Russell Terrier vs Polish Tatra Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

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.

This feisty little dog was developed in England a couple of centuries ago. He has a well documented history. An interesting aspect with this dog is that the very name ‘Jack Russell’ became a common name for predominantly white terriers after the death of clergyman Jack Russell.

The Russell Terrier was developed from Jack Russell working terrier strains that were used in the 19th century for hunting fox. The dog has been standardized by Kennel Club recognition. The Fedédération Cynologique Internationale also recognizes the breed.

It was in the early 1970s that the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain was formed.

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.

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.

The Russell Terrier has a weatherproof coat that is mainly white with patches of tan or black or maybe even both. You get the smooth haired type, the broken type- as well as the rough haired Russell Terrier. All these coats shed.

He is a small dog standing at between 20-35cm in height and weighing between 7 and 12kg.

Temperament:

Your Russell Terrier is a jaunty, fearless, confident little dog with a powerful personality. The bright face with alert eyes are constantly telling you that he is just ready to spring into action when you’re ready.

He just loves games and sports and you won’t have to ask him twice to join in. Happy and energetic, you could say it's his desire to hunt as well as his high energy levels that make it necessary for him to be trained and socialized It is of particular importance because he is so strong willed. Super smart, you won't have any trouble teaching him some basic commands.

He also makes a good watch dog and while he can be aggressive towards other dogs, he is prepared to get along with children in the house who have been disciplined and who know how to treat animals with respect and kindness.

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.

It is true that this very active, very 'in-your-face' dog may not be everybody’s cup of tea. He will be discontent if not given the chance to run and be active.

If you’re a super active family who loves swimming, going on hikes or you enjoy sports such as cycling and horse riding, you can count the Russell Terrier in every time.

These dogs make a loving, loyal companion. They'll make you smile and be amused by their antics, bringing you lots of joy and entertainment.

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 -

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.

The Russell Terrier is a robust little dog who can lead a good, healthy life of 13, 14 or 15 years if well cared for. There are however, a number of common dog ailments that he can succumb to. Some of these are cataracts, deafness and myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia Gravis:

This disorder is caused by a breakdown of the transmission of impulses from the nerves to the muscles. The muscles can’t contract and the dog becomes weak. It’s a disease that can be an inherited congenital defect, and the Russell Terrier is at risk of getting this disease. Symptoms do vary from dog to dog but a common symptom is muscle weakness.

Exercise:

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.

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.

Exercise:

This little dog needs plenty of exercise, and being lazy yourself and not exercising him will lead to him becoming destructive through no fault of his.

He will need walks every day as well as runs in the park off his leash. Ball- and frisbee games fill him with delight and he gives chase every time. Even though he is small, he isn’t recommended for life in the city and small properties as he is a small dog with high energy needs and requires a lot of room to run.

Grooming:

The weatherproof coat isn’t going to require much grooming apart from a brushing twice week. Regular checking of the teeth, checking the eyes, looking inside the ears and checking for lumps will be required. He will also need to have his nails trimmed.

Provide him with nice, warm, dry place to sleep.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date and get him to a vet if you see his is lethargic, miserable and in pain.

Provide him with top quality food, whether it is commercially manufactured food or homemade food.

Your Russell Terrier will be relying on you for good food. Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the kibble twice a week which is easy to prepare and totally uncomplicated.

You can add everything together in one big pot -chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week.

Simple and tasty, your Russell Terrier will love tasty treats like this. Ensure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.