| History
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is another
breed that goes back into antiquity. