Polish Shepherd Dogs: breed description, feeding and care

Polish Shepherd Dogs are considered the best helpers to work in the herd, as watchmen and loyal friends. In addition, this breed of dog is characterized by small size, intelligent eyes with a keen eye and beautiful hair. Due to their docile nature, they get along well with other pets, but their maintenance requires certain care and proper nutrition.

Polish Shepherd Dog is a special type of dog that is not adapted for life in the house and apartment. These dogs are best kept outside, as they like to spend most of their time outdoors. It is worth noting that for these beauties chain or captive content is not suitable. Such shepherds perfectly adapt to any conditions of life, withstand extreme cold and hot heat.

This type of breed was officially approved in 1998. Its representatives are distinguished by medium height, thick, long hair, muscularity and high activity. On average, the growth of males is from 45 to 50 cm, females - from 42 to 47 cm. The main features in the nature of lowland shepherd dogs are discernment, vigilance, obedience and quick learning. Besides this, the breed is famous excellent memory.

A dog's head is proportional to the size of the body, but it does not look massive. Since abundant hair is present on the chin, on the front of the head and on the cheekbones, the head of the animal visually seems larger. The frontal furrow and occiput are markedly pronounced, so the transition to the face is clearly visible. The pet's ears are heart-shaped, they are hanging, set high and slightly wide at the base. The size of the ears is average, but their lower part reaches the cheekbones of the animal.

The withers of the sheepdogs of this breed are well defined, the neck is set high, without dewlap, muscular. Chest deep, medium width. The ribs are rounded, the back is characterized by developed muscles, it is even. The paws of the Polish lowland sheep dog are oval, set vertically and straight, the claws are short, the pads are strong. The movements of the animal are light, and during a quiet step they resemble dancing.

The first representatives of this breed appeared in the XVII century in Podgale. There are also mentions that white herding dogs were bred from Tibetan mastiffs in East Asia, their species was later crossed with Caucasians and Mongols. Exact descriptions of the Podgalyansky breed were provided by V. Wiland in 1938, he called them "mountain shepherds".After some time, the dogs living in the Carpathians and the Tatras were crossed with the Hungarian quhasa, and at the beginning of the 20th century, the so-called Tatra breed appeared.

Podgalyansky Shepherd Dogs are considered the main representatives of large herding breeds, the main purpose of which is to protect and protect people and livestock from predatory animals. In addition, such shepherds can perform other functions: to direct and keep the herd in one place, to look for lost animals in the steppes and mountains.

As for the external descriptions, dogs of this breed have an average size and compact body. They look hardy and strong. The coat is white, thick and short. Growing bitches at the withers is no more than 75 cm, males - from 65 to 70 cm. Podgalyanskaya Shepherd has similarities with the Hungarian Kuvas, Maremmo-Abrutsk Sheep-dog and Chuvach. This is due to the presence of a common gene with the ancestors of these rocks.

The head of the dogs is proportional to the body, the skull is slightly rounded, the muzzle with a broad bridge of nose, which tapers smoothly to the black nose. As a rule, the length of the muzzle is slightly greater than or equal to the length of the skull. There are dark rims on the lips, strong teeth and have either a straight or scissor bite. The eyes are set obliquely, they are small, expressive and differ in dark hazel color. Ears of a triangular shape, overgrown with thick hair, planted slightly above the outer corner of the eyes.

The neck of a shepherd dog is of medium length, distinguished by its muscularity, without dewlap, it has an abundant "mane". Stretched body, massive. The back and withers are well defined, even. The ribs are flat, the belly is picked up, the chest is deep. The tail of the sheepdogs is not long, it rises during excitement or interest, and in a state of calm is usually omitted.

The front paws are parallel, straight and flat, muscular. If you look at the hind legs, you can see moderate angles on them. The pads are oval, dark in color, hard, the claws are strong and dull. As for wool, it is short on the front and back of the paws, head and face. But the whole body and neck are covered with beautiful and long (straight or wavy) hair, with a fluffy “collar” clearly visible on the neck, and distinct batons are noticeable on the hips.

Polish Shepherd Dog is considered the most popular breed among dog breeders, but it is quite rare and is most often found in America and the Netherlands. To date, it has become possible to acquire puppies of this breed both in many kennels of European countries, and from private individuals who breed dogs. The price for puppies may be different, it all depends on the parents' pure blood.

Since one of the most common diseases of this breed of shepherd is hip dysplasia, it is important to make sure that the puppy does not inherit it from its parents. To do this, puppy vendors must provide parents with x-rays taken by “father and mother” at one year old. In addition, the parents of the baby must have certificates of completion of courses on obedience early.

The mother of babies should have normal fatness, look healthy and be active. Important when choosing a puppy is considered and assessment of its conditions, the quality of feeding. Pets should spend a lot of time in the fresh air and be constantly in free movement. This will ensure that dogs develop properly their musculoskeletal system.

