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Breed Characteristics
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Polish Lowland Sheepdog
| Other Names | Polish Owczarek Nizinny, Polski Owczarek Nizinny, Valee Sheepdog, Berge Polonais de Vallee, |
| Nicknames | PON, Nizinny, PLS |
| Country of Origin | Poland |
| Weight | 30 - 50 lbs. (14 - 23 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 16 - 20 in. (41 - 51 cm) |
| Coat | The Polish Owczarek Nizinny is naturally double coated with a non-shedding coat. It requires moderate grooming. The coat is more shaggy in the face and neck area. |
| Colour | The coat is commonly white with black, grey, or tan. All coat colours are acceptable. |
| Litter Size | 4 - 8 puppies, average 6 |
| Life Span | 12 - 15 years |
| Origin & History | Known in its present form in Poland from at least the thirteenth century, the PON is most likely descended from the Puli, Tibetan Terrier and the herding dogs. Kazimierz Grabski, a Polish merchant, traded a shipment of grain for sheep in Scotland in 1515, and brought six PONs to move the sheep. A Scottish shepherd was so impressed with the herding ability of the dogs that he traded a ram and two ewes for a dog and two female dogs. These dogs were bred with the local Scottish dogs to produce the Scottish herding dogs, most obviously the Bearded Collie. Almost driven to extinction in World War II, the PON was restored mainly through the work of Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz and her dog, Smok ("Dragon"), the ancestor of all PONs in the world today, who sired the first ten litters of PONs in the 1950s. In fact, Dr. Hryniewicz considered Smok to be the epitome of the breed, with a perfect anatomical build and a wonderful temperament. Smok set the standard and type that was emulated by PON breeders for generations to come, and from which the first official standard for the PON was finally written, and accepted by the FCI, Fédération Cynologique Internationale, in 1959. He is considered to be the 'father' of the modern Polish Lowland Sheepdog. His moderate build lends itself to working effortlessly all day long, running with ease to herd the sheep. Pictures of Smok can be seen in the book, "The Official Book of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog". The American Kennel Club recognized the Polish Lowland Sheepdog as a breed in the Herding Group in 2001. |
| Personality | This animated, clever, happy, and alert dog has a good memory. It is obedient, intelligent and affectionate. Somewhat reserved and watchful with strangers, it will announce visitors loudly. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog should be accustomed to people at an early age. Dependable and fairly easy to train, once convinced the handler is a strong minded being that can take care of its "pack," the Polish Lowland Sheepdog will make the owner happy. It learns quickly and is very willing to please; however, it can be willful if it senses it is stronger minded than its owner. This breed is responsive to firm, fair obedience training, but he is also clever, strong-willed, and will think he knows best if you are not properly communicating with him. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a serious, responsible dog who could bite if provoked. This sheepdog may nip at people's heels, displaying herding behavior. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is excellent with children when raised with them from puppyhood and/or properly socialized. This breed can be friendly with other dogs, but will hold their own if another dog tries to knock them out from being the leader. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog will usually do okay with other non-canine pets. As a working dog for many centuries, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is happiest when it is given a job to do. This breed is lively and clever enough to work sheep alone. This cute, shaggy dog does not grow into a calm, little lap-dog. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a curious, muscular, agile dog that is liable to find trouble if left alone without leadership and the proper mental and physical exercise. This breed needs an owner who is firm and consistent. Socialization and training are important. This breed is adaptable and makes a good traveling companion. |
Care Requirements
| Health | The Polish Owczarek Nizinny is a fairly hardy breed and has limited Health conditions and issues during development. A few special medical conditions to be aware of include: Hip Dysplasia: Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) can cause mild to severe lameness. Epilepsy: a neurological seizure disorder. There is no test for this. Deafness: Congenital Deafness can be a problem. |
| Grooming | The long, wirehaired coat of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog needs to be groomed thoroughly with a brush once a week to prevent matting. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy suffers. |
| Feeding | Low protein diet: These dogs do well on a low protein diet. |
| Exercise | The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a working dog at heart. It once watched over herds and flocks on the Polish plains. This dog is definitely not suited to town or city life, unless you plan on spending a lot of time exercising and stimulating your dog. This intelligent dog needs stimulation and a job to do. Playing an active game of catch or Frisbee, or joining agility classes are just some of the things you can do to keep the Polish Lowland Sheepdog simulated and happy. If your dog is not actively working, it needs to be taken on a couple of daily long, brisk walks or jogs. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. |
| Other Considerations | The Polish Lowland Sheepdog can live in an apartment if it gets plenty of exercise and has a job to do. It prefers cool climates. |
