Also known as the Owczarek Podhalanski, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog is an intelligent and protective breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Polish Tatra Sheepdog can be traced back to 18th century Poland. Enthusiasts believe that these dogs descended from various ancient Sheepdog, Mastiff, and Hound breeds, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog has been most commonly used for herding, driving, and guard cattle from predators such as wolves, and as a watch and guard dog, proving its superior abilities to work in the harshest of climate and terrain while providing protection and gentle companionship.
Today, while the Polish Tatra Sheepdog has attained a regional popularity as a working and companion dog, the breed remains rather rare outside of its native Poland.
Personality Traits
Best known for its loyal and protective nature, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog is willing to do anything necessary in order to protect its owner and territory. These dogs thrive on strong and dependable relationships with humans, and love to receive attention and praise. This breed is very intelligent, yet stubborn and overly confident, creating moderate difficulty in training. As a pet, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate. The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is not suited for full-time indoor or apartment living, as it enjoys spending time outdoors and having plenty of room to roam, run, and play.
Train-ability
Due to its stubborn and confident attitude, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog can prove somewhat challenging to train. This breed is known for being especially difficult to housebreak, and often grows bored and annoyed with repetitive exercises and tasks.
Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the Polish Tatra Sheepdog. These dogs require an experienced, confident, and patient handler with a stern and serious approach to repetitive exercises and tasks.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Polish Tatra Sheepdog. When properly socialized from a young age, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog gets along well with children and other pets, known for its sweet and gentle approach to small children. This breed is alert, territorial, and protective, making an incredible watch and guard dog by announcing the arrival of guests and unwanted visitors. The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent herding dog, family pet, and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Polish Tatra Sheepdog. These athletic dogs require large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play outdoors, especially when under the age of two years. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A Polish Tatra Sheepdog not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The Polish Tatra Sheepdog has a strong instinct to herd and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, these large dogs are surprisingly quick, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. The Polish Tatra Sheepdog must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
This breed’s thick and full coat requires almost constant attention such as brushing and grooming in order to prevent matting and maintain its attractive appearance.
Common Health Concerns
While the Polish Tatra Sheepdog is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, likeliness to develop cancer, primary lens luxation – dislocation of the lens, cataracts, distichiasis – ingrown eye lashes, cherry eye, sensitivity to warm temperatures, obesity, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Polish Tatra Sheepdog? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.heydogs.com/o/owczarek-podhalanski.html
http://2000dogs.com/polishtatrasheepdog.htm
