Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Price About $2,000

Polski Owczarek Nizinny (translates to Polish Lowland Sheepdog) and is referred to as the PON in both Poland and the United States. In some European countries they are known as Nizinnies.

General Appearance

Medium-sized, compact, strong and muscular with a long, thick coat and hanging hair that covers the eyes. He is shaggy and natural in appearance with a docked or natural bobbed tail. His herding and working ability is attributed to an intense desire to please and compatible nature. He is lively but self-controlled, clever and perceptive. The breed is well known for an excellent memory and the ability to work independent of his master.

Size, Proportion, Substance

Well balanced due to a strong skeleton. Height at the withers for an adult dog is 18 - 20 inches and 17 - 19 inches for a bitch. It is not desirable to diminish the size below the Standard for this multi-purpose working breed. The silhouette is rectangular due to the abundance of coat on the chest and rear. The height to length ratio is 9:10 making the dog off square. Height is measured from withers to ground and length is measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks.

Head and Skull

The medium-sized head is in proportion to the body. The profuse hair on the forehead, cheeks and chin make the head look bigger than it actually is. Expression is lively with a penetrating gaze. Eyes are of medium size, oval and brown in color. It is natural in a dog with chocolate pigment to have a lighter eye. Eye rims are as dark as possible within the coat color.

Disqualification: blue or yellow (bird-of-prey) eyes.

Ears are heart-shaped, drop and set moderately high. They are medium size in proportion to the head and are covered with long hair which naturally follows the shape of the ear. Skull is moderately broad and slightly domed. The forehead furrow and occiput are palpable. The stop has a pronounced indentation but never as pronounced as a round-skull breed.

The ratio of muzzle to skull is 1:1. A little shorter muzzle is acceptable. The topline of the muzzle is straight and parallel to the skull. The muzzle is well filled all the way to the end.

Teeth: Strong white teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The jaws are strong.

Disqualification: overshot or undershot bite.

Nose should be large and black or brown, depending on the coat color. A pink nose or a nose partially lacking pigment should be penalized.

Neck, Topline, Body Neck, of medium length, is muscular and strong. It is broad without dewlap and carried not more than 45 degrees to the ground when moving. Profuse hair and a large head optically make the neck look shorter than it actually is.

The back should be neither too long nor too short for proper balance and movement. Withers are well pronounced and broad. The chest is deep, of medium width, with forechest well-defined. Depth of chest is to the elbow, approximately 50% of the height of the dog. The ribs are well sprung, neither barrel chested nor slab-sided.

The topline is level. The loin is well muscled and broad giving the impression of being short. The croup is slightly cut but only to a small degree. The belly is slightly drawn up.

Tail is short, set low and no longer than two vertebrae. Tails are naturally short or docked.

Severe Fault: Tail that changes the shape and appearance of the silhouette must be penalized so severely as to eliminate the dog from competition.

Forequarters The shoulders are heavily muscled and well laid back. The legs are straight and vertical with heavy bone. The pasterns are slightly slanting in relation to the forearm and flexible without weakness. The feet are oval and tight with the front feet larger than the rear feet. Toes are arched.

Hindquarters

Large, heavily boned, and well muscled with well bent stifles. In normal stance, the bones below the hocks are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear. The hind feet fall just behind a perpendicular line from the point of buttocks to the ground when viewed from the side. Feet are oval with tight, arched toes. Pads are hard. Nails are preferably dark.

Coat

It is doubled coated. The entire body is covered with a long, dense, shaggy, thick coat that is reasonably straight. The outercoat should be crisp with a water resistant texture. The undercoat is soft and dense. Different coat colors will have different textures with the black coat having little or no coarse outercoat and less undercoat. Characteristically, long hanging hair covers the eyes. A slight wavy coat is acceptable.

Fault: A curly, short or silky coat. Lack of undercoat. A fly away or thin, wispy coat that easily “flies” over the dog when in movement.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog must be shown naturally with an "unkempt" but clean appearance—any scissoring of the coat must be penalized so severely as to eliminate the dog from competition.

Only the hair between the pads may be trimmed.

Severe fault: Any coat that appears to be visibly scissored or sculpted.

Color

All coat colors are acceptable. The most common colors are white with either black, gray or sandy patches and gray with white, or chocolate. Most carry a dominant fading factor genetically, which results in puppies being born darker in coat color than they will appear as adults with the exception of those puppies born white.

