Polish Lowland Sheepdog Background Information & History

As the name suggests, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog originated from Poland and is one of the oldest breeds from the area. During PONs earliest days, they served as excellent sheep herders due to their high intelligence and great agility.

Sadly during the World War II era, PONs struggled tremendously and almost became extinct. Luckily, a veterinarian by the name of Dr. Danuta Hryniewics was able to preserve this breed and increase their population back to normal levels. It wasn’t until 1979 that the first PON’s were brought to America.  Although these dogs are still relatively unknown within the states, they are still by far the most popular Polish breed.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Temperament & Personality

Even-tempered, intelligent, and active are the main personality traits of the PON breed. These handsome dogs love having a job to do and expect to be entertained by challenging activities on a daily basis.

They also work as excellent family pets as well, but their trust has to be earned before they become the fun-loving and loyal pooch they’re known to be. Although these dogs are recognized for their agility and strength, they also serve as excellent companion dogs, especially for a large and active family.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Training Tips

As said before, the PON is an intelligent breed which makes dog training efforts a breeze. These dogs also have an impressive memory that allows them to learn a lot faster than the average canine. If you are trying to train a PON, make sure to constantly switch up his lessons on a regular basis. These dogs will quickly become bored if they are not being pushed, and will most likely find other ways to entertain themselves.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Exercise Needs

This handsome breed is full of energy and endurance. Unlike most dogs, it is absolutely critical that this breed gets their daily exercise. PONs that are locked up inside all day will develop behavioral issues that are hard to get rid of. That’s why it’s recommended that a PON gets at least an hour of exercise every single day.

These dogs require much more than a little walk around the park. PONs enjoy a wide range of challenging activities including hiking, herding, running, agility training, or tracking. Not only will these activities give your pup exercise, but it also keeps them mentally stimulated as well.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Lifespan

The average lifespan of a PON is between 10 to 12 years old.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed Popularity

As mentioned previously, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is not a popular dog within the United States. The American Kennel Club ranks this dog as the 169th most popular breed within the U.S. out of 202 registered breeds.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Feeding Requirements

On average, a PON should consume between 1 ½ to 2 ½ cups of high-quality food a day, split into two equal meals. This is dependent on the dog’s size, metabolism, age, and activity level. Along with his daily food intake, make sure your pup has a bowl of fresh water readily available at all times to avoid dehydration.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Grooming

The long, shaggy coat of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog may be beautiful, but requires some extra work when it comes to their coat grooming. Regular brushing is a must to keep their coat tangle-free. Since their coat is so thick and tends to get messy, they should also be bathed every couple of months to keep it clean and healthy.

Aside from their coat grooming, a PON should have their teeth brushed once a week and nails trimmed whenever needed. If you can hear their nails tapping on the hardwood floor, then that’s is a good indication it’s time for a trim.

Are Polish Lowland Sheepdog Good With Kids?

Due to their loving nature, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog works very well in a family with children. They love the entertainment they get from a small child and will serve as their larger playmate when given the opportunity. When discussing this relationship, it’s always important to remember that a parent should be around during any interactions between a dog and child, no matter how well behaved their furry companion may be.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health Problems

Although the PON is a relatively healthy breed, they are still prone to several health problems. These dog health complications may include:

Hip Dysplasia: Canine hip dysplasia occurs when the thighbone and hip socket do not fit properly together how they should. As the genetic disease progresses, dogs may experience pain, lameness, and even arthritis.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA in dogs is an eye disease that is characterized by a progressive deterioration of the retina. As the disease worsens, a dog will become partially blind and eventually lose all their sight completely.

Other Resources

National Breed Website: The American Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club

Rescue: PON Rescue and Adoption