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Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Is the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Right for You?

 

Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppy Bruno by Vetulani

Let Me Tell You About the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog—affectionately known as the PON (short for Polski Owczarek Nizinny)—is a shaggy, spirited herding breed with a big personality packed into a medium-sized frame. Here's a full breakdown of what makes this dog so special:

🐾 Overview

  • Origin: Poland

  • Group: Herding

  • Size: Medium

  • Height: 17–20 inches

  • Weight: 30–50 pounds

  • Life Span: 12–14 years

🧠 Temperament & Personality

  • Confident & Intelligent: PONs are known for their sharp minds and excellent memory.

  • Lively & Loyal: They’re energetic and form strong bonds with their families.

  • Independent but Trainable: They can be stubborn, so consistent training is key.

  • Watchdog Instincts: Naturally alert and protective, they make excellent watchdogs.

🧥 Coat & Grooming

  • Double Coat: Long, shaggy topcoat with a soft, dense undercoat.

  • Colors: Includes beige, black, black & white, brown, chocolate & white, gray, tricolor, and more.

  • Grooming Needs: High—daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting and manage shedding.

🏃‍♂️ Exercise & Activity

  • High Energy: Needs regular physical and mental stimulation.

  • Loves Having a Job: True to their herding roots, they thrive when given tasks.

  • Good for Dog Sports: Can excel in agility, obedience, tracking, and herding trials.

🩺 Health Considerations

  • Generally healthy, but breeders should screen for:

    • Hip Dysplasia

    • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

  • Diet: Often recommended to be low in protein.

📜 History & Fun Facts

  • Ancient Roots: Believed to descend from Tibetan breeds and herding dogs brought by Asian traders in the 1300s.

  • WWII Comeback: Nearly extinct after the war, the breed was revived thanks to Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz and her dog Smok, who sired the first ten litters in the 1950s.

  • Bearded Collie Connection: PONs helped create the Bearded Collie through crossbreeding.

  • references: www.akc.org, www.thesprucepets.com, www.en.wikipedia.org

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