Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are intelligent, spirited working dogs that fearlessly protect their flocks from any predators. The breed’s long, shaggy coat hangs over his eyes and can be many colors, including white with black, gray or sandy patches; gray with white; or chocolate. He is stable and self confident. He needs consistent training from the time he is very young. When not used as a herding or working dog, he can be a magnificent companion as he seems to fit into any type of lifestyle. He is extremely loyal, but somewhat aloof and suspicious of strangers.
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Identifying Features:
Average Height: 16 - 20 in
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It is believed that the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is descended from the Hungarian Puli, the Tibetan breeds, and the herding dogs of the Huns. In 1514, Polish merchant, Kazimierz Grabski, traded a shipment of grain for sheep and bought six Polish Lowland Sheepdogs to move the sheep. In turn, a Scottish farmer impressed with their herding abilities traded to obtain three of these dogs.
This breed came close to extinction by the end of World War II but was saved by Dr. Danuta Hryeniewicz a polish veterinarian, who undertook revival of the breed using responsible breeding and promotion. Dr. Hryeniewicz's dog, Smok, was the model of the breed standard accepted by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1959.
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog was brought to France and the United States in the 1980's. Although gaining in numbers, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is still considered a rare breed. This breed was finally recognized by the AKC in 2001.
