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Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Thinking of buying or adopting a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Introduction
The Polish lowland sheepdog is a translation of Polish Owczarek Nizinny. His nickname is PON for short. He originated in Central Asia and used as a herding dog and a watchdog. The breed is officially recognised by the Kennel Club.
As a furry companion, the Polish lowland sheepdog is very loving and extremely loyal to his family. Whilst he is a goofy and playful dog with his owners, he can be wary of strangers. In training, he can be quite stubborn and independent.
The PON has a weather-resistant double coat that sheds moderately. He needs once a week of brushing. Since he is a herding dog, he has moderate energy levels and requires about an hour of daily exercise. The PON has a similar appearance with the Catalan Sheepdog and the Bearded Collie.
Fun Facts
- The Polish lowland sheepdog named Psyche is believed to be able to predict the dropping of bombs in Warsaw. She alerted people to take shelter before a bomb dropped.
- The Polish lowland sheepdog is greatly prized in Poland that he is featured in postage stamps.
History
What is a Polish lowland sheepdog?
The Polish lowland sheepdog is called Polish Owczarek Nizinny or PON for short. Experts believe that his roots can be traced back to Central Asia around the 1500s. He is said to be the descendant of the Lhasa apso and Tibetan terrier. Native Hungarian sheepdogs including the puli are also thought to have contributed to developing the PON.
Herding sheep is the main duty of the Polish lowland sheepdog. He also proved to be a highly capable watchdog thanks to his protective personality. The PON’s fierceness is known to deter larger dogs. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, he became highly valued across Europe for his herding skills.
When World War I ended, many breeders wanted to selectively breed the PON. The Polish lowland sheepdog appeared in a Warsaw dog show in 1924. Unfortunately, the breed's numbers dwindled after World War II. Some speculated that only 150 PONs were left.
In 1957, the first PON was officially registered in the Polish Kennel Club. The PON became well-known all over the world after getting exhibited at the World Dog Show in 1987. The breed is officially recognised by the Kennel Club. Find the right Polish Lowland sheepdog for you here.
Appearance and Grooming
Appearance
What does a Polish lowland sheepdog look like?
The Polish lowland sheepdog is a medium-size dog. Males can weight approximately 18 to 23 and grow around 46 to 51 cm in length. Females weigh about 14 to 18 kg and measure between 43 and 48 cm.
He has a longer body instead of being tall. His head is well-proportionate to his build. The PON's eye is medium in size, which is commonly concealed by his long and shaggy fur. He has a large nose that comes in colours of brown or black. His neck is wide and well-muscled. He has a short tail that can be docked.
The PON sports a weather-resistant double coat. The outercoat is dense and thick whilst the undercoat is fluffy and dense. His coat has a wide range of variety, including beige, black, brown, white, grey, black and white, grey and white, chocolate and white, and tricolour.
Grooming
How to care for Polish lowland sheepdogs
The lowland sheepdog’s drooped ears can swiftly accumulate dirt and bacteria. So be sure to clean it once a week to prevent ear infection. Gum and teeth diseases are one of the most common health issues in dogs. The best way to safeguard your PON is to brush his teeth every day.
Do Polish lowland sheepdogs shed?
The Polish lowland sheepdog is a moderate shedder. His water-resistant double coat needs brushing at least once or twice a week. Trimming his hair occasionally is also needed to prevent it from overgrowing. This will prevent dirt and debris from sticking on his fur.
Bathing should only be done when it is necessary. Over frequent washing can dry out his coat and skin, which can lead to skin problems.
Temperament and Intelligence
Temperament
Is a Polish lowland sheepdog a good family pet?
The Polish lowland sheepdog is a very loving family companion with a protective streak. His profound dedication to his owner makes him a skilled watchdog. It is common for a PON to be aloof and wary when meeting strangers. He will only show his warmth and goofiness once he identifies that the person is not a threat.
Early socialisation is very important in honing your PON’s watchdog skills. Start exposing him to different people, places, sounds, sights, and smells whilst he’s still a puppy. It will shape him to be a people-friendly dog with sound judgement. This way, he will be able to accurately discern who is a threat from those who are not.
The Polish lowland sheepdog is great at dealing with children. He considers his family as his flock. Thus, he is very fond and gentle with them. Despite being a sweet dog, the interaction between children and the PON needs adult supervision to prevent accidents. He may accidentally knock down smaller children when he gets too excited.
As a herding dog, the PON also has herding tendencies, which make him chase and nip moving objects. Consistent and proper training will help in curbing this trait. On the other hand, teaching children the importance of gently handling pets is necessary. They need to understand that rough treatment such as pulling their dog's ears or tail can cause pain to their pet.
