Q. What is their temperament?

A. The PON is clever and perceptive, with an excellent memory.  It is important to realize that the PON needs a dominant master and good consistent training from the time it is very young.  If this is not provided, the PON will tend to dominate its master.  The PON needs close contact with people and loves to have a job.  They are most eager to please in any task you can provide them to accomplish.

Q. What is the mature size and weight?

A. The average weight for a PON is 35 to 50 pounds. The average height is between 17 to 20 inches at the withers.

Q. Are they good with children?

A. Yes, they are good with children if socialized at an early age.  But, as with all animals, supervision is always recommended. PONs need a home that is free from rough handling and teasing.

Q. What genetically transmitted health problems are a major concern of this breed?

A. At present there are no specific heredity problems.  Visit www.ponhealth.org and participate in our "OPEN" Health Information Database (coming soon).

Q. How long do they live?

A. The average lifespan for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog is said to be 10 to 12 years with some PONs living 15 years or more.

Q. Do they shed?

A. PONs are considered non-shedders.  

Q. How much do they eat?

A. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog has an enormous appetite.  They will always be looking for food.  It is very important to assure that they do not become overweight and maintain them on the appropriate amount of food for their age.

Q. How much exercise do they require?

A. PONs enjoy a nice, brisk walk a couple of times a day.

Q. Do they adapt to apartment living?

A. Yes. PONs can adapt to apartment life.

Q. Are their any special diet requirements?

A. It has been said that the Polish Lowland Sheepdog should be kept on a low protein diet.  Many PONs are enjoying the benefits of an all natural, raw food diet.  It is always a good idea to check with the breeder to see what they recommend.

Q. Is it true that PONs may be sensitive to anesthesia?

A. With today's anesthesia, this problem is very rare. The PON Archives contains a section on anesthesia.

Q. How trainable are they?

A. PONs are extremely intelligent and have an excellent memory. They are eager to please yet sometime have a mind of their own. If you want a PON to work and enjoy their job they can be most accommodating,  If you just want a couch potato they enjoy that also.

Q. How house breakable are they?

A. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is very easy to housebreak as are most dogs with love, praise and patience. (See Crate Training for some great suggestions.)

Q. Do they require a lot of grooming?

A. Yes, if you want your PON to look nice all the time, you must be prepared to brush his hair thoroughly a few times a week and keep him clean.  Use a good flexible pin brush, not a slicker brush, which will remove the undercoat.    It is important to get the PON accustomed to grooming at an early age. Brushing your puppy for a few minutes everyday will get him acquainted with grooming.   As the puppy gets older, his undercoat will start to come in and if not routinely brushed, serious mats will develop.  It will be more difficult to get these mats out if your puppy is not familiar with being brushed, lying on his side and back.  PONs are a natural breed and no trimming of the coat is necessary.

Q. How noisy are they?

A. PONs are relatively quiet unless someone comes to your door, or they hear an unusual noise.

Q. How protective are they?

A. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a herding dog, he may also be a guard dog or watch dog. PONs love, rule and guard their human family with great devotion. Ever alert, they will notify you if anything unusual is going on.

Q. Do they require any special care or management?

A. No special care or management is required other than an annual check-up.

Q. Are they good with other dogs and animals?

A. From all reports, PONs seem to adapt quite well to all types of animals, unless of course the other animal is not very social.  It is a good idea to make sure your PON is exposed to other animals at an early age.