Breed History
POLISH TATRA SHEEPDOG
(Owczarek Podhalanski)
The Podhale, where this breed originated, is a small region in southern Poland, against the Tatra range, which is the highest peaks in the Carpathians. The Podhalanski’s history follows that of similar dogs from Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Rumania, all of which trace back to the white guardian dogs of the Eastern World and brought west by the Phoenicians.
Outside interest in the handsome dog, which had been guarding sheep in the mountain meadows for centuries, began in the middle of the 19th Century when mountain climbing became popular.
Tatras were developed as working dogs.
They serve a dual purpose and act as both a herding dog and also a guardian
dog. Its imposing attitude and beautiful appearance make it a good companion
dog. Tatras generally do not
attack predators but stand their ground, and stay with their charges (be it
sheep, goats or their human charges).
The Tatra is a large dog, often reaching
24 – 28 inches and 100 to 130 pounds.
He has heavy bone, a massive body and is powerfully muscled. His
profuse coat is generally pure white. They are hardy strong dogs able to work
on a minimal diet and withstand cold, harsh temperatures as well as hot, dry
heat. The Tatras require early
socialization and then throughout its entire life.
World War II brought the breed to the
brink of extinction. This is truly a breed that “refused to die”.
The Polish Kennel Club worked to re-establish the Tatra Dogs following
the War. By the 1960’s the
Federation Cynologique International (FCI) reinstated the breed.
The Tatra is one of the rarest dogs in
North America.