Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is described by the AKC as confident, lively, clever, a member of the Herding Group, originally from Poland.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
| Height | 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 30-50 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Confident / Lively / Clever [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Poland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 192 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
A high-energy, athletic dog, the PON needs ample exercise on a daily basis. At minimum, he should have a large, fenced-in yard to run around in for at least an hour or two daily. PONs bond closely with their owners and love to accompany them on long walks or hikes, or working with their human partner in canine events such as obedience, herding, agility trials, or dock diving. [1]
Grooming
The PON's shaggy, thick, double coat requires a lot of maintenance. The outer coat is crisp, with a water-resistant texture, and the undercoat is soft and dense. A PON kept in full coat will need to be thoroughly brushed at least once a week. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia and communicate with other dedicated breeders regularly, working together for the health of the breed and preservation of its unique qualities. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog has a long, healthy life. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Polish Lowland Sheepdog in 2001. [1]
- It ranked No. 192 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 164 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “PON.” [1]
- The AKC lists Poland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 2 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 4/5
- ⚠️ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 4/5
Common questions
How long do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a Polish Lowland Sheepdog get?
AKC breed information lists height 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female) and weight 30-50 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.