This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, November 2012 issue.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Hi! My name is Shadow and I represent the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, often called a PON because in Poland I was known as the Polski Owczarek Nizinny. It is believed that the earliest of my PON family came from dogs being bred in Asia. We were first mentioned in Poland in the 13th century. It was in the 16th century, however, when it is believed the breed was established.
Two males and a female were exchanged with a Polish merchant who was in Scotland trading sheep, and for a ram and a ewe he obtained three PONS. The first PON was shown in Warsaw in 1924. My family nearly became extinct during WWII. Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz came to our rescue when her PON, Smok, is believed to have been “the father of the breed” when he was bred to six females, thus saving the breed.
By the late 70s more PONS were spreading through various countries in Europe. They first arrived in the United States in 1979. Moira Morrison brought in the first PONS, but it was with the establishment of Elzbieta Kennels in 1982 by Betty and Kaz Augustowski that the breed gained popularity. Working with her husband and three other couples, a parent club was established. By 2001 we were formally welcomed into the herding group of AKC.
Enough of this history stuff. As an adult, I am a medium-sized, compact, muscular long-coated dog who was bred to both protect and guard my herd. However, as a puppy you would find me to be a soft, cuddly ball of fur. While we are often born dark, we will most often fade into a lighter color. All colors are acceptable: black, white, chocolate (only one to have a brown nose), black and white, cream, charcoal grey, etc.
Spoiling me is easy because I am so cute, but that’s not good for my long-term life as a human family member. I am extremely intelligent (even can herd without human intervention), loyal, protective, manipulative, and can show a great sense of humor. I have an excellent memory. Three months later I can go back to visit and will remember where that kitten hid last time I saw it hide from me.
While I might remain cuddly, I require a family who both has the time and is willing to socialize and obedience train me. Training is best done in a positive, fair, firm, consistent manner. I don’t belong with someone who has a hard time saying no. Show me how to do things and I will learn quickly, of course, this means both the good and the bad. My human family tells people to never let me do what they don’t want me to do as an adult.
Left to my own devices, I may well become manipulative and demanding, overprotective, and even sometimes aggressive. I am great with children if they are taught to respect me also, but I need to experience them at a young age. It is my nature to be standoffish with strangers and in new experiences, so the more I experience as a young puppy the better. My suggestion for every new PON puppy human family is they sit down, establish the rules that I will be expected to follow, and everyone adheres to them. I will quickly learn who if there is a weak link.
Early adolescence can be a rough time. My coat is double – finer below and coarser above. While it normally requires a thorough brushing at least once a week, during my change from my puppy to adult coat, it can be a trying time. Although not considered a shedder, my coat will mat, and during this time in my life, it often seems worse than ever.
Sometimes it will seem like I have learned nothing, but it is important to remember to keep training me and keep your rules in effect. Just like human teenagers, I will try you, and if you want a great adult you will continue to train me. Training never ends as my learning and ability to outsmart you will never end.
Once I have grown up, there are lots of fun things I can excel in. I need exercise daily, and if you will play and/or walk me, I will generally be happy. I can adapt to just about any living environment, but keep in mind I am a family member and want to be with my family. Most say that’s you, because you are my herd. I love to do things with you.
My favorite thing to do is herd because that is what I was bred to do. I will herd you, kids, my toys, it doesn’t matter. If you want me to look pretty in my natural, un-sculpted, not trimmed, long coat, I can make you proud in conformation. That’s how it’s supposed to be.
If you want me to be well-mannered and behaved, I can do well in obedience and even make a great therapy dog. I am a great Good Citizen just train me. I can play flyball, do agility, rally, tracking, lure coursing, treiball, dance—you name it. I love being active. I can be your buddy and cuddle with you when you are down or not feeling well.
My instincts are very strong because I was bred to work and to be aware of what is going on around me. Sometimes you will think I can read you better than you can yourself. And if you want weather warnings, just watch me closely because I often tune in.
Now, if you think a Polish Lowland Sheepdog would be the perfect breed for you, and I believe I might be, if you have the time and the will to socialize and train me, it is important that you find a good breeder. I recommend that you do not get a PON family member from anyone who is not willing to let you visit their home and/or kennel.
Meet and spend time with at least one of the parents of your potential puppy. I would ask permission even if you know you can’t really get there. A “no” should be a big red flag. They should be as willing to meet you as you them. Ask lots of questions, even if you think they are silly ones. Find out about any health problems in the breed and possibly in their lines (such as PRA, hip dysplasia, thyroid, diabetes, etc.).
Don’t be afraid to ask to see test results. They should also be asking you lots of questions—your experience with dogs, your home environment and schedule, your ability to socialize and train, and many, many more. There is a PON puppy buyers guide online that can help you with questions, what to ask, and what you should be asked as well as other information.
If the breeder doesn’t seem that interested in your situation or seems more interested in rushing you into buying a puppy, I would go elsewhere. I would also recommend you speak to several breeders in several parts of the country before purchasing a puppy, be honest with them, and trust your intuition if something seems awry with them.
Good breeders are interested in seeing that their puppies go to good homes where they can spend a lifetime, not just selling puppies. Do not rush into buying. Do your homework!
