Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a small, long-haired dog that is agile, intelligent, and easily trained. It is used for herding and guarding work and is suitable for various sports. It can be a wonderful companion and family dog.

Content

1 History of origin
2 Appearance
3 Character and behavior
4 Content Features
- 4.1 Care
5 Health and life expectancy
6 Where to buy a puppy
7 Price
8 Photos and videos
- 8.1 Video about the Polish Lowland Sheepdog breed

History of origin

There are many theories about the origins of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, but none of them have been documented. Some cynologists believe their ancestors were Phoenician herding dogs. Others believe the Lowland Sheepdog arose from a cross between various European breeds and local Polish dogs.

According to the most popular theory, in the 16th century, a Polish merchant traded several local shepherd dogs (probably the ancestors of the bearded collie). He brought them back to his homeland, where they interbred with local dogs and formed a new breed. Lowland sheepdogs acquired their modern appearance by the 17th century. Over the following centuries, they were quite common among Polish farmers.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Polish Shepherds became especially popular. Following a show in Warsaw in 1924, it was decided to begin registering the dogs. This was interrupted by World War II. In the post-war years, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs were virtually extinct. The breed was revived through the efforts of a few enthusiasts. By 1957, the breed was recognized by the Polish Kennel Club, and in 1963 by the FCI under the name Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

Appearance

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a working dog of medium height, strong, muscular, compact build, and long, dense fur. The body is somewhat elongated. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced.

Height of males is 45-50 cm; weight is 16-25 kg.;
Height of females is 42-47 cm; weight is 12-18 kg.

The head is medium-sized, not heavy, but appears larger due to the abundant coat. The skull is slightly rounded. The stop is pronounced. The muzzle is blunt with a straight bridge of the nose, the nose leather is as dark as possible with large nostrils. The bite is even and scissor-shaped. The eyes are oval, brown in color, and medium in size. The ears are set high, medium in size, hanging, and heart-shaped. The neck is strong and of medium length.

The body contour is rectangular. The back is flat. The loin is wide. The croup is sloping and short. The chest is of medium width and deep. The underline is slightly arched. The tail can be short, long, or medium length. It can also be docked short. The limbs are vertical, straight, and strong. The paws are oval; the claws are short and dark.

The coat is coarse, thick, abundant, and dense all over the body. Beneath this is a soft undercoat. The outer coat can be straight or slightly wavy. The coat comes in any color.

Character and behavior

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a very active and cheerful dog with a balanced temperament. It possesses exceptional intelligence, insight, and a remarkable memory. Many dogs still retain a strong herding instinct, making them suitable for herding work on a farm or in herding dog trials. Lowland Sheepdogs can also compete in other canine disciplines, such as agility, obedience, flyball, tracking.

Among family members, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a gentle and reliable companion, a tireless playmate for children. It has a strong guarding instinct and will vigilantly guard its territory. It is wary of strangers. It can be somewhat stubborn and independent. It requires early socialization and training. It gets along well with other pets.

Content Features

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is easygoing and hardy, adapting equally well to life in a city apartment or in a country yard. It thrives on farm work and tolerates a variety of temperate climates. In domestic situations, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is neat and docile. To prevent it from wandering or damaging things, it needs ample exercise.

Lowland Shepherds quickly adapt to various walking schedules and lifestyles, but it's important to remember that they're not lap dogs who will lie by the door for days on end, waiting for their owner and contenting themselves with half-hour walks. They're quite active and energetic animals that require moderate exercise: long walks, vigorous play, and intellectual challenges.

Care

A well-groomed Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a real eye-catcher, but maintaining its attractive appearance requires some effort. Its coat should be brushed once or twice a week and bathed as needed, usually every two to three months. Keep its ears and eyes clean and its nails short. Weekly teeth brushing is also recommended.

At shows, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is shown in its natural state. Owners who don't participate in shows often give their dogs short haircuts for the summer.

Health and life expectancy

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is considered a healthy breed. Hereditary health problems include:

Hip dysplasia;
Ophthalmological diseases (progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts).

Average life expectancy is 10-12 years.

Where to buy a puppy

The majority of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are concentrated in their homeland. Poland is home to the largest number of breeders and kennels. The breed is also found in other European countries and in America. There are no known kennels in Russia or Ukraine. Imported or visiting dogs are occasionally seen at dog shows.

Those wishing to buy a good Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppy are better off looking for a baby in Polish nurseries.

Price

In Poland, Lowland Shepherd puppies cost between 1,500 and 3,000 zlotys (25,000 and 50,000 rubles). Puppies without papers of origin are sold for less. Dogs with show and breeding potential from elite parents may cost slightly more. Adult dogs or mixed-breeds are more often given away for free.