Polish Podgalian Sheepdog (Tatran): characteristics of the breed, description and photo

The Polish Podgalian Shepherd Dog was bred to guard flocks, the owner's property and for guard duty. “Podgalyanka” has a chic appearance, she has a luxurious snow-white fur coat and large dimensions. The breed is common in the USA, Canada and European countries. There are not many of these snow-white dogs in Russia; their popularity is only increasing.

Podgalyansky Shepherd Dog is a good watchdog

Breed characteristics

Short description
Origin:	Poland
Conditions of detention:	Yard, aviary
Purpose:	Cattle dog, guard, companion
Color:	White, cream
Wool length:	Average
Adult dog size:	The height of the female is 60-65 cm, the male is 65-70 cm; male weight – 55-70 kg, female – 45-55 kg
Average life expectancy:	12-16 years old
Walk:	Twice active walking is required
Physical activity needs:	High physical activity needs (workouts, games, jogging)
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FIC) classification:	Group 1: herding and cattle dogs except Swiss cattle dogs; section 1: shepherd dogs
Puppy price:	Without pedigree – 30-35 thousand rubles; pet class – up to 50 thousand rubles; breed class – 70-80 thousand rubles; show class - up to 120 thousand rubles.

How to choose the right puppy, kennels and prices

Improper breeding deteriorates even a healthy breed. That is why you should apply for a puppy only to official kennels that register dogs in international clubs. It is necessary to reserve a puppy from such breeders, since these puppies cannot be found on the “free” sale.

The cost of puppies ranges from $500 to $1,500. Descendants of dogs with multiple titles are more expensive.

The puppy can be purchased at the dog breeding kennel:

In MO: SHEMI: https://shemi.ru;
In the Moscow Region there is a nursery for white dogs “ANEKA BOS”: https://podgalanec.ru;
In St. Petersburg, the most famous nursery is “Izherstei”: https://www.izerstei.ru/.

Socialization and training

Like any native dog, formed naturally, the Polish Podgalian Sheepdog is perfectly adapted to life in the open air. In the natural environment it is able to find food. The dog's size and strength allow it to win in single combat with a wolf; its thick coat helps it not to freeze on cold, long winter nights. A dog is able to survive without human intervention.

It is better to keep the Podgalyan Shepherd Dog in the yard, where it can exercise its guarding abilities. It is acceptable to keep it in an apartment, but you will need to walk often and for a long time, it is better outside the city, where you can let the dog run around without a leash. Then the dog receives a balanced load on the body and joints.

The snow-white Polish Shepherd gets along well with family members and is an excellent nanny. The Podgalyan Shepherd Dog has retained its pack instinct, therefore, the more people there are in the family, the better for the dog. It is possible to safely leave the child with the dog. The dog will not touch the baby and will protect it from the attacks of strangers.

Reviews from the owners of Podgalyantsev

Owners of dogs of the Podgalyan Shepherd breed note their excellent guarding qualities and devotion to the family.
Yana. We purchased a 4-month-old puppy back in 2013. They took it to protect the house. We read about the breed in advance, so the puppy always moved freely around the territory. Since he was eight months old, he has stopped letting strangers into the yard, even if he knows them. We went to courses and learned all the commands and rules of behavior. The dog is not very large - our Ice weighs a little more than 40 kg and is 72 cm tall at the withers. He is aggressive towards strangers, but friendly towards his own people (both people and animals). We feed natural food: cereals, meat, offal, kefir, vitamins. He loves to nibble cucumbers from the garden). For those wishing to purchase a Polish Shepherd, I recommend only free keeping, plus regular walking - the dog needs to run a lot.

Olga. We acquired a Podgalian when he was only 3 months old. Weighed a little over 3kg. Now he is a year old, he is already heavier than me. The most important thing I want to say is no chain! This is prohibited for herding dogs. Ours protects everyone who lives in the house - this is her herd. The dog is simply magnificent! Independent, smart, a little stubborn. He loves to hug. This is especially cute considering his height - on his hind legs he is a head taller than me. Very smart, well trained and loves children.

