Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Working

Group:

Working

Size:

medium

Lifespan:

12-15 years

Exercise:

medium

Grooming:

high

Trainability:

low

Watchdog ability:

medium

Protection ability:

low

Area of Origin:

Poland

Date of Origin:

1800’s

Other Names:

Polish Owczarek Nizinny, Valee Sheepdog, Berge Polonais De Vallee)

Original Function:

sheep herder

History

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog derives its name because it worked on the lowland plains of Poland. It is likely that this medium-sized, robust sheepdog evolved from ancient, corded herding dogs from the Hungarian plains, which were bred with other small, long-coated mountain herders. The damage of World War II very nearly led to the breed's extinction. This breed was revived by diligent Polish breeders after World War II. Popular in Poland and elsewhere, it is generally kept as a household companion, although it remains an excellent herder.

Temperament

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is an active friendly dog. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is excellent with children when raised with them from puppyhood, and can be friendly with other dogs; but they will hold their own if another dog tries to knock them out from being the leader. They will usually do okay with other non-canine pets. As a working dog for many centuries, it is happiest when it is given a job to do. This breed is lively and clever enough to work sheep alone. This cute, shaggy dog does not grow into a calm, little lap-dog. This breed needs an owner who is firm and consistent. Socialisation and training are important.

Upkeep

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog needs daily exercise, either a moderate to long walk or a vigorous romp. It particularly enjoys herding. It can live outside only in temperate to cool climates, but would prefer to have access to the house. Its coat needs brushing or combing every other day, or it may form mats.

Official Breed Standard

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Medium size, cobby, strong, muscular, fairly long thick coat.

CHARACTERISTICS:
Lively but self-controlled, watchful, bright, clever, perceptive with excellent memory. Easy to train, works as a herding and watch dog.

Temperament:
Alert, equable.

Head and Skull:
Medium size, proportionate to body, not too heavy, carried moderately low. Profuse hair on forehead, cheeks and chin make head appear larger than it is. Proportions of occiput to stop and stop to nose approximately equal, but muzzle may be fractionally shorter. Skull moderately broad, slightly domed, furrow from stop to occiput apparent when handled. Well defined stop. Nose blunt, wide opened nostrils, colour dark as possible.

Eyes:
Medium size, lively penetrating gaze, oval shaped. Colour hazel to brown. Eye rims as dark as possible, closely fitting and showing no haw.

Ears:
Medium size, heart-shaped, large at base and set moderately high, drooping with fore edge close to cheeks.

Mouth:
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, ie the upper teeth closing overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Strong and evenly placed teeth. Lips tightly closed and as dark as possible.

Neck:
Strong, muscular, medium length without dewlap.

Forequarters:
Shoulders well placed with good lay-back, muscular. Legs when viewed from front or side, straight with slightly slanting pastern.

Body:
Rectangular rather than square when viewed from side. Deep brisket with moderate spring of rib, neither flat nor barrel shaped. Withers distinctly marked; back level, muscular, with broad loin. Belly slightly drawn up. Croup short and slightly sloping. Proportions - Height to length as 9:10.

Hindquarters:
Well angulated, with broad and well muscled thigh. From behind, legs straight, turning neither in nor out. Hocks strong and distinctly angled.

Feet:
Oval, slightly arched but tightly fitting toes, with hard pads, nails dark. Hind dewclaws should be removed.

Tail:
Preferably docked if not born tail-less.

Gait/Movement:
Smooth walking or trotting. Inclined to amble.

Coat:
Whole body covered with long, dense, shaggy thick coat of harsh texture with soft undercoat. Long hair covers eyes. Slight wave permissible. No loose skin anywhere on body.

Colour:
All colours acceptable.

Size:
Dogs 43-52 cms (17-20 ins); Bitches 40-46 cms (16-18.5 ins).

Faults:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.