Gait

The gait should be balanced, efficient, and appear effortless. Leg movement should always be in two parallel lines without crossing or departing from one line. There is a slight and natural tendency to converge in the front and rear when significantly increasing the speed of trot. The neck is carried not more than 45 degrees to the ground when moving. With the correct shoulder angulation, the forward reach of the front leg should be fluent and to the dogs nose. This length of stride propels forward movement with less fatigue. The greatest source of his forward drive is derived from good rear angulation. When viewed from behind, the back legs should be parallel to each other and not too close.

Temperament 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. Faults: Nervous, cowardly, or extreme vicious behavior.

The PON is a very active, self-confident, intelligent dog that requires early socialization and exposure to different situations, people and dogs. A puppy socialization class is strongly recommended. New owners are often amazed and delighted at how quickly these dogs learn. But beware…they are as quick to pick up bad habits as good! They are very sensitive to corrections, and respond best to positive reinforcement training using treats and toys.

Yes, when they are exposed to children at an early age. Children need to be taught proper behavior around dogs. Puppies need to be taught that play-biting is not acceptable. PONs are very playful and energetic. PONs can go jogging, hiking, herding and more.

A PON will bark when someone comes to the door. They can, and should, be taught to stop barking once the visitor is inside the house. They can be wary or suspicious of strangers.

Faults

The foregoing description is that of the ideal Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation.

Disqualifications

Blue or yellow (bird-of-prey) eyes

Overshot or undershot bite

Developed in Poland, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is better known by his native name: Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or "PON," as he’s called in the United States. Popular in his home country (they are even featured on stamps!), PONS are intelligent, spirited working dogs that fearlessly protect their flocks from any predators. The breed’s long, shaggy coat hangs over his eyes and can be many colors, including white with black, gray or sandy patches; gray with white; or chocolate.

A Look Back It is thought that the PON descended from the coated working dogs developed in Central Asia, including the Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso. The Tibetan people were avid traders, so the dogs moved across Asia and into Europe, where the sheepdogs were intermixed with local working dogs. The PON has been known in Poland since before the 16th century, where he is used for herding and guarding.

Right Breed for You? When not used as a herding or working dog, the PON can fit into any type of lifestyle. His medium size makes him suitable for apartments or the farm. While affectionate and loving toward their family and children, PONs may be suspicious of strangers. Training should start early, as the PON is independent and can be stubborn. The breed’s coat requires daily brushing to prevent mats.

If you are considering purchasing a Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppy, learn more here.

Herding Group; AKC recognized in 2001. Ideal size: 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. Sheep herder.

General Appearance

Medium-sized, compact, strong and muscular with a long, thick coat and hanging hair that covers the eyes. He is shaggy and natural in appearance with a docked or natural bobbed tail. His herding and working ability is attributed to an intense desire to please and compatible nature. He is lively but self-controlled, clever and perceptive. The breed is well known for an excellent memory and the ability to work independent of his master.

Size, Proportion, Substance

Well balanced due to a strong skeleton. Height at the withers for an adult dog is 18 - 20 inches and 17 - 19 inches for a bitch. It is not desirable to diminish the size below the Standard for this multi-purpose working breed. The silhouette is rectangular due to the abundance of coat on the chest and rear. The height to length ratio is 9:10 making the dog off square. Height is measured from withers to ground and length is measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks.

Head and Skull

The medium-sized head is in proportion to the body. The profuse hair on the forehead, cheeks and chin make the head look bigger than it actually is. Expression is lively with a penetrating gaze. Eyes are of medium size, oval and brown in color. It is natural in a dog with chocolate pigment to have a lighter eye. Eye rims are as dark as possible within the coat color. Disqualification: blue or yellow (bird-of-prey) eyes.

Ears are heart-shaped, drop and set moderately high. They are medium size in proportion to the head and are covered with long hair which naturally follows the shape of the ear. Skull is moderately broad and slightly domed. The forehead furrow and occiput are palpable. The stop has a pronounced indentation but never as pronounced as a round-skull breed.

The ratio of muzzle to skull is 1:1. A little shorter muzzle is acceptable. The topline of the muzzle is straight and parallel to the skull. The muzzle is well filled all the way to the end.