Starting from 2 months of age, the Polish Shepherd Babies meet all breed standards, so when buying them you should pay attention to the body format, ears, bite and strength of the legs. In addition, purebred breeds have a special puppy card and stamp.

It is recommended to acquire a baby only in specialized nurseries if he has a personal veterinary passportin which should be marked vaccination. As for the chip, it is required only for transporting the animal to other countries.

Polish Shepherd Dog refers to the type of dogs that are not intended for breeding at home. They require a permanent presence on the street and perfectly adapt to any climatic conditions of the region. therefore if you plan to buy this dog for keeping in an apartment or house, it is better to abandon a similar undertaking. In such conditions, the animal will not receive the necessary physical exertion, especially for puppies.

Polish Shepherd Dog should receive moderate exercise, and in addition to walking in the yard, it must be allowed access to run around and beyond. Huge benefits for the dog bring not only long walks in the fresh air, but also swimming.

As for the care, it is not considered difficult, but procedures that are important for the dog should not be neglected.

• Regular combing and bathing. This is necessary to ensure that the fur has retained an attractive and neat appearance. Despite the fact that the snow-white wool is prone to self-cleaning, the pet during games on the street can be dumped in the dirt. During molting shepherd should be heavily combed, it is best done daily.

• Inspection of the ears. Ears must be cleaned at least once a week.

• Claw clipping. As necessary, claws cut to the desired length. This is done if they do not have time to do it yourself

Polish Shepherd eats portions according to its size, while trying to save on the quality of products can not be. To feed a pet, the owner can independently select the type of food: give preference to ready-made dry food or home-made food.

The diet is based on the activity, size, age and physiological characteristics of the dog. If you choose ready-made feed, it is best to opt for premium products. Feed must be appropriate for the breed size and age of the pet.

In some cases, the recommendations of the veterinarian in the pet menu, you can add mineral elements and vitamins, they are especially important during the growth of puppies. During the feeding of the shepherd dog, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the food does not cause her allergic reactions. In addition, you can not give the dog large portions.

Polish Shepherd dogs, regardless of the breed are perfectly adapted to life in the open air, in this they are similar to aboriginal dogs. In addition, such shepherds in the wild can quickly find their food and enter into combat with wolves, where they will always win.

As for the content of the dog with the participation of man, it requires compulsory education and training. Due to this, the dog will not lose his guarding abilities. The dogs of this breed are quite smart and they lack the digging mania, therefore When you leave your pet for a walk in the garden, you can be sure that the flower gardens and the vegetable garden will remain safe and sound.

Polish shepherds get along well not only with all members of the family, but also with other animals in the house. Even without special training, the dog can be safely left with the child. She will never touch the baby, and in the case of attacks of strangers will protect him. These handsome men make excellent nannies. During the upbringing of a pet, you cannot be rude, dogs of this type do not tolerate it. They also do not like coercion, so if you behave incorrectly with a dog, it will show strong obstinacy.

It is desirable to begin training from an early agemake it necessary at ease and easily, having previously established a trusting contact with the pet. Since dogs have innate guardian skills, there is no need to train them.

Polish shepherd dogs of all breeds are unfamiliar and strangers with suspicion and may show discontent or aggression towards them. Even while doing their own business or just playing, they will constantly watch over “strangers”. The pet starts to use its teeth only in extreme cases, while it does so instantly, without warning, by barking. To avoid undesirable situations, the dog should be trained in such commands as "It is impossible!" And "Foo!".

Classes with a puppy should be held in a playful way, devoting to it short periods of time. If a baby has an inborn talent, it needs to be revealed - a good shepherd and a guard can be made from a shepherd dog. The only thing for which the dog of this breed is not adapted (psychologically and physically) is participation in various sports and performing circus tricks.

Before you call a Polish Shepherd, you should choose the right name for it, given the importance of the name. The nickname is laid in the character of the pet and gives it a special charisma. The most popular nicknames for boys of the Polish Shepherd include: Byte, Castro, Cruz, Stalker and Beethoven. In addition, many owners of pets prefer such astrological and mystical nicknames as Kant, Neptune, Sirius, Altair. The following nicknames for boys are in fashion this year:

• Ford;
• Horace;
• Scythian;
• Socrates;
• Baron;
• Best;
• Carat;
• Zat;
• Tyson;
• Ralph.

When choosing a nickname for a girl, it is advisable to take into account not only the size of the dog, but also the color of her fur. Most often, the owners of Polish shepherds give them the nicknames of flowers or famous movie characters. This may be Venus, Sherry, Harp, Uma, Penelope, Lama, Avrika, Monroe. The most common nicknames for girls are:

• Leah;
• Pilma;
• Margot;
• Tina;
• Emma;
• Nura;
• Rosie;
• Ora;
• Frieda;
• Ilda

It should be remembered that puppies usually get used to their nickname in a few days. To speed up this process, the pet should be constantly called by name during games and when performing commands.

For information on how to keep Polish Shepherd Dogs, see the following video.