7 things to know before owning a Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a Polish name, Polski Owczarek Nizinny, which is abbreviated as PON. These fun, active, and well-balanced pups are also great with youngsters and other animals. In the 1500s, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog first appeared in manuscripts and paintings. They originated in Central Asia and rose to prominence in Europe throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s The Tibetan Terrier and a Hungarian Sheepdog known as the Puli are its identified parents. Shepherds relied on the Polish Lowland Sheepdog to assist them in moving sheep and keeping an eye on them. Here are the things you have to consider before bringing this pup into your home!

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog can be friendly with kids and other pets.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a very friendly disposition and is good with kids. If you have tiny children around, the PON can be a terrific buddy, but you still need to be careful and must supervise all the time. Families with older children, who won't be thrown to the ground by it, might be a better companions.

Dogs and other pets in a household can get along with these dogs. Family is everything to this dog. As a result, if left unattended at home for an extended period, it can become destructive.

They make a good watchdog.

These dogs are excellent watchdogs because of their high level of alertness. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a bright, confident, and a little stubborn herding dog that thrives on exercise and hard labor.

PONs make wonderful house dogs since they are tolerant of other pets, patient with children, good watchdogs, and a quick study. Early socialization and puppy training programs are strongly suggested for dogs of this breed.

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are generally healthy but still at risk of some health issues.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, like other dog breeds, has certain common health problems. One good example is the abnormality in the dog's hip joint that causes hip dysplasia. Two symptoms of this illness include hopping and limping. Hip dysplasia treatment varies on the severity of the condition. Physical therapy can help some dogs, while surgery is necessary for others.

Another common health problem is when the retinal tissue begins to degrade, it is known as progressive retinal atrophy. During the dog's lifetime, the tissue continues to degrade. This illness could be affecting a dog's night vision. There is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy, which is a disabling condition.

Arthritis might occur in any case as the dog gets older. Ask the breeder for documentation that the parents of the dog have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of any issues before purchasing a puppy.

The PON’s coat required a lot of maintenance.

It takes a lot of time and effort to maintain the PON's shaggy, thick, double coat. Both the outer and undercoats are soft and dense, and the outer coat is water-resistant.

A thorough brushing of the coat is required at least once a week. To prevent mats and other dirt, even when the PON is kept in a "summer" or "puppy" clip, it should be brushed regularly. Weekly examination and cleaning of the ears, as well as trimming of the nails, are also required.

The PON's shaggy coat is lovely, but it does take a lot of maintenance. For those who don't like the idea of doing it themselves, or who can't find a willing family member, you might consider a different breed.

Grooming a PON can be difficult for inexperienced owners, so you may want to consider hiring an expert. If you're not a fan of combing and brushing, you may want to look at a different breed of dog.

This is a high-energy and athletic breed.

The PON is a high-energy, athletic dog that requires regular exercise. An hour or two of daily playtime in an enclosed yard is essential for its health and well-being. It is common for PONs to spend a great deal of time with their owners, whether it be for leisurely walks or active pursuits such as agility or dock diving with their human companions.

The PON is an active dog that needs a lot of exercises, yet he isn't prone to hyperactivity or nervousness. When it comes to working, it is a type of dog who thrives on it, especially if it's done for the benefit of its loved ones. They benefit from mental and physical exercise through activities like obedience and agility training.

A bored dog will bark, chew, or dig excessively if it doesn't get enough mental and physical stimulation. Keep the PON engaged in activities and avoid leaving him alone for lengthy periods to avoid negative behaviors.

They do well on high-quality dog food.

For the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, a high-quality dog food, commercially manufactured or home-prepared with the agreement of your veterinarian, is recommended.

A dog's age should be taken into consideration while deciding on a diet. Keep an eye on your dog's weight and caloric intake because some breeds are prone to obesity. Treats can be a helpful training aid, but feeding too much will lead to weight gain.

Find out which human foods your dog can safely eat and which it should avoid. If you have concerns about your dog's weight or diet, see your veterinarian. There must always be a supply of clean, fresh water on hand.

The PON enjoys nice food and would like to consume it frequently throughout the day. Don't succumb to its sad, hungry stare. The only thing you can do is feed it according to its weight and age, and don't forget about treats or snacks because it won't keep track of what it eats.

