Tatra Shepherd

The Podhale Polish Shepherd Dog is a large and powerful dog, known for its white coat and imposing appearance. It is a courageous, loyal and protective dog, with a strong connection to its family and an innate instinct to protect and guard.

General details

The breed has a compact constitution, weighing between 37 and 59 kilograms and a height that varies between 60 and 65 centimeters. Its life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. The Podhale Polish Shepherd Dog belongs to Group 1 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes Shepherd Dogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs).

Breed history in brief

The Podhale Polish Shepherd Dog is a breed of dog with a long history in the Carpathian Mountains in Poland. Native to the Podhale region, these shepherd dogs have been bred for centuries to protect and guard flocks of sheep in adverse conditions. The history of the Podhale Polish Shepherd Dog reflects its importance in the lives of the Podhale shepherds and its ability to adapt and survive in the harsh conditions of the mountainous region. To this day, it continues to be appreciated as a working dog and as a faithful companion, keeping alive its heritage as one of Poland's most outstanding shepherd dogs.

Breed characteristics

The Podhale Polish Shepherd Dog is a large, muscular dog breed with a slender head, triangular ears and dark, expressive eyes. Its tail is long and covered with abundant hair, and when the dog is in action it rises above the topline. Their coat is distinctive and dense, with a weather-resistant outer coat and a soft, thick undercoat that provides protection against the cold. Their most common coloration is pure white, although specimens with gray or yellowish patches can also be found. The Podhale Polish Shepherd Dog is intelligent, calm and protective. They are hard working dogs, traditionally used as herd guardians in the Polish mountains. They are watchful and wary of strangers, but affectionate and devoted to their family. They require early socialization and proper training due to their strong and protective nature.

Common health problems

Information on the most common diseases in the Podhale Polish Shepherd Dog breed is very limited, it is not known to be prone to specific health problems. Even so, it is likely to be predisposed to some of the more common disorders in dogs such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, volvulo-gastric dilatation, retinal dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.