Polish Lowland Sheepdogs

Appearance:

Body: Short, compact, rectangular, and well-muscled, with well-developed bones, deep chest, and broad back.

Coat: Long, dense, thick, and shaggy outer coat, with a soft, dense undercoat.

Color: White with black, grey, or sandy markings, gray with white markings, or chocolate.

Ears: Heart-shaped, high set, and hang close to the head.

Eyes: Medium size, brown or hazel color, and oval-shaped.

Feet: Oval, dense, and compact; forefeet are larger than rear feet.

Head: Medium size and strong with a moderately broad, slightly domed skull, straight muzzle, large brown or black nose, and forehead covered with thick hair.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, heavily boned, and set into well laid back, well-muscle shoulders. Hindquarters strong, muscular, and well-boned.

Neck: Strong, wide, and well-muscled.

Size:
Weight: 30 - 35 pounds
Height: 17 - 20 inches

Tail: Short, low set, and docked.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Recommended for an active, athletic type owner

Once used extensively for herding and guarding sheep, The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is currently used more as a companion dog.

He is active, fearless, and athletic, highly perceptive and intelligent, has an exceptional memory, is very hard working, has a desire to please his owner, and makes a reliable companion. He is also stubborn and can be difficult to handle.

He is an independently-minded and self-assured dog who will quickly take charge if not handled by a strong leader capable of providing continuous training and socialization. Obedience training should be firm but positive with vocal correction of errors, treat-type rewards, and lots of praise for a job well done.

AKC Standard says, "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."

Breed Type

AKC Group: Herding Group

Originally bred and used to herd and guard sheep.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: He's an athletic dog in need of lots of daily exercise. He won't be satisfied with just a casual walk around the block. He needs to be challenged both physically and mentally.

Grooming: Brush three to four times weekly to avoid matting.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 Years

Possible Problems:
Allergies
Digestive problems
Hip Dysplasia
Low Thyroid
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - eye disease

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes
OFA - for the hips

Country of Origin

Poland