GROUP 5 - WORKING DOGS

History

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog (Polish: Polski Owczarek Nizinny, also PON), is a medium-sized, shaggy-coated, sheep dog breed native to Poland. (1)

Known in its present form in Poland from at least the thirteenth century, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is most likely descended from the Puli, Tibetan Terrier (1)(2) and the herding dogs. (1)

Kazimierz Grabski, a Polish merchant, traded a shipment of grain for sheep in Scotland in 1515, and brought six Polish Lowland Sheepdogs to move the sheep. A Scottish shepherd was so impressed with the herding ability of the dogs that he traded a ram and two ewes for a dog and two female dogs. These dogs were bred with the local Scottish dogs to produce the Scottish herding dogs, most obviously the Bearded Collie. (1)

Almost driven to extinction in World War II, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog was restored mainly through the work of Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz and her dog, Smok ("Dragon"), the ancestor of all Polish Lowland Sheepdogs in the world today, who sired the first ten litters in the 1950s. (1)

Appearance

Medium size, cobby, strong, muscular, fairly long thick coat. (3)

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a muscular, thick-coated dog. The double coat can be of any color or pattern; white, gray, and brown are most common, with black, gray, or brown markings. It is common for colors to fade as the dogs reach adulthood. The undercoat is soft and dense, while the topcoat is rough and either straight or wavy, but not curly. The hair around the head makes the head appear to be larger than it actually is, and typically covers the eyes. (1)

Temperament

Alert, equable. 

Lively but self-controlled, watchful, bright, clever, perceptive with excellent memory. Easy to train, works as a herding and watch dog. (3)

Sizes

Height:

Dogs 45-50 cms (17 3/4 - 19 3/4 ins)

Bitches 42-47 cms (16 1/2 - 18 1/2 ins) (3)

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Polish Lowland Sheepdog you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

1. Wikipedia.org
2. Dogs All-in-One For Dummies. Wiley
3. DOGSAUSTRALIA.org.au