The Polish lowland sheepdog can be a good companion for other pets, especially if he grew up together with them. Early socialisation and proper introduction are key in making both pets get along. Due to his natural herding tendency, supervision is a must.
Intelligence
Is the Polish lowland sheepdog easy to train?
The Polish lowland sheepdog is very smart and quick to learn. However, he is quite independent and stubborn, which makes him very challenging to train. He is also prone to picking up bad habits, thus he needs consistent training throughout his life.
To keep him focused during training sessions, exercise a firm and consistent leadership. However, always make sure that you are gentle and patient.
Never punish your dog if he is giving you a hard time. Do not incorporate harsh training methods as well. Doing these will only lead him to lose his trust in you. Use positive reinforcement instead. Give him treats, shower him with praises, and reward him with fun activities to keep him motivated.
Nutrition and Feeding
Nutrition
What should a Polish lowland sheepdog eat?
The Polish lowland sheepdog’s diet should be composed of premium-quality dog food. Whilst it is slightly expensive than other options, it has ample amounts of vitamins and minerals. Just make sure to choose one that fits his age, breed, energy level, and size. If you are having a hard time choosing the most suitable dog food for your PON, consult the vet.
Stay away from commercial dog food as it lacks in nutritional content. Feeding your Polish lowland sheepdog with it may lead to nutrient deficiency. Some commercial dog foods also contain preservatives and additives, which are harmful to his health.
Do not forget to provide him with fresh water every day, especially during hot seasons. It will reduce the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Feeding
How much should a Polish lowland sheepdog eat?
A Polish lowland sheepdog puppy needs at least one to two cups of dog food every day. Split the servings into three smaller portions. This promotes easier digestion. Feed an adult PON approximately 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dog food daily. His meals should be divided into two smaller servings to prevent overeating.
Health and Exercise
Health
How long does a Polish lowland sheepdog live?
The Polish lowland sheepdog’s average lifespan is between nine and fifteen years. Properly looking after your dog and meeting his daily needs ensures that he will live a happy and healthy life. Thus, consistently provide him with healthy meals, a sufficient amount of exercise, regular grooming, and a relaxing home environment.
What are the most common health problems in Polish lowland sheepdog?
The Polish lowland sheepdog is a healthy breed. However, he is prone to developing a few health issues similar to most dog breeds. Below are the most prevalent health issues found in PONs:
- Canine hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy(PRA)
Ensuring that your PON has undergone all necessary health checks for his breed is the best way to protect him from developing these diseases. Regular vet visits are very important too. It helps you keep track of your dog’s health and at the same time learn more ways to maintain his good condition from the vet.
Exercise
How much exercise does a Polish lowland sheepdog need?
As a working dog, the Polish lowland sheepdog has moderate energy levels. He needs at least an hour of exercise and mental stimulation. A lack of these will lead him to develop unwanted behaviour, including destroying furniture and excessive barking or digging.
Daily walks or jogs are the simplest ways to exhaust his extra energy. Spend time playing brain games with him to sharpen his mind. This includes hide-and-seek, find the treat, and obstacle course. The PON is skilled in dog sports and is often entered in fly ball, obedience, herding, and tracking events.
Cost of Ownership
If you are keen on caring for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog, you would need to go on a waiting list first as this breed is rare in the UK. The price for a well-bred pedigree puppy is at least £600. To ensure it stays healthy at whatever age, you will need to feed your dog high quality dog food and treats, which can set you back £30-£40 a month. You would also need to spend on dog accessories such as leads, collars, eating bowls, crates, beds, and toys. The combined initial cost for these things is estimated at £200.
Moreover, you need to consider paying for pet insurance to offset veterinary bills in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. Depending on where you live and your dog’s health and age, a time-limited cover can cost £30 a month while a lifetime one can cost up to £85 a month. Generally, insurance companies do not cover routine veterinary consultations, initial vaccinations, boosters, and neutering or spaying, so you may also have to spend an additional £900 annually for these services.
On average, the minimum cost to care for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog is £60-£100 per month depending on your pet insurance premium. This estimate does not include the rates for other services such as walking and grooming.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed Highlights
- The Polish lowland sheepdog harbours big love and deep loyalty for his family.
- He is a moderate shedder with average grooming requirements.
- His gentle nature lets him get along well with children and pets.
- He is slightly stubborn and independent but responds well to the firm and proper training and positive reinforcement.
- His exercise requirements are moderate.
Are you sure the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
Dog Breed Selector Quiz
Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
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