Have you ever seen a Polish Lowland Sheepdog? These fluffy, curly-haired dogs are definitely a sight to see! But before you run out and adopt one, it’s important to know what owning a Polish Lowland Sheepdog entails.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog – History of the Breed
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a relatively new breed, having originated in Poland in the late 1800s. The breed was created by crossing several different types of herding dogs, including the German Shepherds, with the local sheepdogs of Poland.
The breed quickly became popular for its intelligence, loyalty and versatility. The breed was used for a variety of tasks on the farm, including herding livestock, guarding property and even pulling carts.
During World War II, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog was nearly wiped out due to the destruction of its homeland. Fortunately, a few dogs were smuggled into other countries and the breed was eventually revived.
Today, this dog is still used as a working dog on farms and ranches, but it has also become a popular companion animal. The breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club and is eligible for a variety of dog sports, including herding, agility and obedience.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog – Appearance, Coat Type and Size
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized, shaggy-coated herding dog. The breed is also known as PON (from its Polish name, Polski Owczarek Nizinny). The ideal height for this breed is 18-20 inches. The weight should be in proportion to the height, and averages about 30-50 pounds, according to AKC.
The coat is shaggy, long, and dense, with a thick undercoat. It is never trimmed, but may be clipped around the feet and hindquarters to keep it clean and tidy. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including black-and-white, blue-and-white, gray, fawn, brindle, and pied.
The head is medium-sized and wedge-shaped, with a profuse amount of hair hanging over the eyes. The ears are medium-sized and drooping. The tail is long and thickly coated, and is carried low when the dog is at rest.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog – Behavior and Temperament
PONs are gentle, calm, and intelligent dogs. They are very loving and devoted to their families, and make great companion dogs. However, they can be suspicious of strangers and may bark excessively if not properly socialized. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require a fair amount of exercise and need plenty of space to run and play. They are relatively easy to train, but may be stubborn at times. PONs are good with children and other pets if properly socialized. They make great watchdogs.
How to Train a Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Though they were originally bred for herding sheep, they make excellent companion animals and are well-suited for a variety of lifestyles. Here are a few tips on how to train your pup:
- Start with basic obedience training. As with any breed, it’s important to start with the basics when training your Polish Lowland Sheepdog. This includes commands like sit, stay, come, down, and heel.
- Be consistent. Like with any dog, consistency is key when training your PON. If you are inconsistent with your commands or rewards, your dog will quickly become confused and frustrated.
- Use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to train any dog.
- Be patient. Training a dog takes time and patience. Never get angry or frustrated with your dog if he isn’t progressing as quickly as you’d like.
- Seek professional help if needed. If you’re struggling to train your Polish Lowland Sheepdog, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. There are many experienced dog trainers out there who can help you to get your dog on the right track.
How to Groom a Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Assuming you have all the necessary grooming supplies, you can begin grooming your PON. Start by brushing the dog’s coat with a wire slicker brush to remove any dirt or debris. Next, use a metal comb to detangle any knots or mats in the coat. Once the coat is brushed and combed, you can begin trimming it.
Trim the hair around the dog’s eyes with scissors to keep it from obscuring vision. Next, use clippers to trim the hair on the dog’s ears. Be careful not to clip too close to the skin, as this can cause irritation. Then, use scissors or a clipper to trim the hair on the dog’s feet. Finally, use scissors to trim the hair around the dog’s private areas to keep it clean and free of mats.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Diet
PONs are not particularly fussy eaters, but they do have some specific dietary needs that must be met in order to keep them healthy and happy. As a general rule, they should be fed high-quality dry food that is designed for large breeds. This will ensure that they get all of the nutrients they need in order to grow and develop properly.
PONs are very active dogs, so they will need a diet that is high in protein and fat in order to maintain their energy levels. It is important to avoid feeding them too much food, as this can lead to obesity, which can be very detrimental to their health. PONs should be fed two to three times a day, depending on their activity level. Puppies and young dogs will need to be fed more often than adult dogs.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Exercise
When it comes to exercise, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog needs a good amount of it. They are an active breed that loves to play and run around. A daily walk or run is essential for them, and they will also enjoy playing fetch or other active games. This breed is intelligent and easily trained, making them a great choice for dog sports such as agility, obedience, and flyball.
While the PON is an active breed, they are also known for being calm and quiet indoors. They are a good choice for families with children, as they are patient and gentle.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Common Health Problems
PONs are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health problems. Some of the most common health problems seen in this breed include:
- Hip dysplasia – it is a condition that affects the hip joints and can cause pain and lameness.
- Eye problems – these dogs are prone to a number of eye problems, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and glaucoma.
- Ear infections – they are also prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears.
- Bloat – it is a condition that can affect any dog, but is particularly common in deep-chested breeds such as the PON.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Puppies: Where to Buy
If you’re interested in purchasing a PON puppy, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, be prepared to pay a pretty penny for one of these pups – they typically cost between $1,000 and $1,500. Secondly, make sure you do your research and only buy from a reputable breeder.
And speaking of research, that’s actually one of the best ways to find a puppy for sale. A quick Google search will reveal a number of breeders who sell these pups, both online and offline. Once you’ve found a few potential breeders, take some time to read up on them and make sure they’re reputable. This is important, as you want to make sure you’re getting a healthy pup from a good breeder.
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