It is very important to use love when training, and not “carrots and sticks” - this is the only way everything will work out!

We invite you to watch a video about the Polish Podgalian Shepherd dog breed. We wish you pleasant viewing!

History of the origin of the species

These dogs are one of the most ancient, their origin dates back to the 3rd-5th century AD . They probably appeared in eastern Europe (Podhale, which is where the name comes from) with Roman conquerors or nomads from Asia.

The second name for shepherd dogs is Tatra. It also has to do with origin. Dogs may have originated in the High Tatras Mountains. The breed is closely related to the Tibetan mastiff and the Eastern European wolf.

Interestingly, no one improved dogs until the 20th century. Selection work began relatively recently, after the Second World War. The standard for shepherd dogs was issued in 1973.

The origin story of the snow-white beauty

The ancestors of the Podgalyan Shepherd Dog helped the inhabitants of the mountains herd sheep, cows and bulls. The breed owes its name to its homeland. The animals lived in Podhale, a historically important region of Poland, at the foot of the High Tatras mountains. This is the highest part of the famous Carpathians. Therefore, the snow-white dog has another name - Tatra Shepherd Dog.

Podgalyansky Shepherd Dog

There is a well-known story related to the appearance of another breed of dog designed to help shepherds. A merchant on his way from Scotland to Poland acquired dogs of an unknown breed to herd his sheep in his homeland. He saw how the dogs did their job wonderfully. Polish dog breeds crossed with Scottish guests, and this is how the Polish Lowland Shepherd appeared. The new variety is small in stature and so shaggy that the fur covers the eyes.

Diseases

Nature itself raised Podgalyan Shepherd Dogs in the vast expanses at the foot of the mountains, where climatic conditions are far from the most favorable. Over many centuries, dogs have developed immunity to many diseases. However, some health problems may also arise in the Podgalyan Shepherd Dog:

Hip dysplasia (a genetic disease often found in large breed dogs).
Digestive problems (associated with poor nutrition, sudden changes in food).

Distinctive features

The dogs are classified as giant breeds because they can reach up to 70 cm and weigh up to 75 kg. Their main advantage is their white fluffy fur. Externally, the Tatr resembles its ancestor – the Tibetan Mastiff.

The head is medium in size with a convex skull and a shallow groove. Stop smoothly.
The muzzle is straight, tapering slightly towards the nose. Approximately equal in length to the skull. bite .
The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, slightly slanted, color dark brown.
The ears are set above the eye line, hang down on soft cartilage and fit tightly to the head. Medium in size, rounded triangle shape.
The nose is large, black;
The body is rectangular, strong and heavy. The topline is straight with curved withers and a convex croup. The loin is short and wide. The neck is of medium length. The chest is voluminous.
The tail is a continuation of the croup, hangs down and curls at the end.
The limbs are long, straight and parallel with rounded paws.
The coat is medium length, fluffy and soft with a dense undercoat.
Color – white.

Appearance

The Polish Podgalian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with a compact, strong build. It should give the impression of strength and endurance. The coat is thick, medium length, exclusively white. Sexual dimorphism is well expressed. Height at withers: males - 65-70 cm, females - 60-75 cm.

Externally, the Polish Podgalian Shepherd Dog is very similar to the Hungarian Kuvasz, Slovak Chuvach and Maremmo-Abruzzese Shepherd Dog. This is explained by the presence of common ancestors in these breeds.

The head is dry, in good proportion to the body. The skull is slightly rounded, the frontal groove is shallow, the stop is distinct, but not sharp. The muzzle is strong with a wide bridge of the nose, gradually tapering to a black nose. The length of the muzzle is equal to or slightly longer than the length of the skull. The lips are close-fitting, with dark edges. The teeth are strong, scissor bite, straight is allowed. The eyes are expressive, medium in size, set slightly askew, dark brown in color. The eyelids are well pigmented. The ears are set at the level of the outer corner of the eyes or slightly higher, and are of medium length. The auricle is quite thick, triangular in shape, well covered with hair, the front edge of the ear is adjacent to the head.

