 Breeds
by Name |
 |
|
|
| Breeds
by Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog are medium-size, strong, muscular, shaggy dogs with a long coat that covers their eyes and body. They may be born without a tail or their tail is docked at birth. Their willingness to please and devotion to their family make them great companions while at the same time a superb watchdog always on the alert for strangers. A Polish Lowland Sheepdog's amusing ways and floppy bodies make them highly lovable. They excel at almost any task they choose to undertake and are highly adaptable and suitable to almost any lifestyle. However, the breed has been known to get into mischief if left in the house alone too long.
Other Names: PON, Polish Lowland Nizinny, Polish Owczarek Nizinny
Height: Female - 17"- 19"; Male - 18" - 20"
Weight: Female - 30 - 40 lbs.; Male - 40 - 50 lbs.
Colors: All colors; most common is white with black, gray or tan patches.
Coat: Double-coated & considered non-shedding.
Temperament: Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are lively but not to excess, perceptive, highly intelligent, affectionate, graced with an excellent memory.
With Children: Yes, if purchased from a reputable breeder and socialized with children from an early age.
With Pets: Yes, if exposed to other pets early on.
Watch-dog: Very High, but usually not prone to excessive barking.
Guard-dog: High; they have been known to thwart even a bear to protect a child.
Care and Exercise: Most Polish Lowland Sheepdogs prefer some daily exercise and many will thrive on as much exercise as you are willing to give them. Their long coat requires 30 min. or more of brushing one to two times a week with a pin brush/comb to keep the coat from matting. Never brush the coat when dry or use a slicker as this damages the coat/undercoat. Teeth, ears and nails must be tended to weekly.
Training: Polish Lowland Sheepdog's need consistent, firm and kind training from a young age; obedience school is highly recommended or they will tend to dominate their master.
Learning Rate: Very high; can be a bit stubborn.
Activity: Indoors: low to moderate; outdoors: moderate to high.
Living Environment: Very adaptable to many lifestyles but must be an integral part of the family. Polish Lowland Sheepdog's need a fenced yard in a suburban setting.
Health Issues: Usually quite healthy although some instances of hip dysplasia, allergies, cancer, eye diseases and luxatting patella's have been reported.
Life Span: 11 - 14 years
Litter Size: 2 - 6
Country of Origin: Poland
History: A very old, but not ancient breed, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is believed descended from Tibetan breeds and the Lhasa Apso. These herding dogs were used by the Huns in their travels west throughout Europe during the latter part of the 4th century AD. Following World War II, Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz, a polish veterinarian, is credited with doing the most breeding and promoting of the modern day PON. The breed got its real start in the US in the 1980's and is still considered a rare breed to this date.
First Registered by the AKC: July 1, 1999
AKC Group: Miscellaneous at present, will be in the herding group.
Class: Herding
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 1), KC (GB), UKC
|
|
|
|
