Polish Tatra Sheepdog

also known as Tatra Mountain Sheepdog, Owczarek Podhalanski, Polski Owczarek

Pros History


The Polish Tatra Sheepdog, also known as the Owczarek Podhalanski, is a breed of sheepdog that originates from the Tatra Mountains in Poland. It is a relatively rare breed and is not well known outside of its native country.

The breed has a long history in the Tatra Mountains, where it was used as a working dog for centuries. It is believed to have descended from the ancient Mongolian Mastiff, which was brought to Europe by the Tatars during their invasions in the 13th century. The breed was used to herd sheep and protect them from predators such as wolves and bears.

The breed was officially recognized by the Polish Kennel Club in 1922 and has been recognized by the International Kennel Club (IKC) since 1997. It is a popular breed in Poland and is also found in other countries in Europe, such as Germany and the Czech Republic.

The breed's name, Owczarek Podhalanski, means "sheepdog of the Podhale region," which is a mountain region in southern Poland where the breed is most commonly found. The breed is also known as the Polish Tatra Sheepdog, which refers to the Tatra Mountains where it originates.

Breed Information


Type

Is Polish Tatra Sheepdog a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Polish Tatra Sheepdog name? How do you say Polish Tatra Sheepdogs?

pol-ish tat-rah sheep-dawg

Purpose

What were Polish Tatra Sheepdogs originally used for?

Herding. Guarding. Watchdog.

Lifespan

How Long Do Polish Tatra Sheepdogs Live? What is average life expectancy for a Polish Tatra Sheepdog? How long can Polish Tatra Sheepdogs live?

10-12 years

The average Polish Tatra Sheepdog lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Polish Tatra Sheepdog?

What is the average height of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog? How big is a Purebred Polish Tatra Sheepdog height? Polish Tatra Sheepdog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 26-28 inches (66 - 71.1 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 27.0 inches (68.6 cm)
Female 24-26 inches (61 - 66 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) 21.5 inches (54.6 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm)
What is the average weight of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog? How much should Polish Tatra Sheepdogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 80-130 pounds (36 - 59 kg) 75.0 pounds (34 kg) 90.0 pounds (41 kg) 105.0 pounds (48 kg)
Female 80-130 pounds (36 - 59 kg) 75.0 pounds (34 kg) 90.0 pounds (41 kg) 105.0 pounds (48 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Polish Tatra Sheepdogs get fat easily?

They are known for having a strong tendency to become overweight. It is important to find a balance between providing enough exercise and controlling their food intake. To maintain a healthy weight, it is recommended to increase the frequency and duration of daily walks and to engage in more playtime with the Polish Tatra Sheepdog.

Hypoallergenic

Are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Polish Tatra Sheepdog personality? What are Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs best known for?

Calm
Independent
Intelligent

Shedding Level

Are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs heavy shedders? How Much Does a Polish Tatra Sheepdog Shed?

Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are low shedders. The coat sheds an average amount and doesn't require much care.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog dog?

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Polish Tatra Sheepdogs come from?

Poland

Ancestry

What are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs descended from?

Mastiff, Native Mountain Dogs

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed?

American Rare Breed Association
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
United Kennel Club
American Canine Association, Inc.
Polish Tatra Sheepdog Club Of America
Polish Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Polish Tatra Sheepdogs first bred? How old is the Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed?

Unknown

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?

Herding
Guardian Dog (UKC)

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Polish Tatra Sheepdog eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Polish Tatra Sheepdog nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Polish Tatra Sheepdog coat be naturally?

White

Coat Length

How long is a Polish Tatra Sheepdogs coat?

The coat of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Polish Tatra Sheepdog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Polish Tatra Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can a Polish Tatra Sheepdog have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Polish Tatra Sheepdog can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Polish Tatra Sheepdogs have a lot of health problems?

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Polish Tatra Sheepdogs?

Patellar Luxation
Canine Hip Dysplasia

Occasional Diagnoses

Cataracts
Epilepsy
Allergies

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed?

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Testing

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Polish Tatra Sheepdogs have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Polish Tatra Sheepdogs may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Polish Tatra Sheepdogs need socialization? How social are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs?

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Polish Tatra Sheepdogs get?

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Polish Tatra Sheepdog have? Do Polish Tatra Sheepdogs sleep a lot?

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Polish Tatra Sheepdog drool a lot?

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Polish Tatra Sheepdogs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Polish Tatra Sheepdogs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Polish Tatra Sheepdog busy?

Walking, Swim, Walk, Run

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog? How much energy does a Polish Tatra Sheepdog have?

High

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Polish Tatra Sheepdog walk each week? How many miles should a Polish Tatra Sheepdog walk every week?

16 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Polish Tatra Sheepdog, it's at least 16 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Polish Tatra Sheepdog should exercise a day? How much activity does a Polish Tatra Sheepdog need?

60 minutes

In general most Polish Tatra Sheepdogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?

Weekly

Polish Tatra Sheepdog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Polish Tatra Sheepdogs?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Polish Tatra Sheepdog eat?

5 cups

For an average 80-130 pound (36 - 59 kg) Polish Tatra Sheepdog feed 5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Polish Tatra Sheepdog Cost Daily?

$4.90 - $5.60 / day

The average cost of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog is somewhere $4.90 - $5.60 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Polish Tatra Sheepdog Cost Per Month?

$112 - $154 / month

The average per month expenses of a Polish Tatra Sheepdog is between $112 - $154. This makes an average of $1344 - $1848 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Polish Tatra Sheepdog?

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Polish Tatra Sheepdogs lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Polish Tatra Sheepdog dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Polish Tatra Sheepdog do well in apartments? Are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs good indoor dogs?

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs good with kids? Are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs good around children?

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs good with cats? How friendly Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are toward cats?

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs? Are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs OK with other dogs?

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are below average dog friendly dogs. Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs friendly with strangers?

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Polish Tatra Sheepdogs will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Polish Tatra Sheepdogs like to play? Are Polish Tatra Sheepdogs playful?

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs have an average level of playfulness. The Polish Tatra Sheepdogs, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Polish Tatra Sheepdog easily trained?

Polish Tatra Sheepdog dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.