The page links below with articulate the breed standard as established by the American Polish Lowland Sheepdog Association.  I have outlined some of the issues that I have identified in caring for and living with a PON under PON Care tips.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is the national dog of Poland, and they are its treasure.  Nearly extinct in the 1950s, they were brought back largely by the efforts of a Polish veterinarian, Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz, who retrieved dogs from the Polish farms to establish the PON as we know it today.  The history of the breed is a testament to its integrity, in my opinion.  PONs are credited with saving many lives in World War II, when the warned people of coming bombers.  This instinctive quality is likely the reason for their survival.  It is a blessing, and sometimes a curse to the PON owner that the dogs are usually smarter than they are. 

PONs are considered to be the ancestors of the Bearded Collie.  There is a documented trade of a pair of PONs on board a cargo ship in Scotland, where they were bred to farm collies.  The history of the breed is well presented in the Official Book of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, available on the APONC website (see links).  It is quite an interesting story. 

My interest in the breed came quite by accident, when my partner died suddenly and I was faced with life alone.  I was attracted to a picture of the plucky little dog and for reasons beyond my conscious mind, decided to buy a puppy.  At that time, my logic was that I could afford one if I could breed her once.... Well, that is not how it works, and I found myself hooked.  It is a decision that was life-changing and for which I am eternally grateful. 

I have since vested most of my life resources into the production of my PONs.  They have become a hobby as well as a way of life, and they give back more than I ever could have imagined.  I am indebted for life, I think, and I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish for them.   

Mary J. McKennan