The Polski Owczarek Nizinny is a versatile and intelligent breed that excels in various roles. They originated in Poland and were bred to herd sheep in the lowlands.
Their high energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation. This breed is not suitable for sedentary owners or those with limited time for training and exercise.
Their strong herding instinct makes them excellent at gathering and moving livestock. Their intelligence and trainability also make them a great choice for search and rescue work, therapy, and other roles.
With proper training and socialization, Polski Owczarek Nizinny can thrive in a variety of environments and make great family pets.
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Characteristics
The Polish Owczarek Nizinny, or PON, is a medium-sized dog breed with a long, rough coat and a lot of soft undercoat.
This unique coat makes the PON well-protected against wind and weather, and its stocky, muscular build only adds to its rugged charm.
Females typically reach a shoulder height of 42 to 46 cm, while males are slightly larger, reaching a maximum shoulder height of 50 cm.
All colors, spots, and markings are allowed, making the PON a very colorful dog breed.
Despite its friendly nature, the PON can be initially reserved towards strangers, which is a trait that's still characteristic of its original use as a guardian.
The PON is incredibly loyal to its family and will often display strong herding and protective instincts, especially if it's been properly trained.
This breed is also very intelligent and eager to please, making it a great candidate for dog sports and long walks.
In fact, with the right training, the PON can learn to explore its surroundings without a lead, which is a great way to keep it happy and engaged.
Pochodzenie
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or PON, has a rich and varied history that spans centuries. Its exact origin is unclear, but it's thought to be descended from the Tibetan Terrier, the Lhasa Apso, and the Tibetan Spaniel.
One of the earliest written records of the breed dates back to 1779, when a dog breed corresponding to the PON was described by Krzysztof Kluk. This is significant because it shows that the breed has been around for a long time, even if its exact history is unclear.
In the 20th century, the PON was first shown at a dog show in 1924 as a working dog. This marked the beginning of the breed's development as a distinct entity. The breed was later recognized by the FCI in 1963, solidifying its place in the world of dog breeding.
Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz played a crucial role in restoring the breed after World War II. She went in search of the few remaining PONs and bred them to create a new generation of the breed. Her efforts led to the creation of Smok, a male PON who became the ancestor of all modern PONs.
Smok was a remarkable dog, with a perfect anatomical build and a wonderful temperament. He sired the first ten litters of PONs in the 1950s and set the standard for the breed. His legacy continues to shape the breed today.
The PON's origins are also tied to other breeds, such as the Puli and herding dogs. They were used to herd geese, pigs, and sheep, and were later used as guard dogs on farms. Today, the PON is still used as a herding dog, but it's also a popular companion and family dog.
Breed Information
The Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or PON, is a muscular dog with a thick double coat that can come in any color or pattern. The most common colors are white, gray, and brown, often with black, gray, or brown markings.
Males typically stand between 45-50 cm tall at the withers, while females are slightly shorter at 42-47 cm. The body is rectangular in shape due to the abundance of coat on the chest and rear, and the tail is often very short or docked.
Here's a breakdown of the PON's size and weight:
The PON's coat is dense and thick, with a soft undercoat and a rough topcoat that's either straight or wavy. The hair around the head makes the head appear larger than it actually is, and typically covers the eyes.
Appearance
The PON's appearance is quite striking, with a thick double coat that can come in a variety of colors and patterns.
The undercoat is soft and dense, while the topcoat is rough and either straight or wavy.
Males typically stand between 18-20 inches tall at the withers.
Females are slightly smaller, measuring 17-19 inches in height.
Males usually weigh between 40-50 pounds, while females tip the scales at 30-40 pounds.
The body shape of the PON is rectangular, thanks to the abundance of coat on the chest and rear.
The tail is either very short or docked in the US, but in many European countries, it's now common to see PONs with tails of varying lengths.
Klasyfikacja FCI
The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) is the international organization that oversees the classification of dog breeds. It's divided into groups based on a dog's original purpose.
The first group is for herding dogs, which includes breeds like the Polish Owczarek Nizinny. This group is further divided into sections, with the first section being for sheepdogs.