The neck is without dewlap, muscular, of medium length, with a profuse mane. The body is massive, elongated. The withers are wide and well defined. The back is flat and wide. The lower back is strong. The croup is sloping. The chest is deep. The ribs are quite flat. The belly is slightly tucked. The tail is not set too high. When moving or when excited, rises above the topline. When at rest, it is lowered, reaches the hock joint, the tip may be slightly curved. The front legs are muscular, strong boned, straight and parallel. The hindquarters, when viewed from behind, are vertical, with moderate angles. The paws are compact, oval in shape. The pads are hard, strong, dark in color. The claws are blunt, dark in color, and strong.

The hair on the face, head, front side of the front and hind legs is short. The neck and body are covered with long, straight or slightly wavy hair. The undercoat is very well developed. There is a rich collar around the neck. There is abundant fraying on the thighs. On the tail, long hair forms a plume.

Origin of the Polish Podgalian Shepherd Dog

The history of this breed began not in Poland or even in Europe, but in parts of the globe very remote from them. Presumably, the ancestors of these dogs came to their new habitat from the mountainous regions of Tibet during the great migration of peoples. Huge white dogs of the Tibetan Mastiff breed accompanied their owners during this long journey, helping them guard livestock and property.

Having settled in Eastern Europe, the dogs continued to perform their functions as guards and shepherds, but their appearance underwent changes under the influence of the new climate and crossing with local dogs and wolves. This is how a new variety appeared, which began to be called the “Tatran Sheepdog” in honor of the mountainous Tatra region, located in southern Poland. The first mentions of Polish Podgalian Shepherd Dogs date back to the 7th century, and breeding of this breed began only in the middle of the 20th century.

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Video “All about the Podgalyan Shepherd Dog breed”

From this video you will learn about the popular dog breed - the Podgalyan Shepherd Dog.

Photo of an adult dog

Photos of puppies

Features of character and behavior

At first glance, the Polish Podgalianskaya may seem stern and intimidating due to its size and menacing grin. In fact, dogs are balanced and calm, rarely the first to rush into battle. They are very responsible and know the value of their actions.

From birth, Tatras have a protective instinct. This is due to the centuries-old fulfillment of a single duty - to graze and protect livestock. Animals are always vigilant, courageous, they have a well-developed reaction, and increased attention to detail.

These qualities helped the breed remain in demand after the reduction in livestock production. The dogs were taken into service in police and rescue services.

Tatr does an excellent job of protecting property. At the same time, the dog is not aggressive at all. He loves children and needs constant contact with his owner. For a long time, Podgalians worked side by side with other dogs, so they tolerate the company of their relatives well.

Shepherd dogs have learned to make decisions on their own. If the owner does not want such self-will, then he will have to try hard to break the stubborn character of the animal. A dog will not listen to a person if he does not see him as a leader.

Character and intelligence

The main advantage of the Polish Shepherd is its temperament. At first glance, they behave phlegmatically: they have inhibited reactions, outwardly they look as if they are constantly in a sleepy state. This is actually a misconception. An adult shepherd is always ready to defend. External drowsiness is a way to conserve energy.

The Polish Shepherd charms its owners with its ability to make decisions independently. They acquired this character trait in ancient times. Then the dogs protected the nomadic tribes from attacks by predators and had to instantly react to the appearance of the enemy.

The character of dogs contains sanguine traits with typical processes of excitation and inhibition, which are equally developed in them.

Dogs are distinguished by their ability to work, attentiveness and mobility. Bred to protect humans and their homes, they have amazing intelligence and fearlessness.

