Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison

Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed ComparisonGriffon Nivernais is originated from France but Polish Tatra Sheepdog is originated from Poland. Griffon Nivernais may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Polish Tatra Sheepdog. Griffon Nivernais may weigh 35 kg / 77 pounds lesser than Polish Tatra Sheepdog. Both Griffon Nivernais and Polish Tatra Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both Griffon Nivernais and Polish Tatra Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Both Griffon Nivernais and Polish Tatra Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
undefined
France
Poland
Height Male:
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 25 kg
48 - 56 pounds
36 - 60 kg
79 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 25 kg
48 - 56 pounds
36 - 60 kg
79 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 6
3 - 5
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Chien Gris de St. Louis, Grey Dogs of St. Louis
Tatra Mountain Sheepdog, Polski Owczarek, Polish Mountain Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Grey and fawn, black and fawn
White
Coat:
Long, shaggy, coarse
Medium length, thick
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

griffon nivernaisThe Griffon Nivernais is a working breed dog originating in France and used as a hunting dog because of his exceptional scent skills and his alertness with hunting.

The idea was to develop a dog that looked much like the hunting dogs of the Middle Ages. French noblemen kept these dogs but the breed disappeared somewhat after the French Revolution, being restored again in 1925.

The restoration of the breed was done based on the Grand Griffon Vendeen but other breeds were also used such as the Otter- and Foxhounds. The breed has yet to receive official recognition by the AKC but it is recognized by both the FCI and the UKC.

polish tatra sheepdogKnown 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.

Description

griffon nivernais puppy - descriptionAs a medium sized dog, the Griffon Nivernais stands at 55 to 62cm in height and weighs between about 22 and 25kg.

He is recognized easily by his distinctive rough or shaggy coat which is a grey with fawn around the muzzle and legs. Other colors can be black and fawn. Sometimes this blend of colors gives him a grizzled look in appearance.

He is also noted for the hairy eyebrows, a beard and mustache. He has dark brown eyes, black nose, long floppy ears and a tail that is held upright and with a slight curve. He is a muscular dog with a deep chest and a slight arch in the back.

Temperament:

Stubborn, courageous and independent, the Griffon Nivernais is a hunting dog with amazing scenting abilities. He is a dog used to working in a pack with other dogs so he tolerates other dogs well. He is a friendly dog, getting on well with children as well.

polish tatra sheepdog puppy - descriptionIf 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.

Characteristics

griffon nivernais dog - characteristicsYour Griffon Nivernais is a sociable, stubborn, independent dog who loves to be around his human family members.

Socialization and training will do him good and round him off, making him obedient and responsive to your commands. He isn't an aggressive dog, but is even tempered and confident.

Exercise him well, feed him quality food, give him a nice warm, dry place to sleep, just like any other family member of yours, and you'll be rewarded with the companionship of a faithful, loving friend.

polish tatra sheepdog dog - characteristicsThese 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.

Health Problems

griffon nivernais puppies - health problemsThe typical lifespan for your Griffon Nivernais is 10 to 14 years. Even though you're highly unlikely to spend much time with him at the vet, there are one or two common dog illnesses worth knowing about -

Ear Infections:

It is the fate of many dogs with floppy ears that they are prone to developing ear infections. You may notice him shaking his head canine, his ears may be red and there could even be a discharge.Get him to the vet as ear infections can be promptly treated with a course of medication.

Immunizations:

Remember to have your Griffon Nivernais puppy vaccinated at 6 weeks of age. Puppies are vulnerable to horrible diseases which can sap the very life from them. These diseases are distemper, canine hepatitis, parvovirus as well as rabies. The puppy’s first vaccinations should be at 6 weeks of age followed by a second vaccination 2 to 4 weeks later.

polish tatra sheepdog puppies - health problemsWhile 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.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

griffon nivernais dogs - caringThis breed needs to be walked daily, and he needs a large space to run and play. Take him on walks, to the park, or give him a good game with ropes and balls.

Grooming:

In spite of his long, shaggy coat, the Griffon Nevernais doesn't need any special grooming and his shaggy coat will require brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. When you brush him, you can also check for fleas and ticks.You get special flea combs for this. You can speak to your vet about recommendations too.

Because his coat is of a harsh texture it doesn't tangle or matt. Bathing will only be necessary when he becomes super dirty as too much bathing removes natural oils. He will need to have his nails trimmed if they don't wear down naturally, and he will also need to have his ears cleaned to keep them free of wax and dirt and to prevent ear infections.

Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week will also help towards preventing dental disease.

Diet:

He is a high energy dog so he will need to get top quality food. You can feed him the best commercially manufactured food but its to his advantage to include some home-made food too such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables. He'll also need some raw meat from time to time and a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

polish tatra sheepdog dogs - caringThe 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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Griffon Nivernais vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Griffon Nivernais vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Griffon Nivernais vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Griffon Nivernais vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Griffon Nivernais vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Griffon Nivernais vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Griffon Nivernais vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Griffon Nivernais vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Griffon Nivernais vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Griffon Nivernais vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Griffon Nivernais vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Griffon Nivernais vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Griffon Nivernais vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Griffon Nivernais vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Griffon Nivernais vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Griffon Nivernais vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Griffon Nivernais vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Griffon Nivernais vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Griffon Nivernais vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Griffon Nivernais vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Griffon Nivernais vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Griffon Nivernais vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Griffon Nivernais vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Griffon Nivernais vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Griffon Nivernais vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison