In America, these dogs are called Tatra Shepherd Dogs or Polish Tatra dogs, at home – Polish mountain shepherds. Podhalyanka has a chic appearance – an article, luxurious a fur coat, large dimensions. But for a long time the dogs were far from being kept for beauty, and for excellent working qualities. Today polish Podhalyan Shepherd Dog is widespread in the territory USA, Canada and many European countries. And although in Russia these not so many beauties, interest in them is only growing.
Content
- 1. The origin of the breed
- 2. Description of the breed Polish Podhalyan Shepherd Dog
- 2.1. The quality of the coat and possible colors
- 3. Character Features
- 4. How to educate and train a “snow-white pearl”?
- 5. Care and health features
- 6. Breed diseases
- 7. The regimen and diet of feeding
- 8. Mountain Shepherd Conditions
- 9. Photo of the Polish Podhalyan Shepherd Dog
- 10. Video about the Polish Pogalyan Shepherd Dog
- 11. Puppy acquisition: where to go?
Origin of breed
The breed is so old that zoologists have still not been able to find out when the ancestors of these snow-white giants began to serve to man. But it is believed that the ancestors of the “podgalyanok” were in Poland in the 4-5 century during the great migration, they were brought here shepherds from Asia. 
Assessing the external data of modern dogs, and given that they once led a nomadic life, moving from the Tatra Mountains to Tibet, historians believe that the ancestors of snow-white shepherds were Tibetan Molossian and Eastern European wolves.
The first written mention of the breed dates back to 1938, but international recognition came to her only in 1973. Active breeding Polish shepherd dogs with simultaneous improvement certain qualities, breeders engaged after graduation war.
Description of the breed Polish Podhalyan Shepherd
“Podgalyanka”, like most representatives of mountain shepherds breeds, has a set of certain advantages – this is overall, agile dog with high stamina and high operability. The body of the shepherd is compact, the body rectangular format with a strong skeleton. In females, the body can to be more elongated, which is associated with childbearing function.
The maximum weight of “podgalyanok” is 70 kg, male growth varies from 65 to 70 cm, bitches – from 60 to 65 cm. In the standard, the Tatra Shepherd Dog is described as follows way:
- The head is not too massive, with a strong skull box, the lines of the silhouette are clearly defined. Frontal part round, but not domed, moderately pronounced dividing groove, stop in the form of a smooth line, but visually designated.
- The front part is almost rectangular, goes to a small narrowing to nose; muzzle dry but slightly heavy. The back of the nose a straight line, not narrow, the end of the jaws rounded.
- The lips are medium, well pigmented, without sagging. Jaws strong, equipped with a full set of strong teeth, which set tightly together. Is preferred correct bite, like a “scissor”, but a straight one is also allowed.
- The nose is large, with large nostrils, black pigmentation. The eyes are medium, with a slight slanting, arranged in proportion. Iris for all members of the breed brown, saturated shade. The eyelids fit snugly pigmented in dark color.
- Ears – fall down, are low – on one line with the corners of the eyes or a little higher, triangular in shape, thick, very mobile – sensitively react even to slight rustle. The ends of the ears are rounded, with a muzzle only touch when the dog is completely calm.
- The body is strong, in the format of a rectangle, with expressive neck with a distinctive bend and beautiful, decorating mane. Withers well defined, strong, covered with long, thick coat.
- Chest decent width, lowered to the elbows. Back medium length, well muscled, becomes mild, but strong lower back and wide croup, having a harmonious tilt to the base of the tail. The abdomen line is moderately tightened or free.
- The limbs are straight, parallel to each other. friend, covered with developed muscles, have strong articular joints. Shoulder blades of medium length, well defined, with joints, located at a natural angle. Metatarsal formulations a little tilted towards the ground. When the dog takes a stand, the hind legs are slightly pulled over the line of the croup, the hips are powerful, the hocks are upright.
- Round brushes with strong, well-assembled fingers, between which dense wool grows, and fleshy pads, covered with thick, thick skin. Dark claws are bent.
