Facts About the Tatra Sheepdog

The Tatra Sheepdog, an ancient breed, was introduced into the Podhale, a small region in southern Poland against the Tatra Mountain range, around the 14th Century by Wallachian shepherds.

The origins of the Tatra are not certain. Some claim that the dog comes from Tibetan Mastiff, while others believes they are a white variant of the Sarplaninac usually found in Yugoslavia, Hungary and the Czech/Slovakian regions. The Tatra is undoubtedly related to the Hutsul Dog, as well as the Molossers of Turkey and Greece.

The Tatra breed is an outstanding mountain worker. While following the dog through steep and rough terrain, the tail was often used as a handhold by herders. The Tatra are usually used in groups of two or more dogs. This puts them at an advantage when confronting a pack of wolves. While defending the sheep or goats, the Tatra would stay close to the herd.

By staying close to the herds they had a better chance of protecting the flock and getting rid of the wolves. They do not leave the herd unprotected, this shows great restraint and intelligence, and earned them the reputation of a thinking dog among the herdsmen.

As well as being used for livestock, people often used the Tatra for personal protection, and as guard dogs in factories. Every dog serves the people in some way. Young dogs that show high intelligence were selected as a guide dog, or police and military work. Even dogs that lacked in talent were kept for there wool.

During World War II, the Tatra population diminished, and almost became extinct during the Communist rule. After the war, the Polish Kennel Club worked to re-establish the breed.

Fanciers of the breed decided in the 1960's to start a revival program, and the Federation Cynologique International (FCI) reinstated the breed.

In the mid 1970's the Tatra was becoming more common outside of Poland. By the 1980's the breed could be found all over Europe and in the United States.

There are 3000 Tatra Sheepdog in the world, the greatest amount, with 600 sheepdog is still in Poland, where in many cases is still used as a working dog, mostly for looking after sheep and as a guardian of homesteads.

There are 300 Tatras in the United States, and some are used to protect herds from cougars and coyotes. In 1995 the breed was recognized by the U.K.C.

Tatra Sheepdogs have a massive body and powerful muscles, weighing between 100 to 150 pounds and reaches 24 to 28 inches. They are independent, lively, brave, an agile, swift runner, and able to work on a minimal diet.

They have been recognized for their ability to adapt to cold harsh temperatures as well as hot dry heat. They are more easygoing than most flock guardians, but does have irritability as a fault.

They require early socialization and then throughout its entire life. Tatras are loyal to its owner and affectionate with children. Its gentle nature and beautiful appearance make the Tatra a good companion dog.

The Tatra is an outdoor dog, and needs plenty of exercise. They would rather go on a long walk, then play ball or other activities of the sort.

Its hair is short on the head and front of the legs, everywhere else it is longer and thicker, either curly or straight. The coat color is pure white, with no markings and has a dense undercoat that sheds twice a year. Brushing is important when the dog is shedding, to remove loose, dead hair. When not shedding, little attention is required, the dogs coat does not tangle easily.

Due to the dogs dry mouth, they do not drool. The teeth, ears and nails however need to be tended to about once a week.

Hip Dysplasia is an occasional health issue, and there are very few reported cases of Patellar Luxation, Juvenile Cataracts, Epilepsy, Allergic Dermatitis and Bloat.

A little size is between 5 and 8 pups, occasionally more, and there life span is between 10 to 12 years.

sources:

acacanine.com

polishtatrasheepdog.ca

wikipedia

www.PTSCA.com

PTSCA.com