At the same time, the shepherd dog behaves affectionately with its owner and family members. But she gives her heart to only one person, most often this is a person involved in training. The dog obeys his commands unquestioningly. But first you need to earn the respect of your pet, and this is not easy to do. The person must be a leader, must establish contact with the shepherd and not use physical force. Being a descendant of mastiffs, Polish Shepherds do not tolerate physical violence. They can even fight back the owner. However, it is impossible to predict the moment of attack. The dog always does this unexpectedly.

Despite the fact that in childhood puppies are touching and more like white teddy bears, they should be socialized from this time on. Otherwise, as an adult, he can turn into a huge killing machine. Lack of training, independence in decision-making, and wayward character will lead to disastrous consequences.

Attitude towards children and others

Are friends afraid to come visit because a Polish shepherd dog has appeared in the house? Explain to them that the dog will not cause harm without a command, provided that the guests do not pose a danger to the owner. Seeing that he is calmly communicating with strangers, the pet, in his half-asleep manner, will calmly watch the strangers. And nothing threatens guests more dangerously than a gaze. But this is only in the presence of the owner. You shouldn't be left alone with a stranger's dog. A dog can be provoked by a sudden rise from a chair, a wave of the hand, or loud laughter. The pet may take this as a danger signal and attack.

Many breed owners consider their pets to be good nannies for their children. They draw such conclusions based on observations when dogs patiently endure everything that kids do to them. At first glance, this is so, children can pat them by the withers, grab them by the tail, and the dog reacts to this calmly. But do not forget about the character and purpose of these pets. They are called upon to protect themselves from danger, including themselves. Therefore, one day they may take a child’s prank as a signal to attack. Therefore, owners should be extremely careful and not leave children alone with the dog.

The shepherd is also tolerant of pets. But it will be better if the puppy appears in the family later than other animals. He will easily get along with an existing cat. They treat other dog breeds with indifference. This is a trait acquired from ancient times. Dogs have always lived in packs with other breeds and served one master together.

Nutrition

Due to its large size and high activity, the Polish Shepherd must eat properly. Dry types of food and natural products prepared at home are equally suitable as food. It is important to know that you should not mix both types of food, as this can lead to digestive problems for the dog. Natural nutrition should consist of lean meat, cottage cheese, chicken and quail eggs, fresh vegetables and fruits, and boiled cereals.

As a treat, you can sometimes give small amounts of yogurt and cheese. When choosing purchased food, you should pay attention to the manufacturer and the intended use for certain breeds of dogs.

Care and maintenance

It is not worth considering such a giant breed as an apartment option. Firstly , the animal will suffer from heat and cramped conditions. Secondly , keeping a pet will bring discomfort to owners and household members: a lot of hair and a constant need for physical activity.

The ideal option for the Polish Podgaliansky is a large country house with a spacious garden where the dog can walk independently.

You cannot put your pet on a chain; this will negatively affect his psyche. Aviary keeping is possible if the cage is spacious enough, has a roof and heating for the winter.

Nutrition

It may seem that such a large dog needs huge portions filled with choice meat. In fact, the Polish Shepherd eats little and does not require special conditions - nutritious, wholesome food is all it needs.

At 1.5-2 months, the puppy begins to be fed and weaned from the mother's breast. Then only natural food based on milk porridge and cottage cheese is allowed.
From 3 months it is allowed to introduce dry food into the diet - a smooth transition to eating ready-made foods.

For the Polish Podgalianskaya, you need food with large granules, only super-premium class with a meat content of 40%. Depending on the age or current condition of the pet, a specific line is chosen: puppies, pregnant, elderly, lactating, allergy sufferers, post-operative animals.

Natural food should also contain at least 40-50% protein (chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, eggs, cottage cheese, kefir). The remaining share can be occupied by vegetables and cereals, for example, buckwheat and oatmeal. For adult animals, 1-1.3 kg of food at a time should be enough. Puppies are given food 3-5 times a day , 40-50 grams .

