Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Lurcher - Breed Comparison

Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Lurcher - Breed ComparisonPolish Tatra Sheepdog is originated from Poland but Lurcher is originated from United Kingdom. Both Polish Tatra Sheepdog and Lurcher are having almost same height. Polish Tatra Sheepdog may weigh 28 kg / 62 pounds more than Lurcher. Polish Tatra Sheepdog may live 3 years less than Lurcher. Polish Tatra Sheepdog may have less litter size than Lurcher. Polish Tatra Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance. But Lurcher requires Low maintenance

History

polish tatra sheepdog - historyKnown 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.

lurcher - historyThe Lurcher is a crossbreed dog that doesn’t seem to have too much certainty around it. There are stories that Lurchers may have been bred to produce a sighthound with more intelligence for hunting.

Hunters discovered that breeding certain breeds with sight-hounds produced a dog better suited for hunting and working purpose.

A Lurcher is a sighthound, a classic working crossbreed and some of the dogs used to bring about this breed were Greyhounds, Deerhounds, Whippets, Border Collies, Bedlington Terriers and Irish Wofhounds among others. This means that the Lurcher has many different looks as well. In the UK, Lurchers have their own shows, but no registry recognizes the dog.

Description

polish tatra sheepdog puppy - descriptionIf 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.

lurcher puppy - descriptionIt is difficult to put a size and weight to the Lurcher, This is because of the many dogs used in his development, so that they vary in size and coat type. Generally though, he is a deep chested dog that stands roughly between 50 – 75cm and weighs 25 – 32kg.

However, because Whippet was a dog used in his development, he could be as small as a Whippet, the size of a Greyhound or Deerhound.

Generally he has a shortish coat. Colours of the coat vary greatly so you can find fawn, cream, white, grey, black, tan, silver or grey and bi-colored. The ears are usually small and can be floppy or held erect or back and the tail is usually long.

Temperament:

The Lurcher’s temperament is much like that of the sighthound – loving and calm. It is a good idea to have the Lurcher trained and socialized to help prevent both timidity or aggression.

He is an independent and intelligent dog and can be easily trained. He is a gentle dog and will get on well with children and pets in the home as he is a fairly relaxed breed with a quiet temperament, loving to spend time with his human family. Another advantage is that he is low maintenance and makes a great pet when shown love and care.

Characteristics

polish tatra sheepdog dog - characteristicsThese 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.

lurcher dog - characteristicsThe Lurcher is a working- and hunting dog that won’t do well in the city, as he requires large spaces to run.

He is a dog that will need you to provide him with games and other activities as well as a walk every day to keep him fit and lithe. He will therefore require an owner who loves to be active and who is consistent, firm, fair, patient and kind.

With the right human family, the Lurcher is a loving, devoted dog who will make an excellent family pet.

Health Problems

polish tatra sheepdog puppies - health problemsWhile 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.

lurcher puppies - health problemsEvery dog has the potential to develop genetic health problems, but the way you feed a dog and look after it will play a huge role in his wellbeing.

Lurchers are looked upon as being a pretty healthy dog breed and they can be with you for between 10 and 15 years.

Some of the main health concerns with this dog would be bloat, ear- and eye infections or heatstroke.

Remember that if you’re getting a new puppy, you can prevent some of the major life-threatening diseases by having your puppy vaccinated.

Heat Stroke:

Dogs pant heavily when they’re hot. When the panting isn’t enough, the dog’s body temperature rises and this can be fatal for your pet.

The signs of heatstroke in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, dullness and loss of consciousness. Being locked in a hot car, being over-exercised or left in a yard without shade and water can bring on heatstroke.

It is imperative to remove the dog from the hot place immediately and cool him down by spraying cold water gently over him while making sure no water enters the mouth or nose. Get him to the vet if you can because of shock and the fact that other problems could have developed.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

polish tatra sheepdog dogs - caringThe 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.

lurcher dogs - caringBrush your pet’s coat at least twice a week.

The Lurcher just loves to run and be free, so this is a dog that will want a long walk every day.

Check his eyes and inside his ears for ear infection. Find out how to clean inside the ears and make sure they are kept dry.

Keep his nails clipped, as long nails can hook and cause painful injury to the paw area. Check his teeth too and brush them because dental disease is the root cause of many other diseases.

Make sure your dog has a comfy, dry, warm place to sleep.

Encourage health and longevity by giving your pet high quality food full of vitamins and minerals. If you’re going be giving him commercially manufactured food, make sure its one of the better ones. Try and add in homemade food such as boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables and add this to his kibble as a tasty treat. Some raw meat added in when you can afford it will also be to his advantage.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Poland
United Kingdom
Height Male:
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
50 - 75 cm
19 - 30 inches
Height Female:
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
50 - 75 cm
19 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
36 - 60 kg
79 - 133 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
36 - 60 kg
79 - 133 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
3 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Tatra Mountain Sheepdog, Polski Owczarek, Polish Mountain Sheepdog
None
Colors Available:
White
white, grey, cream, black, tan, All colors - fawn, silver or grey and bi-colored
Coat:
Medium length, thick
Short- or long haired
Shedding:
Constant, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Lurcher - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Lurcher - Breed Comparison
  3. Mackenzie River Husky vs Lurcher - Breed Comparison
  4. Pyredoodle vs Lurcher - Breed Comparison
  5. Lurcher vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  6. Lurcher vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  7. Lurcher vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  8. Lurcher vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  9. Lurcher vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  10. Lurcher vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  11. Lurcher vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  12. Lurcher vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  13. Lurcher vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  14. Lurcher vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  15. Lurcher vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  16. Lurcher vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  17. Lurcher vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  18. Lurcher vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  19. Lurcher vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Lurcher vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  21. Lurcher vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  22. Lurcher vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  23. Lurcher vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  24. Lurcher vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  25. Lurcher vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Pyredoodle vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. Sarplaninac vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Native American Indian Dog vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  32. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  33. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  34. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  35. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  36. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  37. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  38. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  39. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  40. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  42. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  43. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  44. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  45. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  47. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  48. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  49. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  50. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds