Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison

Known also as the Tatra Mountain Sheepdog, Polish Mountain Sheepdog or the Polski Owczarek, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog comes from Poland.

Shepherds were wanting an excellent guard dog for their livestock, and this dog has a natural instinct for guarding. Apart from being a good protection dog, the dog is also a superb companion.

This is a rare dog breed and not recognized by the AKC. This is actually an ancient breed, and the dog has lived in the Polish mountains for thousands of years. When the breed actually came about hasn’t been recorded. Some people suggest the Tatra Sheepdog comes from the Mastiff dog.

After the World Wars the dog’s number had been reduced and the Federation Cynologique Internationale started breeding the dog in the 1960s.

The french bulldog originated in England and are bred expecting small size bulldogs. Many lace workers in Nottingham had little bulldogs and when they emigrated to france, they brought their dogs with them. Soon they become popular in France and Europe. Then Americans showed interest in them.In 1896 frenchie was shown in United states in a show and after that they got their nickname "Frechie".

If you bring a Polish Tatra Sheepdog puppy into your home you might think you had a gorgeous Polar Pear Cub roaming around – that’s how cute they are.

These are large, well built white coated dogs and the average height for them as an adult is between 60 to 70cm, male and female. Weight of the dog is between 36 and 60kg.

The double coat is medium length and thick. The ears are medium length and floppy and the tail is long and carried low when the dog is at rest, but it is carried up and over the back when the dog is alert and watchful.

Temperament:

These dogs have a lot of characteristics that make it such a good guardian dog. He is territorial, bold, protective, loyal and always loving towards his human family.

The Tatra has a loud bark and he uses this when he is wary of anything that he thinks may harm his family. He is an intelligent dog too, and you won’t have any trouble training and socializing him.

Frenchie is a good companion dog and has a powerful muscular body. They like to play but also likes to relax for more time. They are intelligent and training them is very easy until they think it a game. They are free thinkers and are not very good in obedience. Frenchies should not be leaved alone for a long time.They love spending time with humans and generally they get along with everyone. They are excellent watchdogs and alerts when strangers come.

French bulldog suits very well in apartments. But they should be made to walk for fifteen minutes daily to avoid over weight. They should not be kept outside on hot days. Frenchies will be very happy if you stay in home. They will follow you wherever you walk inside the house. They love people so much, such that people who own a Frenchie can not imagine life without them.

These large sheepdogs have always been guard dogs – they were bred to guard sheep and have always spent a lot of time on their own, away from humans.

To many people, he may seem to be somewhat aloof and independent, but for people looking for a guard dog, this particular characteristic is particularly appealing.

Nonetheless, brought up with lots of love and care he makes the most devoted, loving pet.

Children friendliness

They are good children friendly dogs as they like to play with them. It will be good if they are supervised by an adult.

Special talents

They are polite with everyone including other pets. They love to play games and chase balls but don't need much exercise.

Adaptability

Frenchies adapts well for apartment living but they don't like being alone for long time. They will not tolerate both hot and cold weather and so air conditioning will be better.

Learning ability

French Bulldogs are easy to train and are very much interested in playing.

While your Polish Tatra Sheepdog isn’t likely to suffer from any major dog health issues if he is well fed, well exercised and loved, he may well succumb to one or two of some of the typical illnesses there are that plague dogs -

Hip Dysplasia:

This is such a common- and serious problem with dogs, that it bears mentioning. Hip dysplasia is a problem with the hips so that the bones don’t fit- and move properly. The end result for the dog is pain, inflammation and swelling. Your dog is reluctant to play and get up again after lying down. Arthritis can set in which can also be painful. There are treatments to help with managing pain, but in some instances, surgery may be required.

Bloat:

Because the Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a deep chested dog, he is more prone to bloat, which is life threatening. Gas is trapped in the stomach, the stomach twists and the dog has a swollen stomach, is restless and in stress. Immediate veterinary intervention will be required.

Allergic Dermatitis:

This can be debilitating for your dog as he wants to be licking and scratching the whole time. Usually you’ll see this in the paw- and stomach area. There are a range of medications that the vet will suggest.

Frenchies can suffer from Von Willebrand's disease(VWD)and thyroid condition. Due to their flat faces they suffer from elongated soft palate or cleft palate. Because of their compacted air way they have inability to effectively regulate temperature.

Hair fall

Any indication that the hair is unhealthy, such as brittleness and hair loss, should be addressed immediately to avoid any further damage. Hair loss becomes a problem when it becomes excessive, possibly due to disease or a particular condition.

Exercise:

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is an energetic dog and this means he will require a large sized garden to run around in. As a large, active dog he isn’t recommended for city living but would suit a large property where he can be well exercised. Because of its size and energy levels, regular walks will be recommended. Provide the dog with stimulating games that will be mentally and physically beneficial.

Grooming:

This large dog sheds, and seasonally too, so he will need to be brushed at least twice a week to prevent loose hair.

Check inside your dog’s ears for infection.

Trim your dog’s nails.

Check your dog for fleas and ticks and check him over for any unusual lumps.

Diet:

Every pet lover wants their dog to live a long, healthy, active life. That is why it is so important to choose the best dog food.

If you buy commercially manufactured dog food, make sure its the high quality ones to ensure its properly formulated to provide your pet with all the vitamins and minerals he needs.

Home-made food is also an excellent choice for your pet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots can be very healthy, and you can chop this up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week. This is a super tasty treat. Some raw meat added in occasionally will do him the world of good.

Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Feeding the puppy

As with all dogs, proper nutrition makes your French Bulldog a happy, healthy pup. He should have his own food and water bowls. Don't feed your French bulldog puppy, uncooked meat or food that may have gone bad. Young puppies need relatively large amount of food in order to meat the demands of their rapidly growing bodies and their hectic lifestyle. Feed your puppy specially designed chewing treats from reputable pet stores.

Feeding the adult

According to the French BullDog Club of America, there are no specific guidelines for feeding them. Options for feeding your French Bulldog are commercial dry food, canned food, raw food and homemade meals. Calories required for frenchie varies depending on size, age, activity level and metabolism.

Points for Good Health

1. Dry kibble is good for dog's teeth.
2. Vaccinations should be made on right time.
3. Choke collar must be used for walking and training.

Games and Exercises

Frenchies can be made to walk or run for a particular distances. Heavy exercises should not be given as they face respiratory problems. Avoid exercising them in hot weather as they have chances of getting heatstroke.