PetzloverPolish Tatra Sheepdog is originated from Poland but Sanshu is originated from Japan. Polish Tatra Sheepdog may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Sanshu. Polish Tatra Sheepdog may weigh 35 kg / 78 pounds more than Sanshu. Both Polish Tatra Sheepdog and Sanshu has almost same life span. Both Polish Tatra Sheepdog and Sanshu has almost same litter size. Polish Tatra Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Sanshu requires Low Maintenance
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 Sanshu was developed in Japan a century ago – in 1912 in fact.
It is a cross between the Chinese Chow Chow and the ancient Japanese Aichi. People who know these dogs say they bear a resemblance to other Inu breeds, but it has a straight tail and not the usual curved one that you'd expect.
The breed is rare and they aren’t recognized by any breed organization.
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.
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.
The Sanshu is a medium sized dog standing at between 50 to 55cm in height and weighing in the region of 20 to 25kg.
There is also a smaller variety. This dog has a wedge-shaped head with a tapering muzzle, dark almond-shaped eyes with small erect ears. The tail is long and is straight but it can bend over the dog’s back. The coat is short and coarse and can come in a number of shades such as tan, white, reddish, white and black.
The Sanshu is a dog that loves to please its owners. Even so, training and socialization should be given to this dog. He is an intelligent dog, and with training and socialization he becomes well balanced and able to respond to a few commands such as sit, come, stay and lie down.
These are loving, loyal dogs and bond closely with their human family. It is a true companion dog and makes an excellent guard dog too. He makes a great pet with children, if the children have been taught to be kind and gentle to animals and not climb all over them.
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.
Sanshu dogs are known for the exceptional companionship they offer. They are loving, loyal dogs, wanting to fit in peacefully with their human companions and eager to please.They are amicable dogs, willing to get on well with other dogs in the family too.
In exchange for such devotion, everyone who owns one of these dogs should be eager to ensure they provide well for their 4-legged family member.
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 -
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.
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.
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.
This dog from Japan is a fairly healthy breed, and you can encourage good health by ensuring he gets good food and adequate exercise.
Nonetheless, every dog can fall prey to some of the many dog illnesses there are, and some of these diseases can be skin allergies, hip dysplasia, bloat, digestive issues, cherry eye, cancer and obesity.
The condition of the eyes can give away some ideas of a dog’s health. Eye discharge can be a sign of an infection or an allergy. If your dog’s eyes aren’t clear and there is a constant discharge, talk to your vet and get to the root of it. Left untreated, there are some eye diseases that can lead to blindness.
Just like humans get all kinds of skin problems, dogs also do. It can drive them crazy and you see them scratching and biting. Skin allergies are sometimes caused by insect bites or allergies to medication or food. You might see excessive itching, scratching, a nasty rash, watery eyes and chewing of the paws. Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease and you will need to get your pet to the vet.
You need to check inside your pet’s mouth and make sure that a bad tooth isn’t causing your pet tremendous pain and infection. Sometimes missing teeth can also interfere with the way your pet eats.
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.
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.
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.
Brush the coat twice a week to rid the coat of loose hairs.
Check the ears and eyes for infection.
Feel for unusual lumps on your pet’s body.
Provide your pet with a warm, dry place to sleep.
Keep your pet’s vaccines up to date to eliminate killer canine diseases.
Have your pet spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.
Feed your pet well. A Sanshu dog will require the best dog food there is. If you give him commercially manufactured food make sure it is one of the better brands to avoid toxic ingredients.
To add some variety, feed him some home made food occasionally which can be added to his dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Try and include some raw meat into the diet as this can help in fighting off horrible skin diseases. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water for him.