It is strictly forbidden to give chicken or fish bones. If you are choosing a natural delicacy that is good for your teeth, it is better to purchase raw beef shin.

We recommend that you read a detailed article on the topic: “How and what to feed a dog: types and characteristics of nutrition.”

Health

The Polish Podgalian Shepherd appeared in the mountains, where the breed developed without human intervention. Although the gene pool of the breed is quite poor, the dogs are in good health. Given their gigantic size, shepherd dogs live 12-16 years , provided they receive quality veterinary care, regular vaccinations, and proper nutrition.

Vaccinations

Despite the fact that the dog is large and healthy, it, like all animals, needs to be vaccinated against dangerous viruses. Puppies are more vulnerable to infection than adults because they do not have their own immunity.

Therefore, it is important to vaccinate your baby at 2-2.5 months against plague, parainfluenza, hepatitis, leptospirosis and enteritis.
At 7 months of age, a rabies vaccination is required. The owner must follow the vaccination schedule. An entry is made in the pet’s veterinary passport with the date of vaccination and the drug administered.
The vaccine does not last forever; after 1-1.5 years , all vaccinations are repeated without fail.

In addition to the mandatory vital vaccinations, you can give your pet additional ones - against lichen and subcutaneous ticks.

Before each procedure, the dog must be cleared of helminths so that the body does not receive additional stress. Also, on the day of vaccination, the pet’s temperature must be measured to make sure that the dog is healthy.

A small lump may form at the puncture site, which will resolve itself within 24 hours. Also, in the next 24 hours after vaccination, the pet may be lethargic and sleepy. If the symptom lasts more than 2 days , the dog must be taken to the clinic.

Important article on the topic: “Everything you need to know about dog vaccinations.”

Diseases

The most common breed diseases:

Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract (indigestion, diarrhea, gastric volvulus);
Heart failure;
Hip dysplasia (an incurable disease characterized by changes in the joint, manifested as severe pain and lameness).

Walk

Even if the dog lives in a spacious yard or in a large enclosure, where it is possible to move around, you need to walk with it at least 2 times a day for 1.5-2 hours . Large animals are mastiff-like and tend to be lazy. But a properly designed physical activity regimen will help avoid problems in old age.

You can run with your pet in the morning and visit dog parks in the evening. Another important component of a healthy walk is communication with fellow animals. Without this, the dog will grow up unsociable and embittered.

Grooming

The main rule in caring for shepherds is to start hygiene procedures as early as possible. If the puppy gets used to brushing and bathing from an early age, then when he grows up, there will be no problems.

It is recommended to comb long, profusely growing hair 3-4 times a week with a slicker brush. Animals shed all year round. bathe often - once every 3-6 months ; in the summer you can take the dog to a pond, and in the winter - roll around in the snow.
After each walk, be sure to wash your animal's paws.

Content Features

The Polish Podgalian Shepherd is not suitable for living in the city and is not suitable for keeping in a house or apartment. She must spend a lot of time outdoors. Left unattended, it can acquire bad habits and becomes difficult to control. Adapts well to different climatic conditions, tolerates cold well and adapts well to summer heat. Contrary to popular belief, she does not have to live in high mountains. Not suitable for aviary and chain keeping. It is almost impossible for dogs living in an apartment to provide the necessary physical activity, especially when it comes to growing puppies.

There are two things that will make any Polish Shepherd happy: the need for its innate working qualities as a guard or shepherd and close contact with the owner.

Moderate physical activity is needed. In addition to the fact that the dog runs around the yard all day, it must regularly go outside its boundaries. Long walks in nature and swimming will be helpful.

Care

In general, caring for the Tatra Polish Shepherd is not difficult. It is enough to brush your dog regularly and bathe it occasionally to maintain a neat and attractive appearance. Snow-white wool tends to self-clean. The dog may fall out in the mud, but when it dries, it will turn white again. Seasonal shedding is very abundant; during this period, it is recommended to comb the dog daily. Once a week, examine the ears and, if necessary, clean the auricle. If necessary, trim the claws to the optimal length if they do not have time to grind down on their own.

