The Polish Lowland Sheepdog (Polish: Polski Owczarek Nizinny), also just PON, is a medium sized, shaggy-coated, sheep dog breed native to Poland.
History: This sheepdog evolved from ancient, corded herding dogs from the Hungarian plains, which were bred with other small, long-coated mountain herders. The damage of World War II very nearly led to the breed’s extinction. The PON was restored mainly through the work of Dr. Danuta Hryeniewicz and her dog, Smok (en:Dragon), the ancestor of all PONs in the world today, who sired the first ten litters of PONs in the 1950s. The breed standard was written with Smok as the model, and accepted by the F?d?ration Cynologique Internationale in 1959.
Appearance: The PON is a medium-sized, stocky, muscular dog. The loins are well-muscled and broad. The medium-sized head is in proportion to the body. The back is level and fairly broad. The nose is dark. The teeth meet in a level bite. The eyes are hazel or brown. The ears are heart-shaped, drop, and set moderately high. It is a doubled coated dog. The double coat can be of any color or pattern, although white, gray, and brown are most common, with black, gray, or brown markings. It is common for colors to fade as the dogs reach adulthood. The undercoat is soft and dense, while the topcoat is rough and either straight or wavy, but not curly. The hair around the head makes the head appear to be larger than it actually is, and typically covers the eyes.
Size: Height: 16-20 inches (41-51 cm)
Weight: 30-35 pounds (14-16 kg)
Temperament: This dog is obedient, intelligent and affectionate. This animated, happy, and alert dog has a good memory. He is stable and self confident. He needs a dominant master and consistent training from the time he is very young. PONs adapt well to various conditions, and are popular as companion dogs for apartment dwellers in their native Poland.  This breed is responsive to firm, fair obedience training; but he is also clever, strong-willed, and likes to think for himself and make his own decisions. The PON is a serious, responsible dog who could bite if provoked. He is extremely loyal, but somewhat aloof and suspicious of strangers. This sheepdog may nip at people’s heels, displaying herding behavior.
Health: It is a very healthy breed. Hip dysplasia and PRA (eye disorder) should both be tested before breeding. PONs require a low protein diet. Their food intake should be carefully monitored, as they tend to obesity.
Life expectancy: About 12-15 years.
Grooming: The long wire-haired coat of the Polish Owczarek Nizinny needs to be groomed thoroughly with a brush once a week to prevent matting. This breed is an average shedder.
Puppy price: usd 500-800