The Breed Standard

Polish Tatra Sheepdog OWCZAREK PODHALANSKI
Official UKC Breed Standard, 1995, United Kennel Club

HISTORY
The Owczarek Pohhalanski, 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. Its imposing attitude makes it an attractive companion dog.

In silhouette, it is rectangular; the male being a little shorter than the female.

HEAD AND SKULL
The head is lean and in proportion to the body. It is held at medium height both during
movement and in a standing position. In profile, the skull is slightly domed. The forehead
furrow is shallow. The stop is distinctly marked, bu the skull is not too sharply broken. The
strong muzzle tapers slightly. It is slightly longer than, or equal to, the length of the skull. The
top of the muzzle is broad. The tightly-closed lips have dark rims.

Faults: a deep forehead furrow, poor pigmentation of the lips

TEETH
A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite, which is preferred. A level
bite is acceptable.

EYES
The expressive, medium size eyes slant slightly. They are dark brown in color. The eye rims
are dark.

Faults: light, bear eyes, poor pigmentation of the eye rims

NOSE
The nose is black. Nostrils are wide.

Fault: poor nose pigmentation

EARS
The ears are set at the same heights, or a little higher, as the external angle of the eyes.
There are medium length, rather thick, triangular in shape and densely coated. The front
edges lie close to the head.

Faults: high set ears, ears bent back, cut ears

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.

FOREQUARTERS
The muscular, well-boned forelegs are not too heavy. They are straight when viewed from
the front. The shoulder blades slope slightly. The pasterns slope slightly.

Fault: lack of dewclaws

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.

Fault: high at the croup

HINDQUARTERS
Viewed from the rear, the hind legs are vertical. Viewed from the side, they are set a little
backward and are moderately angulated. The rear pastern is straight.

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.

TAIL
The tail is set not very high, following the slope of the croup. 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 twisted.

Fault: tail held constantly over the back

COAT
The hair is short and close on the head, muzzle, the front of the forelegs, and 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.

Fault: lack of ruff, lack of feathering on the legs, lack of hair between the toes

COLOR
A uniform white is the acceptable color. A cream colored hue is undesirable.

HEIGHT
The height range, measured at the shoulders, for males is from 25 1/2 inches to 27 1/2
inches ((65-70 cm). The heights range, measured at the shoulders, for females is from 23
1/2 inches to 25 1/2 inches (60-65 cm).

DISQUALIFICATIONS
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Extreme viciousness or shyness. Undershot bite. Stop too
shallow. Snipey muzzle. Considerable missing teeth. Curly coat. Silky coat. Lack of
undercoat. Piebald color.