Polski Owczarek Nizinny
(Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Valee Sheepdog, Berge Polonais de Vallee)
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Description
The Polish Owczarek Nizinny has a long
wire-haired coat, with a soft under-layer. All coat colors are permitted, but
white with grey or black, or plain grey are more common. The eyes are hazel or
brown. The nose is dark. The teeth meet in a level bite. The back is level and
fairly broad. The loins are well-muscled and broad. The PONS has a lot of hair
on its forehead, cheeks, and chin. The legs are covered with dense harsh hair.
The thighs are well muscled and broad. The tail is a natural bobtail or is
docked short.
Temperament
This animated, happy, and alert dog has a good memory.
It is obedient, intelligent and affectionate. Somewhat reserved and watchful
with strangers, it will announce visitors loudly. The PONS should be accustomed
to people at an early age. Dependable and fairly easy to train, once convinced
something is the right way, the PONS will make the owner happy. It learns
quickly and is very willing to please; however, it can be willful at times. This
breed is responsive to firm, fair obedience training; but he is also clever,
strong-willed, and likes to think for himself and make his own decisions. The
PONS is a serious, responsible dog who could bite if provoked. This sheepdog may
nip at people's heels, displaying herding behavior. The PONS 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. The PONS will usually do okay with other non-canine pets. As a
working dog for many centuries, the PONS 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. The PONS is a curious,
muscular, agile dog, that is liable to find trouble if left alone. This breeds
needs an owner who is firm and consistent. Socialization and training are
important. This breed is adaptable and makes a good traveling companion.
Height, Weight
Height: 16-20 inches (41-51 cm.)
Weight: 30-35 pounds (14-16 kg.)
Health Problems
This is a fairly hardy breed.
Living conditions
The PONS can live in an apartment if it gets plenty of exercise and has a job to
do. It prefers cool climates.
Exercise
The PONS is a working dog at heart. It once watched over herds and flocks on the
Polish plains. This dog is definitely not suited to town or city life, unless
you plan on spending a lot of time exercising and stimulating. This intelligent
dog needs stimulation and a job to do. Playing an active game of catch or
Frisbee, or joining agility classes are just some of the things you can do to
keep the PONS simulated and happy.
Life expectancy
About 12-15 years.
Grooming
The long wire-haired coat of the Polish Owczarek
Nizinny needs to be groomed thoroughly with a brush once a week to prevent
matting. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin
The Polish Owczarek Nizinny is sometimes affectionately
shortened to PONS, and is also sometimes called the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
because it worked on the lowland plains. 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. Breed
enthusiasts consider this PONS to be an important link between ancient, corded
Asian herding dogs, brought to Europe over 1,000 years ago, and more recent,
shaggy herders, such as the Scottish Bearded Collie and Dutch Schapendoes. 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. It can also work in obedience, tracking agility and
therapy.
Group
Herding
Recognition
FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, CKC, APONC
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
APONC = American Polish Owczarek Nizinny Club
Information provided by, and used with kind permission of Dog Breed Info Center,