Nutrition

The shepherd eats commensurate with its size, but you cannot skimp on the quality of the food. The owner can choose any type of food: home-cooked food or dry industrial food. Both options are suitable, provided that the feeding rules are followed. The diet is developed taking into account the age, size, physiological condition and activity of the dog. Ready-made food should be higher than premium class, appropriate for the age and size of the breed. Vitamin and mineral supplements are indicated during the period of active growth of puppies and then on the recommendation of a doctor when feeding natural products.

It is important to follow a diet and carefully choose foods if your dog suffers from food allergies. And also observe all measures to prevent gastric volvulus, to which representatives of the breed are prone.

How to raise and train

A person who wants to raise this dog must learn to restrain his negative emotions and not offend his pupil. It is important to establish and maintain an even, friendly relationship with him from the very beginning.

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Rudeness and irritability are categorically unacceptable when communicating with an animal. At the same time, the dog must feel the indisputability of the owner’s will; firmness and strength of character combined with friendliness. Manifestations of weakness and rudeness are equally unacceptable.

Training begins at two months of age. At the first stage, the puppy must be accustomed to life outside the enclosure, yard, or home. He needs to be walked three to four times a day, even if he enjoys freedom within the area. The route needs to be varied; introduce the dog to new territories, other animals, people. It is necessary to accustom him to sharp sounds, unusual noises, and smells.

Classes should be conducted systematically and be interesting. Learning is built in development from simple to complex; You should not overtire the puppy; it is advisable to alternate the lesson phase with rest, giving him the opportunity to run or lie in the grass.

The duration of the lesson at the first stage is no more than 60 minutes.

Proper upbringing will provide your pet with a comfortable transition into adulthood, eliminating fearfulness and aggressiveness.

Mating

Large dogs are bred differently than small dogs. Firstly , it is almost impossible to carry out this procedure on your own. Secondly , the rarity of the breed makes it difficult to find a partner for a pet, so it is easier to match the animal through a club where a candidate with good external characteristics and good health will be selected.

The Tatras are unleashed at 2-2.5 years . For this, it is also better to contact specialists. Large, powerful girls can not only injure the male during mounting, but also harm the people around him.

Read a detailed article on the topic: “Everything you need to know about breeding dogs: appropriate age, what to do if it doesn’t work out, rules and tips.”

Puppies

In Russia, the Podgalyan Shepherd Dog is not as popular as in Canada or the USA. There she is used for police work. The demand for puppies is high.

You should buy a baby when he is 2-2.5 months old. The Polish dog has a strong psyche, but a little checking will not hurt.

A puppy can be adopted at the age of no earlier than 2-2.5 months, so that strong immunity can be formed.

The simplest thing is to throw a bunch of keys next to the puppies and observe the reaction. If the baby jumps to the side in fear, this is not a guard. Mentally weak. Stands still and looks at the object without trying to run away - a good dog will grow up. With a loud bark he rushes to the keys, the dog can grow overly aggressive.

Who is better to choose? Bitches are more people-oriented. Their guard qualities are weaker. Males are larger and more aggressive, and will guard conscientiously.

Feeding your pet

Before purchasing a puppy, think about the dog's nutrition. Choose the option that suits your pet's feeding needs. When choosing between dry food and natural products, evaluate your own capabilities. A small dog eats 6 times a day; an adult dog needs to be fed twice a day.

If you choose dry food, adhere to the following points:

Buy premium food. Their composition is balanced and contains essential vitamins and minerals.
When giving your pet a balanced dry diet, you should not add additional vitamins or mineral supplements to the food.
When giving the daily dose, follow the instructions. Do not overfill the bowl with food.
Remember, dry food makes you very thirsty; always place a bowl of clean water nearby.

You cannot feed your animal dry food and natural products at the same time. It is not recommended to give your dog food from the owner's table. Such complementary feeding will cause disturbances in the shepherd’s digestion.

