Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - 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 Yorkshire terrier originated in Yorkshire which is a place in northern England. In mid 19th century workers from Scotland came to Yorkshire in search for work. They brought different varieties of small terriers with them. Earlier they are known as Broken Haired Scotch Terrier and then Toy Terrier. In 1874 they were officially named as Yorkshire Terrier. They begun their journey as hunting dogs and later developed as companion dogs. AKC registered the breed in 1878.

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.

Yorkshire terriers are one of the glamorous member of the dog breeds. They have excellent personality as their owner will be surely proud of them when taking them in public. They like to go outside and make adventures. They are good companion dogs and watch dogs too. They are very affectionate with their owners. Yorkies always bark when any stranger comes and they should be taught about neighbours and when to bark. They will get angry on seeing new dogs and surely chases squirrels.

They like to spend more time with their people. Leaving them alone for long time is not good. Yorkshire terrier should be treated gently and with love. They love to spend time with older children. They love apartment life if they are made to play and walk daily. Yorkies are the second most popular dog in America.

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

Yorkshire terrier are not so much friendly with children. It is not advised to leave them with children without adult supervision.

Special talents

They were previously used to catch rats and hunt badger and fox. They are excellent watchdogs and defend their territory very well.

Adaptability

They adapts well for apartment living. But they will not be happy if leaved alone for a long time. Yorkies cannot tolerate too hot or cold weather.

Learning ability

They are moderately easy to train. Yorkshire terrier should be trained early when they are amenable to process. Sessions should be conducted with lots of treats and must be short as they will easily get bored.

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.

Yorkshire terrier have possibilities of having hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and von willebrand's disease.

Hair fall

Usually yorkies don't shed more. They have long, silky and straight hair. They should be made to bath weekly once.

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

For English bull dog puppies, When you change the puppy food from liquid to solid initially you must give what the dam is having. This is to avoid digestive problems when new food is introduced. The level of liquid food should be reduced in a step by step manner and thus increasing solid food gradually.

Feeding the adult

You have two choices and one is manufactured dog food and another is home cooked food. Commercial brands are not suggested as they contain artificial coloring and chemical preservatives.

Points for Good Health

Vaccinations should be made at the right time. The food given should be the best.

Games and Exercises

Yorkshire terrier should be taught tricks by giving rewards. Exercising them has benefits such as maintaining muscles, release pent-up energy, good for heart, good metabolism, good sleep and be active.