Polish Tatra Sheepdog Kennel

The Owczarek Podhalanski, also known as the Polish Tatra Sheepdog, originated in the Podhale, a small, mountainous region in southern Poland. Developed as a livestock guardian, the breed is also used for personal protection, as guard dogs for private property, for military and police work, carting, and as guide dogs. The Owczarek Podhalanski was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1995.

GENERAL APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS: The Owczarek Podhalanski is a strong and well bound dog. Its body is impressive, expressing both power and mobility. Its temperament is calm and grave. The breed is intelligent and alert.

Height: The height range, measured at the shoulders, for females is 60 - 65 cm (23 1/2 to 25 1/2 inches), for males is 65 - 70 cm (25 1/2 to 27 1/2 inches). In silhouette, it is rectangular; the male being a little shorter than the female.

HEAD: The head is dry and in proportion to the body. It is held at medium height both during movement and in a standing position. The muzzle is slightly longer than, or equal to, the length of the skull. In profile, the skull is slightly domed. The forehead furrow is shallow. The stop is distinctly marked, but the skull is not too sharply broken. The strong muzzle tapers slightly. The top of the muzzle is broad. The nose is black. Tip of nose middle sized with wide nostrils. The tightly-closed lips have dark rims. Strong, evenly shaped teeth meet in a scissors bite. A level bite is acceptable. The expressive, medium size eyes slant slightly. They are dark brown in color. The eye rims are dark. The ears are set at the same height, or a little higher, as the external angle of the eyes. They are medium length, rather thick, triangular in shape, and densely coated. The front edges lie close to the head. Ear lether mobile.

NECK: The medium length neck is muscular, without any dewlap. It has a profuse mane. The upper line of the neck is higher than the back.

BODY: The body is long and massive. The broad withers are distinctly marked. The back is level and broad. The loins are broad and well bound. The croup slopes slightly. The chest is deep. The ribs are oblique and rather flat. The tuck-up is slight.

TAIL: The tail set is not very high. It is held below the level of the back. When the dog is excited, it may be held above the level of the back, but is not rolled. In length, it reaches to the hock. The end of the tail may be a little curved.

FOREQUARTERS: The muscular, well-boned forelegs are not too heavy, seen from the front straight. The shoulder blades slope slightly. Metatarsus slightly forward.

HINDQUARTERS: Viewed from the rear, the hind legs are vertical. Viewed from the side, they are set a little backward and are moderately angulated. Metatarsus vertical.

FEET: The large front and hind feet are oval in shape. There is hair between the toes. The pads are strong, hard and dark. The nails are strong and blunt. Dark nails are preferred

COAT: The hair is short and thick close on the head, muzzle, the front of the forelegs and the front of the hind legs below the hock. The neck and body are covered with a long, thick, straight, or slightly waved hair that is hard to the touch. There is a profuse undercoat. The neck has a profuse ruff. The thighs are covered with profuse, long hair. The tail is fluffy.

COLOR: A pure white is the acceptable color. A cream-colored hue is undesirable.

DISQUALIFICATIONS:Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Undershot or overshot bite. Stop too shallow. Snipey muzzle. Considerable missing teeth. A curly coat. A silky coat. Lack of undercoat. Piebald color. Extreme viciousness or shyness, nervousness.

FAULTS: A deep forehead furrow. High set ears. Ears bent back. Light, bear eyes. Poor pigmentation of the eye rims. Poor nose pigmentation. Poor pigmentation of the lips.
Neck held horizontally. High at the croup. Lack of hair between the toes. Lack of ruff. Lack of feathering on the legs. Dewclaws. Tail held constantly over the back.