Polish lowland sheepdogs descended from some of the Central Asian breeds, including Tibetan terriers. These breeds were coveted objects of trade, and once they made their way into Europe, they were then crossed with the puli and other sheepdogs of the region. The Polish lowland sheepdog was one of the resulting breeds. Since the 1400s, the Polish lowland sheepdog was a beloved dog in Poland, where it was used to herd and guard flock. Its numbers dropped significantly by the close of World War II, and the subsequent efforts of Polish breeders revived the breed from near extinction. In 2001, the American Kennel Club recognized the Polish lowland sheepdog as a member of the herding group.
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, also called PON, is a medium-sized, sturdy dog with a cobby body. This dog breed is strong and muscular. They have broad heads with square muzzles and a mustache. They have large, long, pendant ears that are covered in thick hair. Their double coats are dense, long and shaggy. Their fluffy coats require a lot of attention. They need to be brushed regularly to prevent hair from tangling or mats from forming. The face and rear end may need to be wiped and cleaned as dirt can get stuck in the hair. Their ears need to be checked regularly.
Personality
The Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are smart, kind and affectionate dogs. They are happiest when they feel they are doing something for their family. These dogs are very intelligent and independent thinkers. They can sometimes be hard to train because they don’t like being told what to do when. They are very affectionate though and are eager to please. They are friendly with well-behaved children and not aggressive towards other dogs and pets. PONS have high energy levels and need a lot of activity to stay happy and healthy. They should be walked several times a day.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Herders |
| Function: | Guard |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Group: | Herding |
| Life Span: | 10-12 Years |
| Nicknames: | PON (Polski Owczarek Nizinny), Valee sheepdog, Berge Polonais de Vallee |
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Build Information
The shaggy Polish lowland sheepdog is medium in size, standing at an average height of 17 to 20 inches at the shoulders and weighing between 35 and 55 pounds. The body is muscular and strong, and the dog’s movements appear effortless. The double coat is long and dense and comes in any color. The earflaps hang downward to frame the face, and the tail is either natural short or docked to a length that does not exceed that of two vertebrae. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, also called PON, is a medium-sized, sturdy dog with a cobby body. This dog breed is strong and muscular. They have broad heads with square muzzles and a mustache. They have large, long, pendant ears that are covered in thick hair. Their double coats are dense, long and shaggy. Their fluffy coats require a lot of attention. They need to be brushed regularly to prevent hair from tangling or mats from forming. The face and rear end may need to be wiped and cleaned as dirt can get stuck in the hair. Their ears need to be checked regularly.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 18-20 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
Behaviour and Personality
The Polish lowland sheepdog is highly intelligent and full of energy. Like most sheepdogs, this is a breed that must always have something to do. Daily mental stimulation, exercise romps and tasks to complete must be provided to keep the dog happy and to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. These dogs make good candidates for agility coursing. Polish lowland sheepdogs are affectionate toward family members and friends, but they are wary with strangers. They are territorial and alert watchdogs. They can be stubborn and challenging to train. Polish lowland sheepdogs get along well with children and other household pets, but their herding instincts will kick in toward smaller children and pets. The Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are smart, kind and affectionate dogs. They are happiest when they feel they are doing something for their family. These dogs are very intelligent and independent thinkers. They can sometimes be hard to train because they don’t like being told what to do when. They are very affectionate though and are eager to please. They are friendly with well-behaved children and not aggressive towards other dogs and pets. PONS have high energy levels and need a lot of activity to stay happy and healthy. They should be walked several times a day.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
Daily brushing or combing is recommended to keep a Polish lowland sheepdog’s coat from tangling and matting. Some owners opt instead to have their Polish lowland sheepdog’s coat trimmed short on a regular basis by a professional groomer. The ears need to be cleaned as necessary to prevent ear infections. Brush the teeth as part of the daily grooming routine to prevent tartar buildup and periodontal disease.
| Shedding: | Seasonal |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Common Health Conditions
The hardy Polish lowland sheepdog lives an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. There are no known genetic health problems of note for this breed.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a shaggy herding breed that has been in existence for more than 500 years, consider the active and playful Polish lowland sheepdog. The Polish lowland sheepdog was initially developed in Central Asia. The Polish lowland sheepdog is also known as a PON, which stands for Polski Owczarek Nizinny. Other names include the Valee sheepdog, the berge Polonais de Vallee. The Polish lowland sheepdog is an intelligent and active dog that will be happy if provided with daily mental and physical stimulation. The Polish lowland sheepdog stands 17 to 20 inches tall and weighs 35 to 55 pounds. The Polish lowland sheepdog has a moderate energy level. The Polish lowland sheepdog requires extensive grooming. The average lifespan for a Polish lowland sheepdog is 10 to 12 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy – Easy |