Key points in training

It is important to maintain a balance when training a Tatra. The owner must be strict, demanding and serious, but always respect boundaries and not allow himself to hit, insult or shout at the dog. Shepherd dogs have developed intelligence, they understand the first time, but they need a leader - a leader. At the same time, they do not like to obey the weak, and react to aggression with aggression.

For training to proceed quickly and be effective, the owner and the pet must establish moral contact. You can teach a dog to trust only if you spend a lot of time with it.

Podgalians are guards from birth. They do not need to further develop their defense skill. But learning to control emotions and make decisions independently is a learning task.

Read a detailed article on the topic: “Everything you need to know about breeding dogs: appropriate age, what to do if it doesn’t work out, rules and tips.”

Character traits

Podgalyansky Shepherd Dogs have a balanced character. These dogs are very suspicious and distrustful of strangers. They will fearlessly protect their owner and his family.

Like many other herding dogs, the Tatra Shepherd is an excellent guard dog. The corresponding qualities are instilled in these dogs from birth. These dogs are very obedient, so they are often used in watchdog and guard duty, and also take part in rescue operations.

Tatra Shepherd Dogs are independent, so they can make their own decisions, which often helps them on pastures. These dogs easily find a common language with children, are happy to play active games with them, and at the same time are neat. Podgalyan Shepherd Dogs are very patient and not aggressive towards pets.

To raise dogs of this breed, the owner must have a strong and firm character so that the pet considers him the “leader” of the pack. It is also worth noting that Podgalyan Shepherd Dogs are quite touchy and vindictive, so when raising them you should show kindness and patience, otherwise the dog may become uncontrollable.

Education and training

The Polish Shepherd has an independent character and a proud disposition. These qualities can make training difficult, especially for first-time dog owners. “Tatrans” will not repeat the same action over and over again or perform, in their opinion, inappropriate commands such as “die” or “serve.”

According to the description, Podgalyan Shepherd Dogs are trainable, but their obedience is not based on fear or a desire to please, but solely on love and respect for their leader - the owner. It is advisable to conduct the first training with an instructor at a dog school. An experienced specialist will help you correctly assess the dog’s individual characteristics and give advice on training.

Puppies need to be socialized from an early age. Socialization means meeting new people, contact with other animals and a change of environment. A dog raised in this way will be able to more easily adapt to new conditions without reacting to them with aggression or fear. Podgalyan dogs are also taught to wear dog equipment and a muzzle, without which they are not allowed to be in public places or on city streets.

Features of the breed and character of the Podgalyan Shepherd Dog

Puppies of the Podgalyansky breed are very valued among people. They have amazing calm, restraint, and intelligence. Vigilance and an almost complete absence of irritation are characteristic of these dogs.

Loyalty and the desire to protect their home and family are embedded in their genes; you don’t even need to teach her this. Although there is a lot that can be taught to her, she can handle it very well.

After which he can take part in a variety of competitions for similar animals. In general, this breed is an irreplaceable companion, watchman and security guard.

Forced labor is contraindicated for Podgalyan Shepherd Dogs; they may simply refuse to do it. They are not characterized by subordination and obedience. Everything that dogs do is done solely because they have a good attitude towards their owners.

A close relationship with his family is what the Podgalyan Shepherd Dog needs most. These pets are most comfortable living in houses with large yards. In such conditions, the decision to walk in the house or on the street is made by the pet itself, which is very important for it.

Proper upbringing and proper care of the pet completely eliminate the manifestation of aggressiveness in the animal. As for strangers, the dog has a wary attitude towards them. They show restraint and to some extent curiosity towards strangers. Attacks and showing of teeth are observed in extremely rare cases.

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, which is why they are often used in search work. In most cases, in addition to their sense of smell, they also rely on their intuition. Sometimes they can see and hear much more than a person, so you can completely rely on them.

