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| Polski Lowland Sheepdog (Owczarek Nizinny) |
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The vivacious Polish Lowland Sheepdog (aka PON or Nizinny, as variations on its Polish name) was nearly lost during WWII. Fortunately, the delightful PON enjoys an enthusiastic revival at the hands of many enthusiasts internationally. Medium sized with a lively attitude, the PON demands regular grooming to care for a thick, lush coat and plenty of mental and physical exercise as a result of their strong working roots. But for the family ready to make such a commitment, they are a wonderful addition to the household. Care should be taken as the PON is reared to provide plenty of good socialization opportunities as they are a breed inclined to be a bit suspicious of strangers and protective of their family. |
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| General Information |
| Group(s):
Herding |
Height: 16.5 to 20 inches |
| Weight: 30-45 pounds |
Longevity: mid to high teens |
| Colors: all |
Coat type: long dense shaggy harsh coat coupled with a soft undercoat; overall effect is very thick and full |
| Recognized Registries: FCI, UKC, CKC, TKC, AKC, NCA, ANKC and others |
| Overall Appearance: Medium sized with distinct muscling and substance, flop ears. Most notable for thick, shaggy coat that obscures most other physical details. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: Very active but not hyper |
| General Nature: |
Playful and watchful, happy, intelligent, easily trained |
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with Children: Generally good if proper socialization is done and children are well behaved and supervised |
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with other pets: Variable, some inclination to herd other animals |
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with dogs: Generally very good but can vary |
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| Socialization requirements: moderate to high; breed tends to adore a few people to the exclusion of others, friendliness is nurtured through socialization around lots of other people while young |
| Ideal home characteristics: One that appreciates the lively and alert nature of the breed, commits to the grooming and relatively requirements of mental and physical stimulation (relative to most other breeds of this size/type). |
| Temperament Notes: Active, strong work ethic and happy. Generally adoring of family. Can be suspicious of strangers. Can be protective. |
| Training requirement: high: socialization, basic manners and some ongoing activity whether retrieving in the backyard, regular hikes or dog sports like flyball, agility, etc. |
| Trainer notes: The PON is not another medium sized shaggy dog. This would quickly put it along side the likes of the Lhasa Apso and other breeds developed primarily as companions. While there is nothing against that, the person that brings home a PON thinking they simply have a rare medium sized shaggy dog is in for a big surprise. The PON is not a couch potato and while they do adore their family, the adore doing something with their family. So be prepared for classes and ongoing activities as your PON seeks out all sorts of jobs and work that it can do to please you. Without this outlet, the PON is every bit as likely to develop their own job which can include chasing cars, being excessively protective, excessive barking and other potentially hazardous and annoying behaviors. Fortunately the PON is wonderfully easy and fun to train, so the loving home really has no excuse not to get out and do something with their Polish Lowland Sheepdog! |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: 1500s |
| Country of Origin: Poland |
| Original Function: Herding/Guarding |
| History: Records indicate a male and two females were left in Scotland in the early 1500s. These are said to be the ancestors of the Bearded Collie. |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: |
| Health Notes: hip dysplasia, eye problems, |
| Health Testing: OFA, CERF |
| Questions to ask Breeder:
How long have you had Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Why do you have Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you send your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
How would you describe the ideal Polish Lowland Sheepdog home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
How do you assist or help Polish Lowland Sheepdogs in need of rescue? |
| Web Sites: http://www.aponc.com/rescue_adoption.html - Polish Lowland Sheepdog Rescue and Adoption |
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| Other Resources |
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