A shaggy-coated herding dog who thrives on exercise and hard work, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is clever, confident, and a bit stubborn. Compact, alert, and adaptable, they are beloved companions and watchdogs of Polish city dwellers. First, about that nickname: PON is the acronym for the Polish breed name, Polski Owczarek Nizinny. PONs aren’t particularly large dogs, standing no more than 20 inches at the shoulder, but they are muscular and stocky. The rectangular body is covered head to toe with a double coat’long and shaggy on top, soft and dense below, and it comes in several colors. The head’s profuse coat covers the eyes, which convey the keen, penetrating gaze so common in watchdogs and herders.
History
In the waning days of the Roman Empire, the Huns were among the tribes of Asian invaders who spilled into central Europe. It’s believed that PONs result from breeding Hunnic dogs with native stock in the region now known as Poland. PONs were bred to be levelheaded flock dogs by day and fearless guard dogs by night. In the 1500s, traders brought PONs to Scotland, where it’s thought they became a piece of the genetic puzzle that formed the Bearded Collie.
Health
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia and communicate with other dedicated breeders regularly, working together for the health of the breed and preservation of its unique qualities. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog has a long, healthy life.
Grooming
The PON’s shaggy, thick, double coat requires a lot of maintenance. The outer coat is crisp, with a water-resistant texture, and the undercoat is soft and dense. A PON kept in full coat must be thoroughly brushed at least once weekly. A PON kept in a puppy or ‘summer’ clip will still need routine brushing to keep the coat free of mats and debris such as grass, weeds, and flower blooms. The ears must also be checked weekly and cleaned, and the nails will be trimmed.
Exercise
A high-energy, athletic dog, the PON needs ample exercise on a daily basis. At minimum, he should have a large, fenced-in yard to run around in for at least an hour or two daily. PONs bond closely with their owners and love to accompany them on long walks or hikes, or working with their human partner in canine events such as obedience, herding, agility trials, or dock diving.
Training
PONs are excellent house dogs: accepting of other animals, gentle and tireless playmates for kids, alert watchdogs, and quick learners. The breed can also be dominating, stubborn, and suspicious of strangers, so early socialization and puppy training classes are highly recommended. PONs are affectionate, bouncy, trainable pets for owners who can handle a confident, territorial herding dog.
Nutrition
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared, with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
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