Polish Lowland Sheepdog
A shaggy, medium-sized herder, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is lively, intelligent and a good watchdog with an excellent memory.
History and origins
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog (Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or PON) has herded flocks on the plains of Poland for centuries and influenced other long-haired herding breeds in Europe.
Nearly lost after the Second World War, it was rebuilt from a few dogs.
Temperament
Lively, confident and very attached to its family, the PON is a good watchdog, reserved with strangers. It is known for its memory and powers of observation.
Independent and sometimes dominant, it needs consistent training from an early age.
Health
This is a fairly robust breed. Hip dysplasia, some eye diseases and hypothyroidism have been reported.
Ask the breeder for the parents' screening results.
This is general information. For any question about your dog's health, consult a veterinarian.
Feeding
Good-quality food matched to its activity suits it. Its coat hides changes in weight.
Weigh it regularly.
Exercise
It needs one to one and a half hours of daily activity, with games, obedience or agility.
It likes having a task to do.
In summer, walk it during the cool hours and consider a maintenance trim. Being medium-sized, it can live in an apartment if it gets enough exercise every day.
Grooming
Its long, dense coat must be brushed thoroughly several times a week to prevent mats.
Keep the hair around the eyes and between the paw pads trimmed.
