Description

The Polish Owczarek Nizinny are a hale and hearty breed with well-defined muscles and an athletic demeanor. Hair is really the word of the day for this particular breed of dog. They are covered in hair with a good deal of hair on their cheeks, chin, and along their foreheads. They are also well covered in the leg and thigh area when it comes to hair as well as muscles. They also happen to have a natural bobtail.

When it comes to teeth, the Polish Owczarek Nizinny has teeth that meet together in order to form a level bite. This breed is known for a level and broad back. They have apple shaped heads that sit high atop their necks. These friendly dogs are quite rare in the U. S. though very common throughout Europe.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a popular choice for families because they bond so well with children though they do have a certain herding tendency that may lead them to nip at their heels. They also happen to make excellent watchdogs and are very protective of their families.

This dog is an excellent work dog for many reasons. The very first is related to its strong back and the second is related to its very strong work ethic. In fact, this particular breed is best suited for families that need a working dog because it keeps them busy and happy. They are eager to please their owners and this makes them excellent choices for working farms. Their frame is square, which is a benefit for these dogs by allowing them a little extra speed when herding.

Coat Description

A beautiful longhaired dog, the Polish Owczarek Nizinny, or Polish Lowland Sheepdog, has a wiry long topcoat with a soft and smooth undercoat. Most commonly recognized for their white coats with splashes of gray or black or an all over light gray coat they may have coats of almost any color. They have a dark nose and eyes that are traditionally hazel or brown in color.

History

This noble breed has a long and distinguished history in Europe. They are believed to be descendents of a breed of dog known as Puli that were bred by for the purpose of herding during early centuries. They originally worked on the lowland plains for the purposes of herding and as guard dogs. As a breed, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is extremely loyal to their “families” and are well known and loved for their sturdiness of body and of spirit.

Owners find that the Polish Owczarek Nizinny are dogs that have boundless energy and an amazing amount of stamina. Originally found on the plains of Hungary these beautiful and amazing dogs were almost driven to extinction during World War II.

It’s been in recent years that there has been a sudden “rediscovery” of the breed and an increased amount of interest in these beautiful dogs in the western world. Today they are common as both household pets and as working dogs.

Temperament

This breed is extremely loyal and very loving with its family. That being said it has a natural distrust for strangers and isn’t very fond of unfamiliar surroundings. One thing that must be said is that they are not for the weak minded. These are dogs that despite their more adorable characteristics have a bit of a strong will. As a result there may be a bit of a power play at times so be firm when dealing with this breed. Additionally, the Polish Owczarek Nizinny is highly intelligent, which translates into very trainable, particularly in the younger years. Consistency is the key when it comes to training these dogs that are will give you a run for your money on patience if you allow them the opportunity.

They are very loving and great for families, especially those with smaller children. Once you’ve established dominance and earned the respect of your Polish Lowland Sheepdog you will find that there are very few more loyal or obedient companions for you or your family. When they are outside their comfort zones they may have moments of fear and suffer from a lack of self-confidence. This behavior is rarely witnessed when these dogs feel safe and at home with their families.

Health Problems

There are a few health concerns that affect that Polish Owczarek Nizinny despite its generally healthy and athletic lifestyle. The first is hip dysplasia, which is a problem of many large breed dogs that may result in lameness ranging in severity from mild to severe. Deafness is another health problem that can affect working dogs of this breed and should be watched for. Epilepsy is yet another issue that can affect this beautiful breed of dogs. There is currently no test to rule out the potential for this problem.

Grooming

The long hair of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog means that it needs to be brushed quite often. Once a week is generally acceptable to prevent matting, which is not only uncomfortable for the dog but also may become a source of stress. Regular bathing will help keep the coat soft, glossy, and manageable. To prevent large amounts of shedding, regular visits to a qualified groomer are highly recommended.

Exercise

This breed is designed for the purpose of herding. In other words, they are filled with energy and made to run a lot. In order to work out the pent up energy of a Polish Owczarek Nizinny you should plan to spend a good bit of time exercising your dog. While they may do quite well in an apartment or small house, they will need to be exercised a good bit in order to work out the energy or behavior issues may arise. They are best suited for working farms with plenty of open spaces for running and herding, as this is essentially what they were designed to do.

Training

Training, when it comes to a Polish Lowland Sheepdog, is very possible but requires a firm and consistent approach. These are dogs that are highly intelligent but will push the envelope when it comes to establishing themselves as “Top Dog.” Training that begins early is ideal as it becomes more difficult to teach these dogs new tricks over time though it is certainly not impossible. Once trained these dogs often prove to be one of the more obedient breeds you will find.