Teeth: Strong white teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The jaws are strong.

Disqualification: overshot or undershot bite.

Nose should be large and black or brown, depending on the coat color. A pink nose or a nose partially lacking pigment should be penalized.

Neck, Topline, Body Neck, of medium length, is muscular and strong. It is broad without dewlap and carried not more than 45 degrees to the ground when moving. Profuse hair and a large head optically make the neck look shorter than it actually is. The backshould be neither too long nor too short for proper balance and movement. Withers are well pronounced and broad. The chest is deep, of medium width, with forechest well-defined. Depth of chest is to the elbow, approximately 50% of the height of the dog. The ribs are well sprung, neither barrel chested nor slab-sided.

The topline is level. The loinis well muscled and broad giving the impression of being short. The croup is slightly cut but only to a small degree. The belly is slightly drawn up.

Tail is short, set low and no longer than two vertebrae. Tails are naturally short or docked. Severe Fault: Tail that changes the shape and appearance of the silhouette must be penalized so severely as to eliminate the dog from competition.

Forequarters The shoulders are heavily muscled and well laid back. The legs are straight and vertical with heavy bone. The pasterns are slightly slanting in relation to the forearm and flexible without weakness. The feet are oval and tight with the front feet larger than the rear feet. Toes are arched.

Hindquarters Large, heavily boned, and well muscled with well bent stifles. In normal stance, the bones below the hocks are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear. The hind feet fall just behind a perpendicular line from the point of buttocks to the ground when viewed from the side. Feet are oval with tight, arched toes. Pads are hard. Nails are preferably dark.

Coat It is doubled coated. The entire body is covered with a long, dense, shaggy, thick coat that is reasonably straight. The outercoat should be crisp with a water resistant texture. The undercoat is soft and dense. Different coat colors will have different textures with the black coat having little or no coarse outercoat and less undercoat. Characteristically, long hanging hair covers the eyes. A slight wavy coat is acceptable. Fault: A curly, short or silky coat. Lack of undercoat. A fly away or thin, wispy coat that easily "flies" over the dog when in movement.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog must be shown naturally with an "unkempt" but clean appearance—any scissoring of the coat must be penalized so severely as to eliminate the dog from competition. Only the hair between the pads may be trimmed.

Severe fault: Any coat that appears to be visibly scissored or sculpted. Color All coat colors are acceptable. The most common colors are white with either black, gray or sandy patches and gray with white, or chocolate. Most carry a dominant fading factor genetically, which results in puppies being born darker in coat color than they will appear as adults with the exception of those puppies born white.

Gait The gait should be balanced, efficient, and appear effortless. Leg movement should always be in two parallel lines without crossing or departing from one line. There is a slight and natural tendency to converge in the front and rear when significantly increasing the speed of trot. The neck is carried not more than 45 degrees to the ground when moving. With the correct shoulder angulation, the forward reach of the front leg should be fluent and to the dogs nose. This length of stride propels forward movement with less fatigue. The greatest source of his forward drive is derived from good rear angulation. When viewed from behind, the back legs should be parallel to each other and not too close.

Temperament 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. Faults: Nervous, cowardly, or extreme vicious behavior.

Faults The foregoing description is that of the ideal Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation.

Disqualifications Blue or yellow (bird-of-prey) eyes Overshot or undershot bite

PONs belong to the numerous family of herding dogs. They exhibit certain characteristics of the smaller sheepdog - a tendency for a slightly off square built body; a smooth, efficient trot; a strong, long protective coat; a loyal personality with strong herding instincts; a suspicion of strangers; a highly developed sense of territory; and a strong sense of independence.

The PON is clever and perceptive, with an excellent memory. It is important to realize that the PON needs a dominant master and good consistent training from the time it is very young. If this is not provided, the PON will tend to dominate its master.

The PON needs close contact with people and loves to have a job. They are most eager to please in any task you can provide them to accomplish.

It is very easy to train a PON for good behavior. They are so intelligent that a little bit of work by its master will go a long way and benefit the entire family. PONs have no problem accepting the needs of an entire family.

