Polish Lowland Sheepdog

also known as PON, Nizinny, Polski Owczarek Nizinny (Polish), PLS, Valee Sheepdog

Pros History


The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, also known as the PON (Polski Owczarek Nizinny), is a medium-sized breed of dog that is believed to have originated in Poland. The breed has a long and storied history that is intertwined with the history of Poland and its culture.

The origins of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Poland, where it was developed as a herding dog for the care of sheep and cattle. The breed was developed to be able to work in the lowlands and in the mountains, with its thick and weather-resistant coat, and also to be able to herd and guard livestock.

The breed's name, "Polish Lowland Sheepdog" reflects the breed's origins in Poland, and its intended purpose as a herding dog for lowland pastures. The breed is also known as the "Polski Owczarek Nizinny" in Polish, which translates to "Polish Lowland Sheepdog."

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog was a popular breed in Poland and other parts of Europe during the 19th and early 20th century, and it was often used as a herding dog and as a companion. However, the breed's popularity began to decline in the early 20th century, as a result of the rise of other breeds.

This breed is recognized by kennel clubs around the world, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) which recognized the breed in 2001, The Kennel Club (UK) which recognized the breed in 1983 and other international kennel clubs

Breed Information


Type

Is Polish Lowland Sheepdog a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Polish Lowland Sheepdog name? How do you say Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?

POAL-lish Ov-CHA-rek Nee-ZHEE-nee

Purpose

What were Polish Lowland Sheepdogs originally used for?

sheep herding

Lifespan

How Long Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Live? What is average life expectancy for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog? How long can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs live?

10-12 years

The average Polish Lowland Sheepdog lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

What is the average height of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog? How big is a Purebred Polish Lowland Sheepdog height? Polish Lowland Sheepdog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-20 inches (45.7 - 50.8 cm) 8.0 inches (20.3 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm)
Female 17-19 inches (43.2 - 48.3 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog? How much should Polish Lowland Sheepdogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 35-40 pounds (16 - 18 kg) 11.5 pounds (5 kg) 20.0 pounds (9 kg) 34.0 pounds (15 kg)
Female 30-35 pounds (14 - 16 kg) 9.0 pounds (4 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get fat easily?

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Polish Lowland Sheepdog personality? What are Polish Lowland Sheepdog dogs best known for?

Agile
Lively
Selfish
Confidence
Outright
Tempered
Perceptive

Shedding Level

Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs heavy shedders? How Much Does a Polish Lowland Sheepdog Shed?

Polish Lowland Sheepdog will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog dog?

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs come from?

Poland

Ancestry

What are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs descended from?

tibetan terrier, lhasa apso, puli

Date of Birth

When were Polish Lowland Sheepdogs first bred? How old is the Polish Lowland Sheepdog breed?

1500s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

Herding (AKC:2001 & UKC)

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Polish Lowland Sheepdog eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Polish Lowland Sheepdog nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Polish Lowland Sheepdog coat be naturally?

Black
White
Brown
Fawn
Gray

Coat Length

How long is a Polish Lowland Sheepdogs coat?

The coat of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Polish Lowland Sheepdog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Polish Lowland Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can a Polish Lowland Sheepdog have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Polish Lowland Sheepdog can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Polish Lowland Sheepdog dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a lot of health problems?

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

Diabetes

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Polish Lowland Sheepdog breed?

Blood Test
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
Physical Examination

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a lot of energy?

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs need socialization? How social are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?

Polish Lowland Sheepdog have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get?

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Polish Lowland Sheepdog have? Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs sleep a lot?

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Polish Lowland Sheepdog drool a lot?

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Polish Lowland Sheepdog dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Polish Lowland Sheepdog busy?

Walking, Tug-of-war, Soccer

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog? How much energy does a Polish Lowland Sheepdog have?

Medium

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Polish Lowland Sheepdog walk each week? How many miles should a Polish Lowland Sheepdog walk every week?

4 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Polish Lowland Sheepdog, it's at least 4 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Polish Lowland Sheepdog should exercise a day? How much activity does a Polish Lowland Sheepdog need?

30 minutes

In general most Polish Lowland Sheepdogs usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

Daily

Ideally, Polish Lowland Sheepdog should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Polish Lowland Sheepdog eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 35-40 pound (16 - 18 kg) Polish Lowland Sheepdog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Polish Lowland Sheepdog Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Polish Lowland Sheepdog Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Polish Lowland Sheepdogs lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Polish Lowland Sheepdog dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Polish Lowland Sheepdog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Polish Lowland Sheepdog do well in apartments? Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs good indoor dogs?

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs good with kids? Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs good around children?

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs good with cats? How friendly Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are toward cats?

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Polish Lowland Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs? Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs OK with other dogs?

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are below average dog friendly dogs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Polish Lowland Sheepdog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs friendly with strangers?

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Polish Lowland Sheepdogs will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs like to play? Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs playful?

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Polish Lowland Sheepdog is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Polish Lowland Sheepdog easily trained?

Polish Lowland Sheepdog dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent
    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are highly intelligent and trainable dogs.
  • Good with children
    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are typically good with children and make good family pets.
  • Hypoallergenic
    If you have allergies, a Polish Lowland Sheepdog may be a suitable breed for you as they cause fewer allergic reactions.
  • Protective
    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are known for being protective of their families.

Cons

  • High energy
    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a lot of energy and require regular exercise to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive.
  • Grooming
    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a thick, shaggy coat that requires regular grooming to maintain their appearance.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    An office is not the best place for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Prone to certain health issues
    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.