Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Hellenic Hound - Breed Comparison

Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Hellenic Hound - Breed ComparisonHellenic Hound is originated from Greece but Polish Tatra Sheepdog is originated from Poland. Hellenic Hound may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than Polish Tatra Sheepdog. Hellenic Hound may weigh 40 kg / 88 pounds lesser than Polish Tatra Sheepdog. Both Hellenic Hound and Polish Tatra Sheepdog has same life span. Hellenic Hound may have more litter size than Polish Tatra Sheepdog. Hellenic Hound requires Low Maintenance. But Polish Tatra Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
undefined
Greece
Poland
Height Male:
47 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
45 - 53 cm
17 - 21 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
17 - 20 kg
37 - 45 pounds
36 - 60 kg
79 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
36 - 60 kg
79 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
3 - 5
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Greek Hound or the Hellenikos Ichnilatis The Hellenic Hound, Greek Harehound
Tatra Mountain Sheepdog, Polski Owczarek, Polish Mountain Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Black with tan markings
White
Coat:
Short, smooth, sleek
Medium length, thick
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Playful, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

hellenic houndDeveloped in Southern Greece, the Hellenic Hound was bred to hunt hare and is an ancient breed. It is a medium sized breed with strong scent and tracking skills. It is believed to have been in existence for thousands of years. The ancestry of the breed included the Lagonikoi or laconikoi, native to southern Greece in ancient times. The breed was spread by sailors on Greece trading ships and colonization.

Todays Hellenic Hound is found throughout Europe. Kept somewhat isolated by the mountains, the breed was protected from outside breeding and they remained pure for centuries. It is a fearless, smart and hyped up purebred. The Hellenic Hound needs to have a job and if you don’t give him one, he will find one. He is smart and independent which sometimes makes him stubborn. It also takes this dog longer to mature than others, sometime between two and three years. It is not good for first time owners. Today’s hound is still a popular hunting dog and companion animal as well. They are rarely seen outside of the Greek country.

In 1996 the Hellenic Hound was recognized as the first Greek dog breed into the FCI. They are not recognized by the AKC. Its numbers continue to decline.

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

hellenic hound puppy - descriptionToday’s Hellenic Hound is not a big dog but rather very average or medium. It is an athletic dog and looks like it. It has a balanced body with a deep chest and thick neck. It has medium height legs that are strong and muscular with paws that are prepared for the terrain it always works on. Its coat is short and tight. The colors of the Hellenic Hound are black with tan or white on the chest. Their heads are noble and rounded with a rectangle shaped muzzle. They have v shaped, long ears and round eyes. Their toe nails are black and so is their nose. It has excellent scent glands, very quick responses, speed and stamina. Their tail is thick and tapers off.

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

Children friendliness

hellenic hound dog - characteristicsyes, they are very fond of children as long as they are carefully socialized.

Special talents

Great hunter, stamina ,scent, voice

Adaptable

He needs to have a yard or land. He doesn’t do well in apartments.

Learning

The breed is very intelligent and can be very trainable. However, they can also be stubborn and that makes training harder.

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

hellenic hound puppies - health problemsThe Hellenic Hound is a fairly healthy breed having been isolated on the Island of Greece for the most part. They are susceptible to:

Joint dysplasia

Could be hips, elbows or knees. If untreated can lead to lameness or inability to walk.

Arthritis

Causes joint pain and can cause lameness or inability to walk.

Bloat

Can be fatal if not treated immediately. To avoid it don’t feed a large meal before or after exercise.

Hunting injuries

Can be a variety of things that occur during the hunt.

Ear infections

Need to keep the ears clean and dry in order to avoid infections.

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

Feeding the puppy

hellenic hound dogs - caringFeed the puppy 2-3 times a day a total of 2 cups

Feeding the adult

Feed the adult twice a day a total of 2-3 cups

Points for Good Health

The Hellenic Hound has excellent stamina, speed and scenting ability.

Games and Exercises

This is a very active, athletic dog that needs to work and needs exercise. He is powerful, quick and has great endurance. It thrives on hunting but will need other activities on the days it doesn’t hunt. It needs a yard or land to play in. Agility, Field Trials, tracking, hunting and fly ball are all activities the Hellenic Hound will enjoy.

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