Tatra Sheepdog to the groomer?
Effortless: The Polish Tatra Sheepdog requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Polish Tatra Sheepdog is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Polski Owczarek? Do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs shed a lot?
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog need a bath? How often should you give a Polish Tatra Sheepdog a bath? Can I bathe my Polish Tatra Sheepdog every day?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. For example, oilier breeds may need to be bathed up to once a week.

Because many of these breeds are short-haired, a nice brushing won’t do much to redistribute the oils, so while these oils do protect the dog’s skin from overdrying, they can carry a pretty pungent odor.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed hypoallergenic?
No
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Polish Tatra Sheepdog drool?
The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Polish Tatra Sheepdog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs get along with other pets? Are Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Polish Tatra Sheepdog temperament with other people:
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Polish Tatra Sheepdog temperament with children:
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed live with a cat?
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Polish Tatra Sheepdog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs?
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs good office canines? Do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Polish Tatra Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Polski Owczarek temperament with senior people? Are Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs good for elderly owners?
Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Polish Tatra Sheepdog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Polish Tatra Sheepdog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Polish Tatra Sheepdog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Polish Tatra Sheepdog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Polish Tatra Sheepdog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Polish Tatra Sheepdog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Polish Tatra Sheepdog be a boat dog?

Not really

Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Polish Tatra Sheepdog be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Polish Tatra Sheepdog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Polish Tatra Sheepdog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Polish Tatra Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Polish Tatra Sheepdog have? How many puppies can a Polish Tatra Sheepdog give birth to?
3-5 puppies

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Polish Tatra Sheepdog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Polish Tatra Sheepdog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed?
Dog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleAmerican Canine Association, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Rare Breed AssociationPolish Tatra Sheepdog Club Of AmericaPolish Kennel Club

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Polish Tatra Sheepdog requires minimal grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are low shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Child Friendly: Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Hypoallergenic: Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: High: The Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Dog Friendly: Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Polish Tatra Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog History

The origins of the Polish Tatra Sheepdog date back to the 14th century and at a time of little record keeping as we know. The breed also goes by several other names such as Polish Mountain Sheepdog, Tatra Shepard, Owczarek Podhalanski, and Tatrahund. One theory about the breed’s development is that they come from the mastiff family and arose as a variant of the Tibetan Mastiff. However, another theory suggests that it is a variant of another ancient breed, the Sarplaninac, taken to Poland by Wallachian traders from the Balkans. People claim that the sheepdog is a much larger and heavier breed than the white dogs that were usually found in Yugoslavia, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia, so some Central Asian heritage must be in the breed.

What is known, is that the Polish Tatra Sheepdog developed in the Podhale region, in the shadow of the Carpathian Mountains, in southern Poland. At the time people over there made a living as simple farmers, raising sheep on the mountainous lands. The Tatra proved his worth with a talent for herding with its natural protective instinct to stay close to the sheep and goats. This meant that when predators approached, instead of running towards the predator and leaving the sheep alone, the Tatra stayed with them, showing great restraint and intelligence, which earned the breed a good reputation. The sheepdogs are usually used in a group or two or more dogs, which puts them at an advantage when confronting a pack of wolves. These types of dogs only attacked when the wolves got close enough, and with this tactic, they kept the flock together, rather than sending sheep scattering in panic. As a result of this tactic, the Tatra earned a nickname called the ‘Thinking Dog’. Moreover, shepherds used to favor white dogs as they could easily be distinguished from the bear or the wolf.

Moving towards the 19th century, and the start of tourism, mountain climbing became a trend. As a large strong dog, the Tatra made a great companion for climbers as they realized that they could use the breed’s tail as a steadying handle on a treacherous path. Even in the off-season, farmers used them as draught animals.

The valued guardian and companion of sheepherders in the Tatra Mountains for centuries managed to survive the Second World War, but with a dangerously low number. The breed almost became extinct during the communist rule, when the number of rural herdsmen, their flocks, and their dogs were murdered. By the 1960s, the Tatra lovers decided to start a revival program, reportedly based on the careful selection of the best surviving specimens. However, to be able to save the breed, it was necessary to cross it with the Kuvasz, another large white shepherding dog originating from Hungary. During the mid-1970s the numbers of the Tatra dogs stabilized and the breed was slowly becoming more common outside of its homeland. By the 1980s, Tatra sheepdogs could be found in many European countries, as well as in the United States. The breed was recognized by the U.K.C. in 1995 and although its population is modest in numbers, the Tatra dog has a loyal following around the world.

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Polish Tatra Sheepdog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Magda

    Nov 30, 2023, 5:40:57 PM:

    Most of these informations are totally wrong.

  • Marie

    Feb 24, 2022, 9:01:14 AM:

    Many things are totally true, except the being smart part. Tatra dogs are definitely highly intelligent.

  • Julie

    May 1, 2021, 4:03:34 AM:

    My best friend...... also a little stubborn, but very smart and easy to train