Dog health

Polish Lowland Sheepdog health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 14 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 2 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia and inherited eye disease. A typical vet bill for a medium dog runs $239 – $1,107.

Health problems linked to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2]Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3]
Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4]
Inherited eye diseaseNamed by: breed club screening [6]Breed clubs ask for regular exams by a veterinary eye specialist to catch inherited eye problems before they cause trouble. [5]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [7]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: 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. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][6] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 2 DNA health tests for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rcd4-PRA); Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [8] One health test costs $58 there. [9]

What to budget

For a medium dog like the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [10]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Polish Lowland Sheepdog at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 12–14 years and you get roughly $10,500–$19,000 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [10][11] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [12] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [13] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [14]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia and inherited eye disease. That doesn't mean every Polish Lowland Sheepdog will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482).

Should I get pet insurance for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Polish Lowland Sheepdog breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Polish Lowland Sheepdog live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12–14 years.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment costPet insurance basics

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (14) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Polish Lowland Sheepdog breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. OFA – Eye certification
  6. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  7. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  8. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Polish Lowland Sheepdog DNA tests
  9. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  10. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  11. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  12. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  13. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  14. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)