Tatra Shepherd Dog

Temperament:

Independent, Alert, Calm
Size: Large
Height: 60-65 cm
Weight: 45-69 kg
Lifespan: 9-15 years
Coat: Longhair
Colors: White
FCI Group: Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)

The Tatra Shepherd Dog is also known as the Polski Owczarek Podhalanski, Owczarek Tatrzański, Tatra Dog or Tatra Sheepdog. Its imposing appearance with its white fuzzy coat is reminiscent of a small polar bear and makes the hearts of dog lovers beat faster.

Tatra Shepherd Dog
Artboard 26

Characteristics

Herding and guarding flocks is the profession of the Tatra Shepherd Dog. He prefers to work alone and makes all the necessary decisions himself. He finds it difficult to listen to orders.

If you are looking for a guard dog with classic protection dog training, the Tatra Shepherd Dog is therefore the wrong choice. He is a loyal companion and family dog. He defends his family and his territory unconditionally.

This breed intimidates any opponent, whether human or animal, by its appearance alone. It doesn't have to become aggressive and it won't.

He has a pleasant nature and participates enthusiastically in all family activities. He is not suitable for dog sports due to his heavy build.

Get your Tatra Shepherd Dog used to other dogs as a puppy. Otherwise he will tend to dominate other dogs as an adult.

Like all herding dogs, this breed is quick on the uptake and learns easily.

This gentle giant prefers to spend his time outdoors. He always wants to be close to you and enjoys his daily cuddles. He never strays too far from you on walks, even if there is game nearby.

This breed is only available with a pure white, dense coat. The muscular dogs reach a shoulder height of up to 65 cm.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.

Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.

Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.

Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.

Health & Care

The long coat protects your guard dog from wind and weather. The dense undercoat keeps out the cold and heat and the long top coat lets the rain roll off like a roof.

Do not destroy this work of nature by brushing or bathing too often. Your Tatra Shepherd Dog is an outdoor dog, wind and weather will brush his coat. Dirt falls out of the top coat by itself as soon as it is dry.

Because of his size alone, he needs a property with a yard or garden. He likes to come into the house for cuddles or just for fun. This freedom-loving herding dog is not suited to being kept exclusively indoors. Under no circumstances should it be kept in a cramped city apartment.

The Tatra Shepherd Dog loves small search games with which you can keep your four-legged friend busy. Most Podhalanski don't like jogging, cycling or other types of exercise. They prefer to observe everything that happens around them. This is a legacy from their time as guard dogs.

Suitable accessories

You don't need much in the way of accessories. A food bowl and, if possible, several water bowls are a matter of course. It's not just in the summer that you spread the water bowls all over the property and in the house. Your Tatra Shepherd Dog needs plenty of water in hot weather and especially if you are feeding dry food.

It needs a strong collar and a strong, short lead. A flexi lead or longer leads are not suitable for this breed. You will not be able to withstand the tug of a 60 kg dog on a longer lead. It is better to practise keeping your Tatra Shepherd Dog with you without a lead. This breed learns this very quickly.

Outside, your four-legged friend needs a weatherproof, well-insulated hut with a soft blanket and a cozy basket or mat for indoors.

In the car, your friend is in good hands in a transport box. Let your dog decide which toy he likes.

Tick tweezers, claw clippers, brush and comb or rubber curry comb, toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs as well as a first aid kit are also necessary. It is best to ask your vet what belongs in the first aid kit.

Polski Owczarek Podhalanski historical picture

Origin & History

As the name suggests, this breed originates from Poland. They are closely related to the Hungarian Kuvasz and the Slovakian Cuva, both of which are shepherd dogs. Other European shepherd dogs, such as the Bergamasco Shepherd Dog from Italy, are also related to this breed.

The Tatra Shepherd Dog goes back to great danes that came to Europe from Asia more than a thousand years ago. This robust dog breed developed in the High Tatras.

The breed's name describes its purpose very well. Polski means Polish, Owczarek means shepherd dog and Podhalnski means that the dogs originate from Podhale. The breed was recognized by the FCI in 1967.