Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, as their name suggests, are a breed of sheepdogs from Poland. With their shaggy coats, gentle expressions, and very recognizable look, they are a much loved breed in their native Poland and are valued for their extraordinary ability in the field as well as their devotion to their family.

Illustration courtesy of the Swedish Kennel Club

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, as their name suggests, are a breed of sheepdogs from Poland. With their shaggy coats, gentle expressions, and very recognizable look, they are a much loved breed in their native Poland and are valued for their extraordinary ability in the field as well as their devotion to their family.

Fun Fact

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are the cousins of the similar looking Bearded Collie. In fact, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs were brought over to Scotland from Poland via the sheep trade, and Scottish herders were so impressed that they began breeding them with local Scottish breeds.

  • About the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, as their name suggests, are a breed of sheepdogs from Poland. With their shaggy coats, gentle expressions, and very recognizable look, they are a much loved breed in their native Poland and are valued for their extraordinary ability in the field as well as their devotion to their family.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can trace their ancestry back to the 1200s. They are intelligent, strong willed, and agile dogs. After almost going extinct during the Second World War—a fate not uncommon for many European breeds at the time—Polish Lowland Sheepdogs were thankfully brought back to life by a group of devoted lovers of the breed. In fact, most modern day Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can trace their ancestry to a dog named Smok (which means “dragon” in Polish) who was used as a stud dog to replenish the breed’s population. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have since gone on to become a popular breed both in Poland and abroad as they are remarkably versatile. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2001, and they are commonly seen looking their best in American show rings.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are commonly kept as apartment dogs in Poland as they are able to adapt to a variety of living situations. If they are given enough exercise, they are as happy on a farm as in the city. As long as they are able to spend time with their beloved master, they’ll fit in with almost any lifestyle. The are intelligent and somewhat stubborn, so they require an owner who has experience training dogs. If left to their own devices, they can be a little bit boorish and will need to be taught from puppyhood to listen to their owners. Thankfully, they have remarkably good memories and will be relatively easy to train as long as owners are consistent and provide a lot of praise and treats.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are good with children and will make great family dogs. Their herding instincts are still intact, so they will need to be taught not to herd the children around the house by nipping at their heels—though this is not uncommon with many herding breeds. They also get along well with other dogs and other pets, especially if socialized with them early on. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are gaining popularity in the United States, so they won’t be too difficult to find.
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