Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Also known as: Valee Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or Polski Owczarek Nizinny, herded sheep across Poland's lowlands for centuries, with ancestry traced to Asian steppe herding dogs that arrived via medieval trade routes. The long, dense, shaggy coat covers even the eyes, which is why many owners trim it back so the dog can see clearly. A build up to 20 kilograms stays compact but sturdy, built to endure the cold lowland climate. The breed nearly disappeared in Poland during World War II and was rebuilt afterward from the surviving few. Temperamentally it is alert and independent, inclined to guard its territory with barking. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Polish Lowland Sheepdog: how old in human years?

42–50 cmHeight
14–20 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Puli

FCI group: Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
FCI section: Section 1: Sheepdogs
FCI: 251
Country of origin: Poland

Energy level

4/5
Trainability

4/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

4/5

At a glance

Height

Males 45–50 cm

Females 42–47 cm

Weight

Males 14–20 kg

Females 14–20 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

long, dense, shaggy coat (long)

Temperament & Family Life

Polish Lowland Sheepdog's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 4/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Polish Lowland Sheepdog's energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 4/5
Exercise need 4/5
Apartment friendly 2/5
Prey drive 2/5
Hunting instinct 1/5

Guarding & Alertness

Polish Lowland Sheepdog's guarding and alertness traits are high.

Guarding instinct 4/5
Watchfulness 5/5
Barking level 4/5

Grooming & Care

Polish Lowland Sheepdog's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 4/5

Living with the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The first to know a guest has arrived won't be the doorbell but the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, loudly and with total conviction. On the plains of Poland it herded and guarded flocks, so watchfulness comes built in: it notices everything, reports everything and takes its time warming to strangers. To its family it is devoted and gentle with children, and it wants to be wherever its people are, the bathroom included.

It has energy to spare, and a quick lap of the block won't do: it needs long walks, games and jobs to solve, because this is a clever dog that likes working things out. It learns quickly but has opinions of its own, so calm consistency works better than a firm hand. Early socialisation helps it understand that not every passer-by is a threat to the flock.

A flat is not ideal unless it gets a proper outing every day and learns from puppyhood to keep the barking in check. In return, nobody settles at your feet in the evening quite like it does, watching through its fringe to make sure all is well.

Grooming and coat

A Polish Lowland Sheepdog's coat is long, dense and shaggy over a soft undercoat, with a fringe that falls over the eyes like a curtain. You won't find much of it on the floor, but the dead hair gets caught in the coat and without care quickly turns into mats, especially behind the ears, in the armpits and on the legs. Brush it at least a couple of times a week, section by section right down to the skin rather than just the top layer; a coat left damp after rain or snow tangles faster, so it is worth drying.

While you brush, check the skin: a thick coat easily hides redness, a tick or a sore spot. The fringe can be tied up or trimmed around the eyes so your dog sees better, and the corners of the eyes wiped with a damp cloth. Moisture collects in the hanging, hairy ears, so look into them once a week and show a bad smell or redness to a vet.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

Under that shaggy fringe is a sturdy, working dog of medium size that can live twelve to fourteen years. A few conditions are linked to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog: one affects the joints, one the eyes and one the thyroid gland. None of them is a sentence, but it is worth knowing the signs and keeping up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Hip dysplasia

The hip joint forms out of shape, the ball of the thigh bone moves loosely in its socket, and the joint wears over time. Under such a thick coat a change in gait is easy to miss, so watch whether your dog gets up more stiffly, avoids stairs or starts to hop after a long walk. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is an active working dog, so any reluctance to move is worth showing to a vet.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

This is an inherited disease in which the retina at the back of the eye slowly wastes away and sight fades, first in dim light. Your dog may become reluctant to go out into a dark garden, bump into things in the evening or seem lost in a new place. With hair falling over the eyes, changes in sight are harder to spot, so any uncertainty in the dark is worth discussing with a vet.
Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland makes too little hormone, and the whole body slows down. You might notice your dog becoming sluggish, gaining weight without eating more, seeking out warm spots, and a coat that thins or loses its sheen. When an energetic Polish Lowland Sheepdog suddenly turns into a sofa dweller, have it seen by a vet rather than putting it down to age.

Food for medium breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (20 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 245 g of dry food a day, from €13,54 a month For a neutered, normally active 17 kg dog. Calculate for your dog