- The tail of the Tatra must be of natural length. When the dog moves, it hangs down or up, but not higher spine lines. The tail is uniformly thick, straight throughout length, but in the area of the tip may be slightly bent.
The quality of the coat and possible colors
The Podhalyan Shepherd has a two-layer coat, consisting of stiff, straight or slightly wavy outer hair and thick, perfectly developed undercoat. The muzzle and the front of the limbs covered with shorter, thicker coat. On the chest, neck, tail and hips – the outer hair is elongated, forms a luxurious, voluminous tows. On the front legs on the back side, elongated hair look like feathers.
The visiting card of the breed is a dazzling snow-white fur coat, the standard allows only such a color. Blackout coat not allowed, except perhaps light yellowish spots, but they are classified as exclusive when evaluating a shepherd dog at the exhibition event.
Character Features
Regarding the character, the representative of the breed has a sustainable psyche, this is a calm, loyal to the owner of a pet that is 24 hours per day controls everything that happens around. Tatra Shepherd Dog – a universal dog that could graze cattle on its own, protect him, later dogs of this breed were successfully involved in rescue, police work, they made excellent connected.
In addition, it turned out that these snow-white grains have a positive effect on children suffering from various pathologies is not worse than dolphins or horses. But today most often these pets act as guards and defenders. Such a dog will be fearlessly protect the house and family, even if his adversary wolf or bear.
Needless to say, such a rich “biography” was reflected on the character of dogs. When they grazed cattle, they often had to make decisions on their own, hence their independence, and waywardness. Dogs used to closely monitor the environment. environment, they are active, mobile and efficient.
With a calm temperament, quick wit and vigilance, the dog is a born guard, therefore not Needs special training in this field. But along with this, the pet acts as a companion, it is important for him to receive from host’s attention. Love and respect for the owner is primary incentive for excellent work.
The Polish Podhalyan Shepherd Dog gets along well in the family, weasel and She takes a benevolent attitude with gratitude. Dog finds a common language with children, ready to frolic for hours and play, neat with the kids. She allows younger households everything, and even if she was accidentally hurt, she will endure it. The dog has no aggression towards other domestic animals.
“Podgalyanki” once worked wonderfully in a team with themselves like, therefore their society is perceived calmly. You can immediately keep several dogs. If they are brought up together, then often become real friends. If you take a puppy to a house where there are pets, including cats, then there are no special problems arises. 
It seems that even a novice can do this a lowly dog, but a large animal needs a strong, confident hand. The owner must be mentally and physically strong, so that the pet feels its strength and obeys implicitly. TO the shepherd treats strangers without aggression, but wary, a balanced dog will not attack if it does not receive corresponding team.
But leaving guests with such a guard alone is not recommended. The dog will not take their eyes off them, may worry if strangers perform actions incomprehensible to the dog’s mind. And alarmed the dog, sensing danger, is able to use his teeth, in this In the case of any warning, we are not talking.
How to educate and train a “snow-white pearl”?
To train easily and without difficulty, between the dog and the owner must establish communication and trust relationship. As already noted, the shepherd has a pronounced guard quality, so she will do very well at the level of intuition with the task, without additional training.
The training program is built so that the dog gradually assimilated new teams and consolidated the worked out material. Classes should be regular and moderately diverse. Tatra is an independent dog, it is important for him to understand that the owner is the “leader” of the pack and its authority is unquestioned. Then the pet will not to question the correctness of the decision chosen by the owner.
What the “goof” can’t stand is rudeness. With this she becomes embittered, can be stubborn and turn into an uncontrollable animal. The dog remembers for a long time resentment and in any event that will turn up will take revenge. At the upbringing of such a four-legged friend, the owner should combine firmness and patience, exactingness and kindness.
It is important to socialize the pet, and this should be done with a puppy age. It must be taken to walking, constantly changing routes, provide an opportunity to meet new places, smells, people and other animals. With proper upbringing, a grown dog will not shy or aggressive.
