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The Poland Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized purebred originally bred for herding.1 Due to their working background in their homeland of Poland, these dogs strive to be active. Also known as the Valee Sheepdog, these dogs are humorous and fun to be around.
Breed Overview
Height:
17-20 inches
Weight:
30-50 pounds
Lifespan:
10-14 years
Colors:
White, brown, gray, black
Suitable for:
Active families, singles with active lifestyles
Temperament:
Loyal & loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, and active
Stealing, acting like a clown, and doing what they can to entertain their families is often this dog breed’s favorite pastime. In the sports world, these gorgeous dogs do great in activities like obedience and agility trials thanks to their working background. These smart and alert pups are great to have around the home as a watchdog or simply a family pet.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Characteristics
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Puppies
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs puppies are intelligent, friendly, and eager to please. They are highly trainable and make excellent family pets, as they are loyal and affectionate with their owners. However, they can be quite energetic and can become bored if they do not get enough exercise, so they may not be the best choice for families who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. This breed is also known for their herding instincts, so they may be inclined to herd small children and other pets. Socialization from an early age is important to ensure that Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are well-behaved and friendly around people and other animals.
This breed is known for its distinctive shaggy coat, which is usually curly or wavy and comes in a variety of colors including white, black, and gray. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a sturdy, muscular build and a friendly, intelligent expression. They are a lively and energetic breed that are well-suited to families with an active lifestyle.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a highly intelligent dog. For this reason, it requires activity and socialization to keep it from getting bored. When these dogs aren’t working or being active, they often find themselves getting into trouble. Known for their thievery, you may find random items around the house missing. With their love of activity, these little thieves may even goad you into chasing them to get your clothes or other items back.
These dogs have a good temperament with their families. They are also fiercely protective. Once they’ve been made part of the family, they will bark or jump into action to protect those they love. While this breed loves activity, it doesn’t do great with stress. Loud families may not be well-suited for these dogs. If children are to be around, socialization is key. The same can be said for strangers. This goofy little dog loves people but needs time to be on its best behavior.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
While the Polish Lowland Sheepdog isn’t considered an aggressive breed, children in the home need to be taught the correct way to play and interact with them. Once they are used to the children, or if they grow up with them, this dog breed will interact and play easily. As herding dogs, they may tend to nip or attempt to control children. Owners must correct this type of behavior early on to keep the relationship good between the dog and their family.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Yes, this breed gets along well with other dogs. It is important to remember, however, that they are strong-willed. They may attempt to make themselves the alpha quite quickly. To avoid this, the owner needs to be firm and step in when needed. This dog does have a prey drive. Small animals should be introduced slowly. With socialization, this dog can easily become friends with the household cat and other pets.
Things to Know When Owning a Polish Lowland Sheepdog:
Owning a Polish Lowland Sheepdog, like with any animal, is a lifetime commitment. Understanding what you are facing when making one of these dogs part of your family can make the transition easier for everyone involved.
Food & Diet Requirements
In most instances, these high-energy dogs eat once a day. At feedings, it is important to provide them with 1½ to 2½ cups of high-quality kibble. If you notice higher activity levels or faster metabolism for your dogs, increase their food intake to ensure they receive what they need.
Exercise
These dogs are quite active. They must receive proper exercise throughout the day to help them burn off their excess energy. Taking them for walks and interacting with play will help keep your dog happy and free of boredom. This is important to the happiness of this dog breed.
Training 🎾
Training of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is quite easy considering they were bred to work. Keep in mind, however, that this dog can be quite stubborn. They require trainers who have a firm voice and the ability to show their status with ease. Letting this dog breed feel as if they have the upper hand can make training sessions harder than they should be.
Grooming ✂️
As a long-haired dog, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog will require attentive grooming to keep it looking its best. While these hypoallergenic dogs don’t tend to shed, they do need to be brushed. This helps keep away mats in their hair while also helping remove unwanted debris.
Keeping your dog clean will be another issue with this breed. Their long hair is great for picking up unwanted dirt. It is also incredibly good at picking up unwanted food when your pup eats. To avoid your dog looking untidy, simply keep them wiped down properly. This, along with routine baths will leave your pup looking amazing.
Clipping your dog’s nails and routine baths should be done when needed. It is also important to brush your pet’s teeth at least 3 times a week with a pet-friendly, soft-bristled toothbrush.
Health and Conditions 🏥
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a fairly healthy breed. Here’s a look at the few health problems they may face.
- Eye problems
- Ear infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip dysplasia
- Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Male vs Female
Like with most dog breeds you’ll find a few differences when it comes to males and females. Male sheepdogs tend to be more affectionate to their owners and families while females tend to be slightly reserved. You’ll also discover that the males of this dog breed easily outweigh the females and grow almost 2 inches taller.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
We’ve talked about a few things everyone should know about the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Now, let’s take a look at a few facts most people haven’t heard about.
1. A Dog Named Smok Helped Bring the Breed Back
After having their numbers devastated by industrialization and war, the Poland Lowland Sheepdog was brought back to its glory thanks to one of their own. A dog named Smok. Belonging to Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz, this dog sired 10 litters. Smok is considered the father and standard of the breed.
2. The Poland Lowland Sheepdog Was Only Recognized Recently
It wasn’t long after Smok helped reinvigorate the breed that others around the world began to pay attention to this dog breed. Due to its popularity, the AKC officially recognized the Poland Lowland Sheepdog in 2001.
3. Breed Standards Were Written in 1959
As we mentioned, Smok was considered the breed standard for the Poland Lowland Sheepdog. This standard was written in 1959. Smok is considered the sire of 140 puppies, several of which became champions.
Conclusion
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog may not be the most sought-after dog out there, but they are one of the best to bring home to your family. These dogs are intelligent, active, and loving. They are easy to train and will do as you ask if you work with them and implement the proper socialization they require. By bringing one of these pups home, your kids will have a friend for life while you will have a goofy partner in crime who keeps you safe but still may steal your underwear if you leave it laying around.
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Featured Image Credit: BGSmith,, Shutterstock
