Polish Lowland Sheepdog: A Comprehensive Guide for Owners

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, also known as the Polski Owczarek Nizinny or PON for short, are medium-sized, shaggy dogs that make for great companions. They were originally bred for herding and guarding, which makes them a great active dog. They are intelligent and strong, as well as obedient and friendly. We’ll give you all the information you need to know to be sure this dog breed is right for you.

Key Characteristics

Some of the characteristics of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog include:

Long shaggy, double coat
Light shedding
Affectionate with their family
Moderately good with kids and other dogs
Very much a watchdog, they have a very protective nature
They’re also very adaptable
They’re above average for trainability and mental stimulation needs
Very vocal when it comes to barking
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can weigh anywhere between 30 and 50 pounds and grow between 17 and 20 inches tall.
Their life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years

Features

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are medium-sized, rectangular shaped dogs that are muscular and strong.
While they are very affectionate with their families, these dogs were originally bred to herd and guard livestock.
These dogs come in multiple colors including beige, white, gray, black and white, tri-colored, and more.
Their coats are heavy and on their heads it covers their eyes, which helps convey a strong gaze that herding dogs are known for.

Care

Just like with any other dog, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require regular vet visits, and preventative care like monthly heartworm treatments.
Since they have a shaggy double coat, it’s important to make sure you brush them regularly to prevent matting in their fur.
You should also be prepared to get them groomed on a regular basis, either monthly or every six weeks. It just depends on your preferences and your groomer.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do better in colder climates, but they can adapt to warmer climates. If they’re in a warmer climate they’ll just need to have regular access to a cool environment to ensure they don’t overheat.
They are more suited for rural areas, but they can do well in suburban or apartment life. Just be sure they’re getting regular exercise, and being challenged mentally.

Pros and Cons

There are some pros and cons to owning a Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Here are some of the pros:

They’re medium sized dogs, so they can fit into multiple living environments.
They’re loyal to their owners, and can be very affectionate to their families.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are very smart, and can act as guard dogs because of their herding background.
If you’re an active person, this breed will be great for you as they do need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are generally a healthy breed, there are only a few health concerns you’ll need to keep an eye out for like canine hip dysplasia and diabetes.

There are also some cons to consider:

Since they do have long, shaggy coats they do require a lot of upkeep. You should be prepared to brush them daily.
Also you’ll need to make sure you can afford to groom them on a monthly basis. You might be able to extend grooming appointments by a few weeks, but that’s something you should discuss with your personal groomer.
Since they were originally bred to be herding dogs they can get protective of their families and at times become aggressive. This can be remedied through training.
These dogs do require a lot of time and attention, so you should be prepared for that before deciding to bring one home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

You can go through a breeder or a rescue group. The American Kennel Club has an official marketplace where breeders can list litters that are available. The American Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club also has resources for people to find a dog through proper means. You can also search for a rescue group in your area that specializes in the breed. Just make sure whoever you find is not a scammer. The Better Business Bureau has a guide on how to avoid puppy scams that is a good resource. You can read that article here.

Are there any health concerns I need to know about?

Yes. Even though Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are a generally healthy breed, there are several conditions they’re prone to. Those include diabetes, canine hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular vet visits will ensure your dog stays healthy. Also it can help ensure that if conditions do arise they’re caught early on.

Is grooming necessary for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

Yes. Since they have a long, shaggy double coat it is very necessary to have them groomed on a regular basis. You’ll also need to be good about brushing their coats out regularly to prevent matting. If they spend a lot of time outside they’ll need regular baths as well. You can get them used to this if you start doing this when they’re puppies.

What is the breed’s temperament?

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are energetic and loyal. The breed tends to be territorial towards strangers, but is very loving to their family members. They are very barky dogs because of their herding and protective nature. But they are also very intelligent and can learn quickly.

How much food should I give them each day?

You can give your PON anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry dog food a day. It depends on the specific brand of food so make sure you follow the suggestions listed on the dog food bag. You should separate the recommended serving per day into two meals a day. Also make sure you don’t just leave food for them all day outside of meal time because they are known to overeat when given the chance.

Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs live in an apartment?

Yes. But there is a caveat to them living in an apartment. If they live in an apartment they’ll need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks are a good way for them to get their exercise in. They enjoy being given a job to do. Training classes are a good way for them to get the mental and physical stimulation they need.

How does the breed do with kids and other dogs?

PONs do well with children and pets they’re raised with from puppyhood. Since they are protective in nature they’ll likely be wary of children and pets that aren’t in their immediate family. Also if they feel like a threat is imminent to their families they might appear aggressive. Again training classes are a good way to help remedy issues that might arise.

Summary

There’s a lot of great reasons to get a Polish Lowland Sheepdog. If you love a loyal, protective companion then this is the breed for you. This breed is great for an active family, so if you like daily walks and outdoor exercise your PON will fit right in. These dogs are highly adaptable to multiple environments, but they do need access to cool temperatures to prevent overheating. You should be prepared to make a financial investment into this breed, because they do require a lot of care. Now that you know all the facts, hopefully you feel ready to welcome your new family member into your home.