Why Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are great
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are intelligent companions that are a lot of fun to have around. They love people and have tons of energy, so they can bring life to any household. These super-smart dogs are also peaceful and friendly, although they can be aloof with strangers.
This may make these dogs seem standoffish at times, but they are anything but. They are cheeky and loveable, once they get to know their humans. Not only do they have a great personality, but Polish Lowland Sheepdogs also look amazing, with their gorgeous shaggy coats. These coats look incredible, as long as they are kept in good condition.
Some highlights:
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppies and older dogs are highly intelligent. This makes them easy to train if the training starts when they are young
- These gorgeous dogs have a thick and shaggy coat that looks amazing when grooming is done well.
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppies and adult dogs are lively and inquisitive. This makes them an interesting and fun companion to have around the home.
Things to consider when looking at Polish Lowland Sheepdogs for Sale
Some downsides to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog:
- For anyone who does not want to have a lot of grooming responsibilities, these dogs are not a good choice. They have a long and shaggy coat which needs daily attention, to keep it in good condition.
- Polish Lowland Sheepdogs need a lot of space to run around in. They are not a good choice in smaller homes where there is no garden.
- These cute dogs love their food. This means that they can soon become overweight if their diet is not carefully controlled.
History of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is also sometimes known as a PON. This name is taken from its full Polish name Polski Owczarek Nizinny. The first reference to the dog in literature came in the 1500s, so the breed is pretty old.
The first time the Polish Lowland Sheepdog appeared in a show was in 1924, at a farm animal exhibition. Breeding of the dogs diminished during the Second World War. After the war finished, it was 15 years before the breed became properly established. These smart dogs only gained wider popularity in the 1970s, within Poland; later in the rest of Europe.
Today, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is still quite a rare breed. There are possibly around 3,000 of these dogs in Poland with a lot fewer in other countries.
Appearance
How big is the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium sized dog. The usual height at the withers for a female is 40-46 cms. For a male, the usual height is 43-52 cms.
How heavy is a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs tend to be quite sturdy and muscular. This stems from their breeding as working dogs. This means that they are not lightweights. Males usually weigh 14–23 kg and females usually weigh 14–18 kg.
What Colour is the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
For show purposes, several colours are accepted for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. These colours include white with dark patches which is the most common colouring. Some of these dogs also have a chocolate pigment and some have solid black or cream colouring. Whichever colour they have, these are adorable dogs that gorgeous to look at.
Temperament
Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs make good guard dogs?
Although Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppies and adults have a good bark, this does not make them good guard dogs. They are more useful as a watchdog that can sound a warning.
Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs bark a lot?
If there is one thing that Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can do really well, it's bark. This means that they may not be the quietest companion to have around. They often have to be reminded to quieten down when new people come to visit.
Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs easy to train?
Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppies are intelligent. They still have that instinct to work and herd that is a feature of the breed. Unfortunately, they also have the instinct to be stubborn. This means that training and socialisation should begin as soon as possible.
Training should always be based on positive reinforcement and patience. It helps to use activities such as dog sports, as these sheepdogs have tons of energy that they want to use.
Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs good with children?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are friendly and loyal, so they can be trusted around older children. However, they may be too boisterous for young children as they can easily knock them over.
Can I leave a Polish Lowland Sheepdog Alone?
Like many dogs, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do not like being left alone. They are social creatures and our best welcomed into a home where someone is around most of the time.
Health
How long do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs live?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs usually live for 12 – 15 years. This is a relatively long life, so it's important to be prepared for many years of companionship when buying a Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppy.
How much exercise does a Polish Lowland Sheepdog need?
These lively dogs are hugely energetic and are quite happy to accompany their humans on long walks or hikes. At the very least, these dogs should have access to a well fenced-in garden where they can run around for an hour or two each day.
What are Polish Lowland Sheepdog Common health issues?
In general, Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppies and older dogs are robust and healthy. There are no hereditary health problems that are restricted solely to the breed. Of course, these dogs can still fall prey to generic problems such as cancer and diabetes. It's also important that puppies are checked for Hip Dysplasia and eye problems.
Care
How much space do I need for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs still have the herding instincts that were bred into them. This means that they tend to be energetic and boisterous. If one of these dogs is being welcomed into the home there should be a good sized garden available. This garden should be well fenced in to prevent the Polish Lowland Sheepdog from straying.
How much grooming do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs need?
Grooming is essential to keep the coat of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog in good condition. Brushing should be carried out each day, otherwise, the double coat is likely to become matted. This double coat consists of a soft and dense undercoat and a water-resistant outer coat. It's also necessary to check the ears of these dogs each week and to trim their claws when necessary.
Average costs
How much does it cost to keep a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
As a rough guide in pricing:
Cost to buy: roughly £1,000-£1,500 for a well-bred Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppy
Other costs (Vet, Food etc): £100 per month
Specific Buying Guide
You can read our general buying guide here (
/advice-on-buying-a-puppy/), with the most important thing being going to view your Polish Lowland Sheepdog Puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder.
More specifically, here is some Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppy buying advice:
- Checks should be made to make sure that the parents of a puppy have been scored for hip dysplasia, under the KC/BVA scheme. Scores are between 0 and 53 with 0 being the best and 53 the worst. Both parents should also have been eye tested within the previous 12 months.
- It helps to buy a puppy from a breeder who believes in early socialisation. If a puppy that is welcomed into a new home is already used to a social environment, it's easy for them to adjust. They are also likely to be easier to train.
Other reading, Adopting Polish Lowland Sheepdog Puppies and Rescue Organisations
A big thank you to the following sources who helped to shape this article:
https://www.dogbreedhealth.com/polish-lowland-sheepdog/
https://www.champdogs.co.uk/guide/polish-lowland-sheepdog
https://www.polishlowlandsheepdogclubwwe.co.uk/breedPolishLowlands
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/polish-lowland-sheepdog/
