Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a compact breed with a lively personality. These dogs are clever herders and fearless guarders. But their small size and happy demeanor makes them very adaptable to city living and they are a popular house pet in their native Poland. If you are looking for an active and loving pet, this is a great breed for you. Read on to learn more about the Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.

Description of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is often called PON to save a few breaths. This nickname stems from their actual Polish name, which is Polski Owczarek Nizinny.

These shaggy dogs appear larger than they are, the largest are no taller than 20 inches, but their confidence and toughness contribute to their big personality. Thought to have been bred from Hunnic dogs, it is no surprise the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is such a fearless and rugged breed.

These herders love to work and are full of endurance and energy. A thick double coat of shaggy hair covers their well-muscled bodies. This coat can come in any color but the most common is white with black or grey mixed in. Their coat hangs long and covers their keen eyes, helping protect them from poor weather like snow and rain.

Life Expectancy and Size

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is generally healthy and often lives an average of 12 – 14 years. Working with a reputable breeder is the best way to get the healthiest puppy possible and try to limit potential genetic issues down the line.

These hardy dogs have a large personality and their built bodies and shaggy coat add to a grand appearance. But the PON is actually not that big, with males standing 18 – 20 inches tall and females 17 – 19 inches, and either gender weighing anywhere from 30 – 50 pounds.

Protective Ability

Bred for the dual purposes of herding and guarding, these dogs are fearless protectors, but quite well tempered and extremely loving of their family. Proper training will ensure your dog is well mannered around strangers, even if they are wary. Expect a loyal and vigilant companion in your Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

Training

These eager to learn dogs enjoy working with their owners and are excited to train. The most important thing you can do for your Polish Lowland Sheepdog is to give him early socialization and lots of patient and consistent training.

These loving dogs do best with rewards-based training methods. Treats, toys, and games all make excellent motivational items for training your dog. Giving them something to work towards will make your training sessions more fun and efficient.

As natural guard dogs, the PON can be territorial. Plenty of early socialization is key for this breed. Exposing them to a wide variety of people, places, and experiences is the best way to help your dog blossom into a well-mannered pup.

Energy Level

Bred as herders, it comes as no surprise that the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a breed with plenty of energy. They love to run around and giving them a job to do, whether this is herding, guarding, or playing with you, will make them even happier.

Sedentary families can find a great pet in the Polish Lowland Sheepdog if they are willing to invest some time into their activity. Giving this breed exercise doesn’t mean you have to be an avid hiker or runner. These dogs are just as happy fetching a ball or running around in the backyard while you read.

What Living with a Polish Lowland Sheepdog is Like

This is an all-around kind breed.

These dogs are wonderful companions for kids and do well with other dogs. They are patient, loyal, and affectionate with their families. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a natural defender and tends to be wary around strangers, always ready for trouble, but with proper socialization and training will be calm and even keeled around those they don’t know.

This breed is known for its ability to be independent. They can work in the field without direction and are often okay with being alone for periods of time. Letting them outside into the backyard to play can satisfy their exercise needs, but they would much prefer to be active with you if you are willing.

Care of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

These adaptable dogs do well in many settings. They enjoy city and country living, often comfortable being left alone for moderate stretches of time. The biggest requirement for this breed is plenty of exercise. They are quite self-sufficient and will run around all by themselves if left outside in a fenced in yard, but especially love being active with their humans.

Environmental Needs

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a hardy breed that does well in both cold and hot weather. They are very adaptable, but always be sure to keep an eye on them in extreme heat as their thick double coat can cause them to overheat.

Exercise Needs

These herders need ample exercise every day to stay fit and happy. At least an hour or two of running around is a daily necessity for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. While they are happy to run around in the backyard, they love even more to go on long hikes or walks with you, play games together, and participate in canine sports.

Shedding and Grooming

The thick coat of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog requires regular maintenance. A thorough weekly brushing is a must, and all the more-so depending on you and your dog’s lifestyle.

This breed sheds moderately.

Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming is also essential for this breed to keep them healthy and free of discomfort or infection.

Ideal Home Environment

Adaptable and low maintenance, these easy to please dogs can live happily in any home where they get plenty of exercise and affection from their families. They are real companion dogs and enjoy the company of their humans, but also get along fine alone for stretches of time. They make excellent watchdogs and guard dogs, but are gentle and loving with their family.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog can have health issues that make be expensive or time consuming to deal with.

Health Concerns

The most common issues for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are hip dysplasia and eye problems. Working with a reputable breeder and bringing your dog in for regular checkups are the best ways to combat potential health problems.

Behavior Problems

These territorial and protective dogs require lots of socialization and training to ensure they are well-mannered and open. Beginning early will help your Polish Lowland Sheepdog become the best pup he can be.