Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Quick facts

	AKC Group:	Herding
	Height:	Male: 18-20 inches, Female: 17-19 inches
	Weight:	Male: 40-50 pounds, Female: 30-40 pounds
	Colors:	white with black, white with gray, plain gray
AKC recognized in:		2001

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog or PLS dates back to the 13th century as a herding dog from Poland. Belonging to the merry family of sheepdogs, this sheepdog is also called the Polish Owczarek Nizziny.

Nicknamed the "PON" or the "Nizziny", this sheepdog could have evolved from the ancient herding dogs of the Hungarian plains. It is most likely a descendant of the Hungarian Puli. In its blood, it may also have the Scottish Bearded Collie as well as the Tibetan Terrier and the Lhasa Apso combined.

Extremely popular in Poland as a herder, it is loved everywhere as a household companion. Its ability to guide, track, and obey will never be outdated as an invaluable skill.

The PON or PLS is an example of a medium-sized working dog. Shaggy in appearance, it has a slightly-domed head with heart-shaped, dropped ears. This hairiness all over sort of hides its well-muscled loins and thighs. Its double-layered coat is wavy and wire-haired from the topcoat, with the undercoat growing soft and dense underneath it all.

Close to being extinct during the Second World War, the PON was restored through the efforts of Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz. Records state that her dog, Smok, is now considered the official sire and forerunner of all-modern day PONS.

Temperament

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Summary
Affection
Cold Tolerance
Ease of Training
Energy level
Exercise Requirements
Friendliness : Children
Friendliness: Other Animals
Friendliness: Other Pets
Grooming Requirements
Heat Tolerance
Playfulness
Protection Ability
Watchdog Ability

Good-natured as most sheepdogs are, the PON is usually happy in demeanor and affectionate to people. Clever and alert, this dog has a high level of intelligence and memory. Easy to teach and train, it will prove to be stable in behavior and obedient to your orders.

A confident and strong-minded dog, the PON will not benefit from the care of a weak-willed owner. It needs a more stable environment under the tutorship of a good leader and trainer.

Like every dog which is quick to learn, it should be trained at an early age. It should also begin to socialize with others and be accustomed to people at that stage.

Otherwise, in contrast to being affectionate with you, they will be cool and reserved with strangers. Watchful of unannounced visits and entries, they will notify you all too loudly by barking. They can even bite when seriously provoked.

Health and Exercise

Cut out to be more of a lap dog than a guard dog, the cute little sheepdog will adapt well to your home and family. Raise them from puppyhood and you will have fun living with PONS even in an apartment dwelling.

However, centuries of herding will not deter it from wanting to work. Think of it as happiest when it’s been given a job to perform. Anxious to please, this dog will not give you any trouble as long as it receives sufficient amount of daily exercise.

Overall a very healthy and hardy breed, PONS will live up to 11-14 years. But as they age, you should have them checked for hip dysplasia and eye abnormalities which seem to plague dogs in maturity.

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