Here are some key facts about the FCI classification:
- Group 1 includes breeds like the Polish Owczarek Nizinny.
- The first section of Group 1 is for sheepdogs.
Care and Maintenance
Polski owczarek nizinny requires regular exercise to keep its temperament in check. This energetic breed needs a large amount of physical activity, especially on free ground.
To prevent matting and tangling, it's essential to brush your Polish Owczarek Nizinny's coat at least once a week, paying extra attention to areas where mats tend to form, such as the pachyderm, legs, and behind the ears.
Daily checks are necessary to ensure the health of the dog's ears and mustache, as food particles can accumulate and cause problems. Regularly cleaning these areas will help prevent infections and keep your dog comfortable.
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Odtworzenie
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or PON, was revived through intense efforts by the Union of Cynology in Bydgoszcz, led by Maria Dubrowinowa.
In the post-war years, the Union of Cynology in Bydgoszcz began breeding native breeds of rural dogs, including the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. They held exhibitions and breeding evaluations, selecting individuals based on their type and character.
Danuta Hryniewicz, a veterinarian and breeder, played a significant role in the development of the breed. Her dog, "Smok z Kordegardy", became a model for the breed's standard, exhibiting an excellent exterior and character.
The original breed standard was developed in three size categories, but was later revised to focus on the medium size. The International Federation of Cynology recognized the PON as a Polish breed in 1963.
Żywienie
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a foodie at heart, and it's not uncommon for them to get a bit picky about their meals. They tend to have a strong appetite, so it's rare for them to be finicky.
To keep your Polish Lowland Sheepdog happy and healthy, it's essential to provide them with high-quality food. They're prone to food allergies, so choose a good-quality dog food that's suitable for their needs.
You can feed your Polish Lowland Sheepdog either dry or wet food, or even a combination of both. Some owners prefer to supplement their dog's meals with homemade treats, but make sure to do it responsibly.
Pielęgnacja
Pielęgnacja polskiego owczarka nizinnego nie jest skomplikowana. Podstawą jest systematyczne szczotkowanie, aby sierść zachowała zdrowy wygląd i nie pojawiały się kołtuny.
Codziennie należy sprawdzać stan wąsów i brody, ponieważ tu lubią gromadzić się resztki jedzenia. To dlatego warto przyzwyczaić psa do delikatnego spłukiwania i rozczesywania tych miejsc od najmłodszego wieku.
Polski owczarek nizinny nie powinien być kąpany często, chyba że jest to absolutnie konieczne. Wtedy musimy go niezwykle starannie wysuszyć suszarką, aby uniknąć powstania kołtunów.
Należy często sprawdzać stan uszu psa, ponieważ polskie owczarki nizinne są narażone na częste zapalenia.
Szczególną troską trzeba otoczyć futro w okresie wymiany sierści ze szczenięcej na dorosłą, kiedy ma bardzo duże tendencje do kołtunienia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ile kosztuje polski owczarek nizinny?
Cena polskiego owczarka nizinnego wynosi około 5 tysięcy złotych, a koszt jest zależny od zdrowia, płci, wieku i renomy hodowli.
Czy polski owczarek nizinny ma włosy?
Polski owczarek nizinny ma kosmata sierść z długim włosem okrywowym. Jego włosy tworzą brodę i grzywkę opadającą na oczy.
Czy polski owczarek nizinny linieje?
Polski owczarek nizinny linieje dwa razy w roku, wymagając w tym czasie intensywniejszej pielęgnacji.
Sources
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog (character, nutrition, care) (hundeo.com)
- standard (fci.be)
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog (akc.org)
- "Polish Lowland Sheepdog Dog Breed Information" (akc.org)
- (inne języki) (wikidata.org)
- adresu (zkwp.pl)
- HISTORIA WZORCA RASY (pnet.pl)
- polsk_owczarek_nizinny (wikidata-externalid-url.toolforge.org)
- https://klub-pon.pl (klub-pon.pl)
- Polski owczarek nizinny – PON (psiastki.pl)
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