Polish Lowland Sheepdog – The Clever Herding Dog

Confident, clever, and athletic: these are some of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog’s primary characteristics. Confidence is what best describes this medium-sized dog, especially when in the field. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is also known as the PON, which refers to its Polish name: Polski Owczarek Nizinny. It is widely known for its strong herding skills. Farmers were attracted to this lovely breed, mainly for its excellent traits that fit perfectly for working on the farm. PONs built a solid reputation as herders, working in various types of canine tasks.

When you look at the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, you might come to think that this dog is only attractive because of its good looks, mainly for its elegant coat. Once you get a chance to know the full potential of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, you would understand how this dog is able to dominate the field. The popularity of the PON may not be fruitful compared to other herding breeds, but it sure does get the job done just like any other herders.

Besides the unique and incredible characteristics possessed by the PON, this breed also has its share of a fascinating back story in the history of dogdom. In this article, we are going to look into the various characteristics and the origins of the confident and clever herding dog: the Polish Lowland sheepdog.

 

Origins of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

As mentioned earlier, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a fascinating history that we could trace back to hundreds of years ago. Historians and breeders do not have any concrete record, which shows the exact origins of the PON. In theory, the breed was believed to have originated during the downfall of the Roman Empire.

During this time, a group of nomadic people called the Huns lived in Asia. The legion dwelled in the land and traveled across the continent all the way to central Europe. Traveling with them were intelligent dogs called the Hunnic dogs. When the Huns reached the region known today as Poland, speculations show that they crossed their Hunnic dogs with native stocks in the area. The cross-breeding produced a unique breed called the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

Years of breeding took place and developed the PON’s qualities further. Breeders worked on improving the PON’s skills by making it capable of working in the field. Ever since its early existence, it earned a reputation as a working dog, mainly as a herder and a guardian. Its herding skill is exceptional compared to other dogs, making it recognized as a herding dog.

 

Characteristics of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Height: 17 – 20 inches

Weight: 30 – 50 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12 – 14  years

Hypoallergenic: No

Anyone could quickly identify the looks of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, thanks to its iconic shaggy coat. The beautiful coat of the PON would turn heads on the streets. You would easily notice it because of the hair covering its whole body, including the eyes. The shaggy double-coat comes in various colors, giving the PON an elegant appearance.

Underneath the PON’s dense coat is a muscular and medium-sized body. It could stand up to roughly twenty inches tall and weighs up to fifty pounds. This size is ideal for working dogs, such as the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, which usually spends the day working in the field. Having a medium-sized body allows it to move effortlessly and efficiently, making its job a lot easier. As a herder, the PON focuses on herding flocks, and at the same time, it also excels in working as a watchdog.

Moreover, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog earned its reputation as an intelligent dog. It may not be as popular as other breeds, but its brilliance and confidence make it a special dog that is sure to capture the hearts of many enthusiasts. The appearance and skillset of the PON make a perfect combination of wits, elegance, and power. All of these features contribute to the PON’s overall greatness and attractiveness. If you are a fan of intelligent working dogs, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is no doubt a breed you should definitely include in your list.