Dog Breeds - Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a specific breed tends to exhibit towards family members, as well as acquaintances, varies widely. Some breeds may display a reserved nature around anyone other than their owner, whereas other breeds treat everyone they are familiar with as their closest confidant.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience that a particular breed possesses toward children's behavior along with its overall family-friendly disposition are essential factors to consider. Always ensure that dogs are supervised when near young children or children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs is an important aspect to take into account. While it is crucial to always supervise dogs during interactions and introductions with other dogs, certain breeds have a greater inclination to get along with other dogs, whether it be at home or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
Consider the amount of fur and hair a breed typically sheds. Breeds that experience high shedding will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering allergies and demand more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to manage the hair left behind.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
Take into account the grooming needs of a breed including the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. It is essential to consider the time, patience and budget you can dedicate to this aspect of care when choosing a breed. Keep in mind that all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Consider the tendency of a breed to drool. If you have a preference for cleanliness, dogs that tend to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes may not be the best fit for you.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Long

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
Take into consideration how welcoming a breed tends to be towards strangers. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds will enthusiastically welcome and interact with new people whenever they are around.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
Consider the breed's level of enthusiasm towards play, even beyond the puppyhood stage. Some breeds will maintain their eagerness to play games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. In contrast, other breeds will be content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Consider a breed's inclination to alert you when strangers are present. Some breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat, whether it's the arrival of the mailman or the sight of a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are likely to become more comfortable with strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
Take into account how adaptable a breed is to change. This encompasses their ability to handle variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other day-to-day modifications in life. Consider whether a breed is well-suited to handle these changes with ease.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Consider the ease of training and the willingness of a breed to learn new things. Some breeds have a strong desire to please their owners and are highly trainable, while others may display a more independent streak preferring to do as they please, when and wherever they want.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Consider the exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed. High-energy breeds are always ready and eager for their next adventure. They thrive on activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and content to spend their time simply lounging around and snoozing like couch potatoes.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
Consider the vocalization tendencies of a breed, including barks or howls. Some breeds are prone to barking at every passerby or even at birds in the window. Others may only bark in specific situations. It's important to note that even barkless breeds can still be vocal using other sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Consider the amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to remain happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs, which are bred for specific tasks, often need mental exercise involving decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities. If they don't receive adequate mental stimulation, these dogs may create their own activities to keep their minds busy, which might not align with your preferences or expectations. Providing appropriate mental stimulation is crucial for their well-being.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a specific breed tends to exhibit towards family members, as well as acquaintances, varies widely. Some breeds may display a reserved nature around anyone other than their owner, whereas other breeds treat everyone they are familiar with as their closest confidant.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The level of tolerance and patience that a particular breed possesses toward children's behavior along with its overall family-friendly disposition are essential factors to consider. Always ensure that dogs are supervised when near young children or children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs is an important aspect to take into account. While it is crucial to always supervise dogs during interactions and introductions with other dogs, certain breeds have a greater inclination to get along with other dogs, whether it be at home or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

Consider the amount of fur and hair a breed typically sheds. Breeds that experience high shedding will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering allergies and demand more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to manage the hair left behind.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

Take into account the grooming needs of a breed including the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. It is essential to consider the time, patience and budget you can dedicate to this aspect of care when choosing a breed. Keep in mind that all breeds require regular nail trimming.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

Consider the tendency of a breed to drool. If you have a preference for cleanliness, dogs that tend to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes may not be the best fit for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Long

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

Take into consideration how welcoming a breed tends to be towards strangers. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds will enthusiastically welcome and interact with new people whenever they are around.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

Consider the breed's level of enthusiasm towards play, even beyond the puppyhood stage. Some breeds will maintain their eagerness to play games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. In contrast, other breeds will be content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Consider a breed's inclination to alert you when strangers are present. Some breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat, whether it's the arrival of the mailman or the sight of a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are likely to become more comfortable with strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

Take into account how adaptable a breed is to change. This encompasses their ability to handle variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other day-to-day modifications in life. Consider whether a breed is well-suited to handle these changes with ease.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Consider the ease of training and the willingness of a breed to learn new things. Some breeds have a strong desire to please their owners and are highly trainable, while others may display a more independent streak preferring to do as they please, when and wherever they want.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Consider the exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed. High-energy breeds are always ready and eager for their next adventure. They thrive on activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and content to spend their time simply lounging around and snoozing like couch potatoes.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Likes To Be Vocal

