GROUP 5 - WORKING DOGS

Brief History

The first record of the breed was around 1514, when a farmer left Gdansk for Scotland to exchange grain for sheep and took six Lowland Sheepdogs. Three were traded to a Scottish shepherd for sheep. There are records of medium size, shaggy coated herding dogs in Poland for centuries. The breed faced extinction following World War II.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime
The average life span is 10 to 12 years.

Temperament
Very intelligent but needs a firm hand and training from a young age. He is a loyal family friend, but suspicious of strangers. Proper socialisation from an early age is essential.

General Breed Description
The Polish is strong willed and can be stubborn. Of medium size, cobby and muscular, his shaggy coat may look low maintenance, however, that is far from the truth. The coat comes in many colours, most common is white background with black, grey or sandy coloured patches.

Coat and Care Requirements
The shaggy Polish has a long, dense topcoat and a soft, thick undercoat. The coat needs much grooming to keep it free of tangles, though no trimming is necessary. Brushing and combing needs to be at least twice a week, and always before bathing. The coat may be too much of a challenge to an inexperienced owner.

Size
Height: Males 45 to 50cms (17.75 to 19.75ins), Females 42 to 47cms (16.5 to 18.5ins).

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally.

Suitability
The Polish will be good for a family. They are a “people” dog and do not like to be left in a backyard alone.  As with all dogs, young children and pets should always be supervised when together. They are generally good with other dogs and cats, once acquainted, if socialised well as a puppy.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/163