Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Bred to herd and guard sheep, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a sturdy, muscular body and confident demeanor. He is an obedient, loyal companion with an even temperament. A clever, happy breed, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog requires regular moderate physical and mental exercise. His thick, shaggy coat, which hangs over his oval-shaped eyes, should be groomed daily to avoid tangles.

DID YOU KNOW? In Poland, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is referred to as the Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or PON. The breed has been featured on Polish postage stamps.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Polski Owczarek Nizinny, Valee Sheepdog

The need-to-know

Dog suitable for experienced owners
Some training required
Enjoys vigorous walks
Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
Medium dog
Minimum drool
Requires grooming daily
Non hypoallergenic breed
Chatty and vocal dog
Guard dog. Barks and alerts
May require training to live with other pets
Great family dog

Personality

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is lively, quick to learn and enjoys training. He's a natural herding dog and watchdog. He is good-tempered and makes an alert companion in the home. Affectionate to his loved ones, he enjoys being at his owner's side, but he can be aloof initially with those he doesn't know.

History and Origins

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or Polski Owczarek Nizinny (PON) as he is known in his native country, probably descends from a dog originally from Tibet/Mongolia. Moving with nomadic groups and working as a flock dog, he developed into the dog we know today in northern Europe. The breed is said to have influenced the Bearded Collie, with whom he shares many characteristics, with a Polish trader giving three dogs to Scottish shepherds in 1514.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

Bred to work in harsh conditions, this active dog needs around two hours exercise a day and a chance to use his brain – and won't be put off by any inclement weather! Naturally, the long coat should be checked for debris and dried thoroughly after a walk.

Other Information

Health and common issues

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is generally a healthy breed, but as with many breeds can suffer from hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

Best family dog breeds

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.