The AKC standard requires that the dog be double coated with a soft, dense undercoat, well covered by a long, dense, thick, shaggy, and reasonably straight coat. Dogs exhibited in the show ring are required to be shown in their natural state. This means that dogs must not be trimmed. All coat colors are acceptable. The most common coat colors are white with black, gray or sandy patches, and gray with white or chocolate. Occasionally they are all white, all black, or black & tan. Most PONs carry a dominant "fading" factor genetically, which results in puppies being born darker in coat color than they will appear as adults, with the exception of those puppies born white.

If you want your PON to look nice all the time, you must be prepared to brush his hair thoroughly a few times a week and keep him clean. Use a good flexible pin brush, not a slicker brush, which will remove the undercoat. It is important to get the PON accustomed to grooming at an early age. Brushing your puppy for a few minutes everyday will get him acquainted with grooming. As the puppy gets older, his undercoat will start to come in and if not routinely brushed, serious mats will develop. It will be more difficult to get these mats out if your puppy is not familiar with being brushed, lying on his side and back.

Following some simple guidelines in training and grooming will provide you with the joy of owning one these fabulous shaggy dogs.

Q. What is their temperament?

A. The PON is clever and perceptive, with an excellent memory. It is important to realize that the PON needs a dominant master and good consistent training from the time it is very young. If this is not provided, the PON will tend to dominate its master. The PON needs close contact with people and loves to have a job. They are most eager to please in any task you can provide them to accomplish.

Q. What is the mature size and weight?

A. The average weight for a PON is 35 to 50 pounds. The average height is between 17 to 20 inches at the withers.

Q. Are they good with children?

A. Yes, they are good with children if socialized at an early age. But, as with all animals, supervision is always recommended. PONs need a home that is free from rough handling and teasing.

Q. What genetically transmitted health problems are a major concern of this breed?

A. At present there are no specific heredity problems. Visit www.ponhealth.org and participate in our "OPEN" Health Information Database (coming soon).

Q. How long do they live?

A. The average lifespan for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog is said to be 10 to 12 years with some PONs living 15 years or more.

Q. Do they shed?

A. PONs are considered non-shedders.

Q. How much do they eat?

A. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog has an enormous appetite. They will always be looking for food. It is very important to assure that they do not become overweight and maintain them on the appropriate amount of food for their age.

Q. How much exercise do they require?

A. PONs enjoy a nice, brisk walk a couple of times a day.

Q. Do they adapt to apartment living?

A. Yes. PONs can adapt to apartment life.

Q. Are their any special diet requirements?

A. It has been said that the Polish Lowland Sheepdog should be kept on a low protein diet. Many PONs are enjoying the benefits of an all natural, raw food diet. It is always a good idea to check with the breeder to see what they recommend.

Q. Is it true that PONs may be sensitive to anesthesia?

A. With today's anesthesia, this problem is very rare. The PON Archives contains a section on anesthesia.

Q. How trainable are they?

A. PONs are extremely intelligent and have an excellent memory. They are eager to please yet sometime have a mind of their own. If you want a PON to work and enjoy their job they can be most accommodating, If you just want a couch potato they enjoy that also.

Q. How house breakable are they?

A. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is very easy to housebreak as are most dogs with love, praise and patience. (See Crate Training for some great suggestions.)

Q. Do they require a lot of grooming?

A. Yes, if you want your PON to look nice all the time, you must be prepared to brush his hair thoroughly a few times a week and keep him clean. Use a good flexible pin brush, not a slicker brush, which will remove the undercoat. It is important to get the PON accustomed to grooming at an early age. Brushing your puppy for a few minutes everyday will get him acquainted with grooming. As the puppy gets older, his undercoat will start to come in and if not routinely brushed, serious mats will develop. It will be more difficult to get these mats out if your puppy is not familiar with being brushed, lying on his side and back. PONs are a natural breed and no trimming of the coat is necessary.

Q. How noisy are they?

A. PONs are relatively quiet unless someone comes to your door, or they hear an unusual noise.

Q. How protective are they?

A. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a herding dog, he may also be a guard dog or watch dog. PONs love, rule and guard their human family with great devotion. Ever alert, they will notify you if anything unusual is going on.

Q. Do they require any special care or management?

A. No special care or management is required other than an annual check-up.

Q. Are they good with other dogs and animals?

A. From all reports, PONs seem to adapt quite well to all types of animals, unless of course the other animal is not very social. It is a good idea to make sure your PON is exposed to other animals at an early age.