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Consider the amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to remain happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs, which are bred for specific tasks, often need mental exercise involving decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities. If they don't receive adequate mental stimulation, these dogs may create their own activities to keep their minds busy, which might not align with your preferences or expectations. Providing appropriate mental stimulation is crucial for their well-being.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Beige	004
Black	007
Black & White	019
Brown	061
Chocolate & White	271
Gray	100
Gray & White	105
Tri-Colored	380
White	199
Beige & Brown	385
Beige & White	387
Black & Beige	383
Black & Gray	012
Black & Silver	016
Black Gray & Beige	384
Black Gray & White	024
Black White & Silver	033
Gray Tan & Beige	386
Red Black & White	147
White & Apricot	200
White & Brown	204
White & Gold	208
White & Liver	212
White & Silver	216
White Gray & Tan	382

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Patches	088
Gray Patches	089
Gray Tips	091
Tan Patches	090

About The Breed

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, also known as the PON (Polski Owczarek Nizinny) is a shaggy-coated herding dog that thrives on exercise and hard work. This breed is clever, confident and can be a bit stubborn. While not particularly large in size standing no more than 20 inches at the shoulder, they are muscular and stocky. The rectangular body of the PON is fully covered in a double coat. The top coat is long and shaggy, while the undercoat is soft and dense. The breed comes in various colors. Their head is adorned with a profuse coat that covers their eyes, which gives them the characteristic keen and penetrating gaze commonly seen in watchdogs and herders. PONs serve as beloved companions and watchdogs for Polish city dwellers due to their compact, alert and adaptable nature.

What to Expect When Caring for A POLISH LOWLAND SHEEPDOG

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are known to be generally healthy and responsible breeders take measures to ensure the well-being of their stock. They conduct health tests, such as for conditions like hip dysplasia and maintain regular communication with other dedicated breeders. By working together, breeders aim to promote the health of the breed and preserve its unique qualities. Regular visits to the veterinarian for checkups and parasite control are essential to ensure the dog's ongoing health and contribute to a long and fulfilling life. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, also known as PON has a dense and shaggy double coat that requires regular maintenance. The outer coat has a crisp texture that offers water-resistant properties, while the undercoat is soft and thick. If you decide to keep your PON in its full coat, it's necessary to devote time to thorough brushing at least once a week. Even if you opt for a puppy or "summer" clip, routine brushing is still essential to prevent matting and remove any debris like grass, weeds or flower blooms that may get caught in the coat. It's important to check the ears on a weekly basis and clean them if necessary. Additionally, don't forget to keep the nails trimmed to ensure your PON's overall well-being.

Exercise

	The PON, known for its high energy and athleticism requires substantial daily exercise. It is highly recommended for this dog breed to have access to a spacious enclosed yard where it can freely roam for at least an hour or two every day. Additionally, PONs form strong bonds with their owners and greatly enjoy accompanying them on long walks, hikes and even participating in canine events such as obedience training, herding, agility trials and dock diving.

Training

	PONs make wonderful household companions due to their accepting nature towards other animals, gentle and energetic playfulness with children, ability to stay vigilant as watchdogs and their quick grasp of new information. To note, this breed might display a dominant streak, stubbornness and wariness towards unfamiliar faces. Thus, it is strongly advised to commence early socialization and enroll them in puppy training classes. PONs are affectionate, lively, and trainable pets, particularly suitable for confident owners who are familiar with the needs of territorial herding dogs.

Nutrition

	The Polish Lowland Sheepdog can thrive on a high-quality dog food, whether it's commercially produced or prepared at home under the supervision and with the approval of your veterinarian. It's important to ensure that the chosen diet is suitable for the dog's specific life stage, whether it's a puppy, an adult or a senior. Since some dogs have a tendency to gain excess weight, it is crucial to monitor their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight for them. While treats can be beneficial for training purposes, it's essential to avoid overindulgence as it can lead to obesity. Familiarize yourself with the human foods that are safe for dogs and those that aren't. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, it's always a good idea to consult with your vet. Lastly, remember to provide your furry friend with clean and fresh water at all times.

Historiography

During the declining era of the Roman Empire, various Asian tribes including the Huns migrated into central Europe. It is speculated that Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (PONs) originated from the crossbreeding of Hunnic dogs with local breeds in the present-day region of Poland. PONs was purposefully bred to be composed and reliable herding dogs during the day, while exhibiting unwavering courage as guard dogs during the night. In the 1500s, traders introduced PONs to Scotland, where it is believed they played a role in the ancestral heritage of the Bearded Collie breed.