Polish Lowland Sheepdog

He is stable and self confident. He needs a dominant master and consistent training from the time he is very young. If this is not provided, he will tend to dominate the master. When not used as a herding or working dog, he can be a magnificent companion as he seems to fit into any type of lifestyle. He is extremely loyal, but somewhat aloof and suspicious of strangers.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or PON (Polish Owczarek Nizinny), is partly descended from the Puli. Early in the history of Poland, other blood was crossed with the Puli, most likely the Huns herding dog. This breed was about 19 to 22 inches high, with a rather long coat, and was used for herding and guarding. This cross breeding took place some time before the 16th century, as there is evidence of the PON as it now appears, in both Poland and Pomerania at that time.

In about 1514, a Polish ship sailed from Gdansk to Scotland with cargo of grain to exchange for Scottish sheep. This ship carried six PONs to help move the sheep. A shepherd asked for a pair of PONs in exchange for a fine horned ram. A deal was made for a ram and a ewe in exchange for two females and one male dog. It is believed that these three dogs were part ancestors of the Bearded Collie found in Scotland to which they bear close resemblance both in appearance and character.

The PON is an excellent worker of sheep and will work well with cattle. In recent years, it has gained some following in cities as a pet dog. Most people living in the towns of Poland live in apartments. Hence, the size of the PON is well suited to apartment life.

The dogs are intelligent, active, hardy and attractive. They are a hard working breed, obedient and fearless, good tempered with man and other dogs, but when working with sheep, will attack any fox that threatens the flock. They are sturdy dogs, in a well-balanced way, showing spirit and good sense.

They are good natured and gentle with children. For generations, they have been used as guards for the peasants. They are often aloof and suspicious towards strangers, but remarkably loyal to all members of the family.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	No
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Medium
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	Over 2 hours a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Long
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	Every day
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Either
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Small House
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	Large garden

	General Appearance Medium size, cobby, strong, muscular, fairly long, thick coat.
	Characteristics Lively but self-controlled, watchful, bright, clever, perceptive with excellent memory. Easy to train, works as a herding and watch dog.
	Temperament Alert, equable.
	Eyes Medium size, lively penetrating gaze, oval-shaped. Colour hazel to brown. Eye rims as dark as possible, closely fitting and showing no haw.
	Mouth Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closing overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Strong and evenly placed teeth. Lips tightly closed and as dark as possible.
	Neck Strong, muscular, medium length without dewlap.
	Forequarters Shoulders well placed with good lay-back, muscular. Legs when viewed from front or side, straight with slightly slanting pastern.
	Body Rectangular rather than square when viewed from side. Deep brisket with moderate spring of rib, neither flat nor barrel shaped. Withers distinctly marked; back level, muscular, with broad loin. Belly slightly drawn up. Croup short and slightly sloping. Proportions – height to length as 9:10.
	Hindquarters Well angulated, with broad and well muscled thigh. From behind, legs straight, turning neither in nor out. Hocks strong and distinctly angled.
	Feet Oval, slightly arched but tightly fitting toes, with hard pads, nails dark. Hind dewclaws should be removed.
	Tail Customarily docked. Docked: Customarily docked if not born tailless or stumpy. Undocked: Any length acceptable, longer tails well covered with hair. Tail set is a continuation of croup. Carried high and slightly curved over back when alert. Never curled over back. At rest, tail hangs low.
	Gait / Movement Medium size, cobby, strong, muscular, fairly long, thick coat.
	Coat Whole body covered with long, dense, shaggy thick coat of harsh texture with soft undercoat. Long hair covers eyes. Slight wave permissible. No loose skin anywhere on body.
	Colour All colours acceptable.
	Size Height: dogs: 43-50 cms (17-19 3/4 ins); bitches: 42-47 cms (161/2-181/2 ins).