Breed Profile
The Owczarek Podhalanski is a Polish sheep herding dog with strong protective instincts. They are highly intelligent, loving, and loyal. Owczarek Podhalanskis can be strong-minded but are smart enough to learn just about anything with the right touch.
Behavior
Owczarek Podhalanskis are very loyal and loving, but they are also very protective. They aren’t actually overly aggressive, but they are prone to barking at just about anything they’re unsure about. Early socialization around other people and animals is one way to help your Owczarek Podhalanski be more at ease with new people and animals. These dogs are highly intelligent and can learn to do just about anything, but they like to do things their own way. It’s recommended that you have lots of ownership experience before choosing an Owczarek Podhalanski.
Coat
The coat of an Owczarek Podhalanski is long, with a dense undercoat that sheds in late spring. During the shedding period, you’ll need to brush their coat almost daily to remove dead hair. For the rest of the year, their coat is actually pretty easy to maintain and only requires a weekly brushing.
Lifestyle
Families who have a large, fenced-in yard are the best fit for the Owczarek Podhalanski. These dogs need room to roam but are also prone to wandering off, so their space must be fenced-in. Owczarek Podhalanski love children, especially when they are respectful. They aren’t aggressive with kids, but they do have a low tolerance for being teased or disrespected. Owczarek Podhalanski tend to be good with other dogs and cats, especially when they are raised together. They prefer a cooler climate and can stand tolerate being outside quite a bit.
Activity
Since Owczarek Podhalanskis are used to living out in the open, they have higher energy needs. You’ll want to help them get vigorous daily exercise in the form of a run, walk, or hike. It’s also a great idea to give them plenty of time outdoors in your backyard or at a dog park where they can run freely, so they’ll be more relaxed when they get back to your house.
Characteristics
Space Needs
Activity Needs
Intelligence
Playfulness
Grooming Needs
Trainability
Watch Ability
Dog-friendliness
Child-friendliness