They are excellent working dogs.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is an exceptional working dog breed that was originally designed for herding and protecting sheep. People and other dogs like their company since they're obedient and brave, yet they're fiercely protective of their family and their territory.

The PON enjoys a high level of physical and mental activity as a result of its working upbringing. To keep it interested and stimulated, it should engage in activities such as hiking, herding, agility, tracking, and more advanced obedience training.

If it isn't allowed to release its pent-up energy, it is more likely to engage in activities like barking, digging, and chewing.

These dogs are intelligent.

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are intelligent and lively. They've been increasingly popular as a pet in recent years. Because of their strong bond with their humans, they're well-suited to living in an apartment.

However, first-time dog owners should take caution, as these pups require a lot of physical activity and frequent brushing sessions to maintain a smooth coat.

Dogs of the PON breed are known for their high levels of intelligence and dedication to their work. It has a reputation for being able to retain both good and negative habits it has learned. Because it has a strong personality and can be stubborn, it requires a leader who will guide it gently and persistently.

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are relatively easy to train.

It is one of PON's most notable features because it is a quick learner and reasonably easy to train. It is, however, a stubborn dog who will do anything to get the upper hand over its owner.

You should only buy a PON puppy from a breeder who is known for raising their puppies in the house, exposing them to a variety of household sights, sounds, and people. Take your PON to puppy kindergarten, visit friends and neighbors, and go to nearby shops and businesses to continue socializing it.

Get started training your PON puppy as soon as you bring it home so that it doesn't get into any negative behaviors. Take your time and be patient with positive reinforcement training methods like praise, play, and food rewards. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog will respond well to tough yet kind training.

The PON needs early socialization.

The PON is not a social butterfly and it prefers to spend time with a few close friends and avoids the rest of the crowd. You must begin socializing at a young age so that it becomes comfortable around a diverse range of individuals. Don't be shy about taking the adorable PON puppy along with you to the park or the grocery store.

If the PON is reared around children and other pets from the time he is a puppy, he is often friendly with them. Keep an eye out for him trying to herd the kids, though: he loves to keep his flock (human or otherwise) in one place.

A herding/guard dog like the PON is naturally apprehensive of strangers, which makes him more likely to welcome those he's known since he was a puppy. Although he is likely to be aloof with strangers, he can warm up to family members and pets if he is allowed to interact with them.

This breed has a joyful but strong personality.

Even though the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is aloof and diligent, it has a pleasant disposition. It also has a clear idea of what it wants and how to attain it. When it has sights set on something, it will usually be fixated on it.

It is a bit of a hoarder and will stash things away if it has the chance. He's a great watchdog, but it’s not a guard dog in the truest sense of the word. When you let someone into the house, teach your dog when it's appropriate to stop barking.

This dog prefers a cooler climate.

As long as it gets proper, cool cover, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog will fare fine in warmer climates. The PON is best suited to a rural lifestyle, but even in a city flat, it can thrive as long as it is given work and regularly let out into the fresh air for exercise. Besides farm work, it enjoys obedience and agility competitions, as well as long walks and jogs in the park with you.

Other than the grooming, the PON is pretty easy to maintain.

Brush and comb the hair thoroughly at least twice a week before bathing it if possible. Using a detangling spray is also helpful. The PON, like many dogs with fluffy coats, gets dirty easily, so expect muddy paws, leaves or burrs tracked into the home, feces on the hindquarters, or a wet and dusty beard from your new pet.

You must keep a close eye on your PON's nails once a month and inspect its ears every week for signs of infection. Using a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleanser, wipe them out after bathing or any other time the PON gets wet to prevent complications.

The PON is a hoarder.

It is well-known that the PON is a hoarder of things like towels, tools, and shoes. It doesn't intend to harm you, but this trait can sometimes be a nuisance.

When it loses patience, it can become a thief, stealing household items and hiding them. There is a good chance you will be fooled by the adorable, shaggy PON puppy's cuteness.

Overall, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is one of the best pets you can welcome into your home. These canines are smart, lively, and loving. If you work with them and provide them with the right socialization, they'll do exactly what you want them to. Your kids will have the best buddy for life, and you'll have a hilarious partner in crime who will keep you safe but still steal your socks or shoes if you leave them hanging around. It could stubborn and may require intensive grooming requirements. If you think you can keep up with these needs, then it's high time you bring one pup home!