Tatra Shepherd Dog

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are a large-breed dog. They should be given a high-quality commercial dog food diet specially made for dogs of their size. Premium-quality dry dog food is recommended for it provides balanced nutrition for your adult polish Tatra that may also be mixed with canned food, broth, or water. One bowl of 5-6 cups a day is enough for your Tatras, though they may do better with two lighter bowls a day. They may also be fond of cooked eggs, fruits and vegetables, and cottage cheese, but they should only comprise less than 10% of their daily food intake. Avoid ?table food? since it can cause mineral and vitamin imbalance, tooth and bone issues, and obesity. Clean, potable water should be available all the times.

Tatras have thick, white coat that protects them from the cold and harsh weather as mountain breeds. They rarely need baths because their coats are naturally self-cleaning. Like many mountain breeds, Tatras usually shed their undercoats profusely in late spring, so brushing and grooming may need to be a little bit more extra during that time. When not in season, brushing them once or twice a week is enough. You need to brush them daily brush when they start blowing their fur.

Tatras stay remarkably clean for the rest of the year because they have a self-cleaning coat, and so they seldom require a bath. Dry-mouthed, this breed also does not drool. But they still requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment may be needed, and cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer is recommended. You should also clean their ears and eyes to avoid possible infections.

Brush your Tatras coat once or twice a week unless it is in their shedding season, then they will need daily brushing. They typically don't need to be groomed unless their white coats get particularly dirty. Twice a year bathing is enough for them to maintain a healthy coat.

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs have average exercise needs. They can be satisfied with long daily walks with their human. During the walks, they must be taught how to heel beside or behind you. You should be the one holding the lead to let them understand who the leader is.

As they were developed as a herding breed, they have good stamina and endurance and can be surprisingly agile for their size. So they also love to to run around, preferably in a place with secured fences to keep them from running off. When indoors, the Tatra is alert and on guard. This means they tend to bark when they hear neighbours moving. Because of his large size, he is not suited to apartment life.

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are generally very healthy, with probably very few health risks. They have an average life expectancy of 10?12 years old. As with most large breed dogs, the Tatras can be prone to Hip Dysplasias. It is a disorder where the dog develops poorly shaped hips that do not move as smoothly as possible. This can be concerning because it can cause crippling early arthritis. They are also prone to Gastric torsion, Allergic dermatitis or 'atopy?. It may cause itchy skin with excessive licking and chewing, especially on the paws or their bellies.

It's best to know what your dog is allergic to and avoid them having contact with those allergens. With this in mind, annual or regular vet visits are highly recommended to monitor any signs and symptoms that may appear and check on your dog's overall wellbeing.

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs get along well with children, making them a perfect family dog. They are a kid-friendly breed and can even act as their nanny. However, owners must keep in mind that Tatras are not fond of being rushed. Although they are patient, children must learn to communicate and play with them respectfully.

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are very intelligent and independent. They can be a difficult dog to train, so they need a well-experienced trainer in positive reinforcement operant conditioning training.

They were developed as a mountain herding breed which means they have an independent nature and a strong will. They are naturally self-sufficient and can work without much guidance. Because of this, they tend to make their own mind up rather than listen to the trainer?s instructions. Tatras can be aloof around strangers, so it is recommended that they get early socialization and training. Owners should also maintain a firm and consistent hand in training throughout the dog?s life.

Polish Tatra Sheepdogs may not be the most dog-friendly dogs. However, their natural protective instinct may apply to the family cat, mainly if they grew up together. But this does not entirely mean that they will get along with other cats around the neighbourhood. Their socialisation with other dogs is required for them from puppyhood in order for them to learn how to get along and be comfortable with them. Unless they feel threatened, they generally are quite tolerant when it comes to other dogs.