How to Identify a Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or Polski Owczarek Nizinny (PON) in Polish, is a longhaired herder and part of the herding group. [1] Thought to be the product of Hunnic dogs breeding with local Polish dogs, the PON was developed to herd and guard, later on believed to help create the Bearded Collie. [2] As only one among many shaggy-coated dogs known for herding, PONs have much in common with other breeds, but they also have a few unique traits. By recognizing these traits, this wikiHow will help you identify a Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Examining the Structure

  1. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are medium in size. Males have a height of 18–20 inches (46–51 cm), and females stand at 17–19 inches (43–48 cm) tall. Both weigh anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds (14 to 23 kg). [3]
  2. A PON's head is proportionate to the body, being roughly medium in size, though a profuse coat may make it seem larger. Having a bit of a dome, it is fair in breadth and has a palpable occiput and furrow. The stop where the skull and muzzle meet is pronounced but not excessively. [4]
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  3. The eyes of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog are oval-shaped and tend to be a medium size. Though chocolate-pigmented dogs may eyes that are a bit lighter, they are always a shade of brown, and the rims may fluctuate in color based on that of the coat but are preferably dark. They have a gaze that seems to penetrate, and they give the dog an expression of liveliness. [5]
  4. PONs have medium-sized drop ears that hang down from their place of moderate set. Appearing to be the shapes of hearts, they are coated well with the dog's naturally long hair and are proportionate to the rest of their head. [6]
  5. A Polish Lowland Sheepdog's muzzle is roughly the same length as the dog's skull, though sometimes it may be barely shorter. Being filled in a good manner, it is parallel to the head with a straight bridge and a large nose. The nose is pigmented brown or black based on the color of the dog's coat, and the strong jaws contain a bite that is scissors or level. [7]
  6. The back paws of a PON are smaller than those in the front, but both sets are oval in shape and have toes that are arched. The paws give off a tight appearance, and especially those in the back generally have dark nails and are hard-padded. [8]
  7. Being either docked or a short length naturally in the form of a bob tail, a Polish Lowland Sheepdog's tail is always short, not extending further than two vertebrae long. It is low-set from a spot on the back and does not affect the dog's overall silhouette. [9]
  8. PONs are well-muscled, compact, rectangular, and strong. They have a broad neck, laid-back shoulders that are clearly muscular, a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, legs that are heavy in bone, and a level topline. Their gait is effortless in balance and is parallel with efficiency. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

  1. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have double coats made of a water-repellant and crisp outercoat and a soft-feeling undercoat that is also dense. The entirety of the coat combined appears shaggy and a long length, normally being straight but sometimes a little wavy. The coat as a whole feels dense and very thick, and it is usually long enough to cover the dog's eyes. [11]
  2. A PON may have a coat of any color, so avoid judging the dog's breed by color alone. However, some of the most frequently seen coats include black and white, grey and white, grey and white with patches of a sand color, and chocolate brown. [12]
    • Although one may be any color, you may notice that different colored dogs have coats that feel different. One such example of this is that dogs with black coats generally have less of an undercoat and an outer coat that is barely or not coarse. [13]
  3. Though a Polish Lowland Sheepdog can sport a coat of any color, it is important to note that younger dogs or puppies tend to be darker colored than the color they will be once fully matured. This is due to a fading gene within the breed. [14]
    • This is not applicable to solid white dogs as they cannot fade to a lighter color. [15]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Identifying Temperament

  1. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are naturally alert and aloof toward strangers. This makes them amazing watchdogs, though they need proper socialization to keep them from growing overly shy around or suspicious of unfamiliar people. [16]

    Did you know? Legend has it that a Polish Lowland Sheepdog whose name was Psyche could sense when a bomb was going to be dropped and ran around to alert the people of Warsaw to take shelter. [17]

  2. As a herding breed, PONs require vigorous daily exercise to keep them satisfied. They do best with active families and can excel in agility or herding. [18]
  3. Known for their keen memories, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are highly intelligent dogs. They need as much mental stimulation as they do exercise, requiring mental challenges. They can be great candidates for advanced obedience classes to test their mental capacities. [19]
  4. Like most remarkably intelligent breeds, PONs are also known to have an independent and stubborn streak. They require a confident owner willing to devote time to consistent training to prevent manipulation. [20]
  5. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have the potential to be vastly loyal and companionable pets if given enough exercise and mental challenges. They are devoted to their families, and many can live alongside other animals or children. [21]
    • Note, however, that PONs tend to act dominantly around other dogs, even more so toward dogs of the same sex. They may also be tempted to chase smaller animals. Thus, if they are going to live with other animals, they need to be socialized well to prevent these behaviors. [22]
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      Tips

      • Think about DNA testing if you'd like to know the breed of your dog. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is a Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/polish-lowland-sheepdog/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/polish-lowland-sheepdog/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/polish-lowland-sheepdog/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PolishLowlandSheepdog.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PolishLowlandSheepdog.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PolishLowlandSheepdog.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PolishLowlandSheepdog.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PolishLowlandSheepdog.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PolishLowlandSheepdog.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PolishLowlandSheepdog.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PolishLowlandSheepdog.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PolishLowlandSheepdog.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PolishLowlandSheepdog.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PolishLowlandSheepdog.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PolishLowlandSheepdog.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/polish-lowland-sheepdog-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-polish-lowland-sheepdog/
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/polishlowlandsheepdogs.html
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/polish-lowland-sheepdog-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/polishlowlandsheepdogs.html
      12. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/polish-lowland-sheepdog-temperament/
      13. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/polishlowlandsheepdogs.html

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