Overview
The Tatra Shepherd Dog is a large, white mountain guardian from the Podhale region of southern Poland. It is one of the few dog breeds native to Poland.
Traditionally it deterred predators from sheep flocks in rugged terrain. In modern Poland it is kept as a guard dog or as a companion.
History
Like other big white guardian dogs of Europe, it is thought to descend from dogs brought from Asia by nomadic herders. Isolated in mountain valleys, a few survived the Second World War, and about 120 were located by 1954.
The FCI recognised the breed in the 1960s. The stud-book is open to typical unregistered dogs, and roughly 300 puppies are born each year.
Appearance
A powerful, well-built white dog with a thick coat suited to mountain weather. Males stand 65 to 70 cm at the withers and females 60 to 65 cm.
Temperament
This is a confident guardian: loyal to its family, wary of strangers and independent in its judgement. With proper socialisation it is calm and affectionate at home.
Care and exercise
It needs space, a secure fence and an experienced owner who can provide firm, consistent leadership and early socialisation. Regular brushing is required, with extra attention during heavy seasonal moults.
Health
As a large breed, hip and joint problems can occur, so choose breeders who health-test their dogs.