Their sensitivity can notice the slightest rustle. In cases where they must protect their owners, these dogs may be too dangerous for a potential enemy.

Endurance is another positive feature of these pets. Those dogs that are not used as helpers when herding domestic animals transfer all their care and guardianship to the household.

They can find a common language not only with all family members, but also with all other household members. There are rarely cases of observed aggression towards animals living nearby. Moreover, these animals can feel under the reliable protection of a shepherd dog.

Even cats are on friendly terms with the Podgalyan Shepherd Dog. But only those who live with her in the same family. Everyone else may be persecuted.

At night, dogs do not lose their vigilance. The slightest suspicious rustle and the dog’s ears go straight up, she figures out where the rustle came from and instantly takes off. The Shepherd herself needs to protect her home, this is her true calling.

This is a reasonable, independent, nervously stable, reasonable, fair and cheerful creature. He values kindness, affection and care towards himself and always reciprocates.

In the photo there is a Podgalyansky shepherd dog

The Podgalyan Shepherd will never tolerate a rude attitude towards itself; it is vindictive and can take revenge at any moment. She will be faithful to her owner until the end of her days, but she values her independence very much.

People who want to buy a Podgalyan Shepherd Dog should know that this pet needs constant human attention. If the owner comes home from work and pets the shepherd, she will appreciate it with great gratitude and it will be difficult to find a happier pet.

This breed is suitable for someone who is kind, balanced and collected at the same time. The owner of this pet must have the traits of a leader, otherwise the dog may sense notes of weakness in him and turn into an uncontrollable creature.

The weight and large size of the dog can mislead people. Initially it seems that they are lazy and slow. In fact, they are fast and nimble dogs.

Agility and mobility are in their blood. These dogs provide significant assistance during earthquakes. With great persistence and diligence, they pull people out of the rubble, working like rescue dogs.

Where to buy a puppy: nurseries

The breed is rare and expensive, so breeding it is expensive. But in large cities you can find official clubs selling Polish Podgalian Shepherd puppies:

"Aneka Bos" Moscow;
“From the Valley of Five Lakes” Voronezh.

The larger the dog, the more responsible the owner should be. A person is fully responsible for the behavior of his pet. Therefore, in order to avoid problems, it is necessary to train and educate the shepherd. And this requires a lot of time and financial resources.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Polish Podgalian Shepherd Dog has so many advantages that some disadvantages, as mathematicians say, can be neglected. As a rule, all the “minuses” come down to shortcomings in the exterior and represent violations of certain points of the standard , which leads to disqualification and inadmissibility to breeding:

crease of the tail (or “donut”);
curly hair;
malocclusion – snack, snack;
depigmentation of the nose;
spotty color;
a color other than snow-white.

Thank you for your interest in the article about the Tatra (Polish Podgalian) Sheepdog. How useful was the information to you? Have you encountered these amazing creatures “live”? If you notice interesting character traits or manners of raising a Tatra, please share with the readership. Perhaps you have your own opinion about this issue. Express it by leaving your review or comment at the bottom of the page. We value your opinion.

Security qualities

Cairn Terrier: description of the breed, character of the dogs

The guarding qualities of a shepherd dog are instilled in her from birth. It seems that she never closes her eyes, she always performs her duty. She not only protects the house and owner during the day, but also sleeps lightly at night, reacting to suspicious noises.

Important! The Polish Shepherd can attack a stranger if it feels threatened by him.

When a stranger appears in the house, she evaluates him by observing his behavior. If there is an uninvited guest on the doorstep when the owner is not present, the animal will greet him quite aggressively.

Choosing a Podgalian Polish Shepherd puppy

An important guarantee of health is the correct choice of puppy. Babies are rarely put up for sale, so it’s not worth purchasing them second-hand. It is better to buy a purebred puppy from an official kennel, after checking registration in international clubs.

Important! The Polish Shepherd is often confused with the Maremma breed.

It is better to take a puppy from a kennel