Care and health features
Future owners should be prepared to care for a large dog with luxurious hair will have to constantly. If not on like free time activities, it’s best to choose a pet with a shorter fur coat.
An important point is the early training of the pet to mandatory hygienic procedures. When the Tatra is a puppy, it’s easier with him. to cope, later the owner will have no problems – the dog will easy to tolerate combing, ear cleaning and other hygienic manipulations.
After each walk, it is recommended to wash or wipe with a damp cloth paw dog. Usually matured, the shepherd gets used to it and sitting obediently at the door, unobtrusively reminding himself, waiting habitual procedure. 
That the coat of the pet looked well-groomed, it is necessary comb out every 4-5 days using a special brush for long hair. Shepherd dogs molt quite abundantly, and if the pet lives in apartment, then during these periods it will be necessary to process it with a slicker daily. This will speed up the process of replacing wool and positively. will affect the condition of the pet.
The eyes and ears of the dog should be inspected and cleaned according to necessary. For the prevention of plaque and stone it is recommended to give the dog special dentological treats or large bones.
Breed diseases
The breed appeared in vivo, without intervention person. In the highlands there was a rather harsh climate, and the owners did not care too much about the comfort of their assistants, hence “Podgalyanok” has excellent immunity and good health. But these dogs can develop various pathologies and most often it:
- hip dysplasia is a common problem that occurs representatives of large breeds;
- digestive system disorders – acquired condition, in mainly due to malnutrition or abrupt change of brand of feed.
The regimen and diet of feeding
Owners of large dogs should know that from proper nutrition much depends. With a deficiency or excess in the body of the animal of certain elements, the formation of bones is possible, joints, organs, the dog grows frail and painful. Therefore food should be full and balanced. You can feed the shepherd both natural food and industrial feed.
In the first case, the basis of the diet should be meat and other products that are sources of animal protein. Meat is desirable give raw, eggs, fish and offal – in boiled form. On the menu cereals in the form of cereals cooked in vegetable and fish are added to the pet or meat broths.
Also, the dog should receive vegetables – raw and boiled, greens, cottage cheese, kefir, fruits. It is important to clearly dose a serving of food and feed a shepherd at the same time.
If the owner chooses dry rations, this should be a quality product, suitable for large, working rocks.
Mountain Shepherd Conditions
Ideal conditions for the maintenance of such a dimensional, equipped abundant dog hair – a country house with a spacious house territory. In this case, the pet will have the opportunity spend energy yourself, constantly moving and performing guard and security work. But do not forget that the shepherd dog needs regular communication with people, otherwise it starts miss.
If you need a dog on a chain, then consider a representative This breed is not worth it, it is not suitable for a leash. Chain the content will inflict psychological harm on the “go-go” and may even lead to pet disease.
You can keep a shepherd in the apartment, but breeders have this option do not recommend. First of all, the pet will feel uncomfortable – crowded, hot, there is no way to fully move. And the owners themselves will encounter difficulties – the dog will need daily active walks, during molting, even with frequent combing, wool can not be completely eliminated. And so playful, a large puppy can “do things”, bored without adored the hosts.
Photo of the Polish Podhalyan Shepherd Dog 
Video about the Polish Pogalian Shepherd Dog
Puppy acquisition: where to go?
To buy a puppy – purebred, healthy, with sustainable psyche, better in a nursery or experienced breeders. Within the territory of Russian breed is still quite rare, so search for a seller may cause difficulties. But in Moscow there is one nursery “ZuzzuStyle” http://www.tatra.dog/, providing an opportunity buy a purebred puppy.
The Polish Podhalyan Shepherd is not a cheap pleasure. At private puppies cost from 35,000 rubles, for a baby from the kennel from titled parents will have to pay between 80,000 and 100,000 rubles.
Tatra Shepherd Dog – a spectacular dog with excellent workers qualities. This is not a toy and is not a way to impress surrounding, and a serious pet that requires love, attention and compulsory education.
