Polish Lowland Sheepdog
A shaggy Polish herding dog rebuilt after the Second World War from a handful of survivors. It remembers routes and routines to a degree that unnerves people.
Photo by Franek Vetulani, CC BY-SA 3.0
Overview
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or Polski Owczarek Nizinny, is a shaggy Polish herding dog with an excellent memory, which was the trait its shepherds prized: it learns a route and a routine and remembers it for years.
It nearly died out in the Second World War and was rebuilt from a handful of dogs by a Polish veterinarian, Danuta Hryniewicz, working from a dog called Smok who is behind the entire modern breed.
Temperament
Confident, clever and self assured. PONs are affectionate with their families, wary of strangers, and they are enthusiastic watchdogs.
They are strong willed and they will take charge if the household does not, and they are famous for remembering exactly what they got away with last time. They are vocal, they herd, and they need consistent training from an owner who is not a pushover.
Care and grooming
A long shaggy double coat that needs thorough brushing two or three times a week, right down to the skin, and it mats if it is neglected.
Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy occur, and PRA has a DNA test. Twelve to fourteen years.
Living and exercise
An hour and a half a day plus mental work. They excel at herding, agility and obedience.
They want to be part of the household and they get bored easily. The coat and the temperament are both real commitments and the breed is uncommon outside Poland.
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