Portuguese Podengo vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Podengo vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Podengo is originated from Portugal but Polish Tatra Sheepdog is originated from Poland. Portuguese Podengo may grow 40 cm / 15 inches shorter than Polish Tatra Sheepdog. Portuguese Podengo may weigh 54 kg / 119 pounds lesser than Polish Tatra Sheepdog. Both Portuguese Podengo and Polish Tatra Sheepdog has almost same life span. Portuguese Podengo may have more litter size than Polish Tatra Sheepdog. Portuguese Podengo requires Low maintenance. But Polish Tatra Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance

History

portuguese podengo - historyThe Portuguese Podengo is an ancient hound dog from Portugal. It is available as a small dog, medium and large dog.

The coats can be short and smooth or longer and wiry. They were imported into the United States in the 1990's and they are also recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in Europe. They are also recognized by the United Kennel Club. In America they are part of the Rare Breed Association.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
Portugal
Poland
Height Male:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
36 - 60 kg
79 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
36 - 60 kg
79 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
3 - 5
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Portuguese Rabbit Hound
Tatra Mountain Sheepdog, Polski Owczarek, Polish Mountain Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Fawn or yellow - some white markings
White
Coat:
Short and smooth or medium length and wiry
Medium length, thick
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

portuguese podengo puppy - descriptionThe Portuguese Podengo is available in three sizes. He stands roughly at between 20 to 30 cm and weighs between 4.1 to 5.9 kg. The dog is similar in looks to other hunting dogs native to the Mediterranean, such as the Pharoah Hound.

They are small to medium sized dogs. The eyes are brown, the ears are erect and the tail long and thick, held low and with a bit of a curve when at rest.

The body of the dog is lean and well muscled and the head wedge shaped. The coat is essentially short and smooth though you also get the longer, wiry coat. The coat is found in shades of fawn or yellow and with some white markings.

Temperament:

This Portuguese sighthound is energetic, comical sometimes, sweet and loving. Being alert, he also makes a good watchdog.

He is intelligent, he is easily trained and socialized and gets on well with children in the house if they have been disciplined to respect and be kind to animals.

He is somewhat aloof around strangers and this is actually what makes him a good watchdog.

It is said that the Portuguese Podengo isn't bred to be a companion dog, being bred exclusively as a working hunting dog. This explains why it doesn’t have such a ‘companionable’ temperament as some other dog breeds.

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.

Characteristics

portuguese podengo dog - characteristicsThe Portuguese Podengo loves pleasing his human owners – loving to be in the company of his human family.

He is an independent dog who will benefit from training and socialization. He is wary around strangers, but this makes him a good watchdog.

He loves lots of exercise and will want mental and physical stimulation to be happy and content and as bright as he is.

Provide him with good care and he promises to make you a wonderful pet and companion.

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.

Health Problems

portuguese podengo puppies - health problemsThe Portuguese Podengo is a robust, healthy dog that can get to 14 years of age if he is looked after well and exercised.

The dog doesn’t battle with genetic disorders. It is thought that the most common problems with this dog are the injuries he gets from being such an outdoor, hunting dog. He could well rip his nail or have porcupine quills in his muzzle.

Some common dog diseases to be aware of are cancer, bloat,skin diseases and eye 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.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

portuguese podengo dogs - caringThe Podengo is always game and ready for a good time and likes nothing more than a good walk as well as the chance to get off his leash and have a bit of free time. He also loves ball games, being pulled along while he holds tightly on to a piece of rope and he loves darting back and forwards with a frisbee.

Diet:

Many things can change a dog’s longevity, and diet is one. A good nutritious diet with vitamins and minerals will give your dog less of a chance to get sick. If you go for the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods, you’ll find they are both convenient and well balanced.

To provide your dog with just a bit of variety in his diet, some home-made food added into the dry kibble from time to time will delight your pet.

No need to make preparing the food a huge issue either. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and as a treat, add smaller portions of it into the dry kibble. This is a real treat for your dog. You’ll see his thanks in his bright eyes and wagging tail.

Try to include a bit of raw meat occasionally and never let your dog be without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

General Care for your pet:

Make sure his puppy vaccines are up to date.

Have your dog spayed or neutered if you don’t want your dog being a parent.

Provide your dog with a warm, dry, comfy pace to sleep.

Trim his nails and check inside his ears for redness and infection.

Check for fleas and ticks when you brush him.

Get him to the vet when you can see he s sick.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Portuguese Podengo vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Podengo vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  3. Portuguese Podengo vs Miniature Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  4. Portuguese Podengo vs Beaglier - Breed Comparison
  5. Portuguese Podengo vs Bluetick Beagle - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Podengo vs Basset Artesien Normand - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Podengo vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  8. Pug vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  9. Rat Terrier vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  10. Scottish Terrier vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  11. Russell Terrier vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  12. Schipperke vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  13. Portuguese Podengo vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  14. Portuguese Podengo vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  15. Portuguese Podengo vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Portuguese Podengo vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  17. Portuguese Podengo vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Portuguese Podengo vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  19. Portuguese Podengo vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Portuguese Podengo vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  21. Portuguese Podengo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Portuguese Podengo vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  23. Portuguese Podengo vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  24. Samoyed vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  25. Presa Canario vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Pyredoodle vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Sarplaninac vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Native American Indian Dog vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  31. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  32. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  33. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  34. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  35. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  36. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  37. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  38. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  39. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  40. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  41. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  42. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  43. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  45. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  46. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  47. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  48. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds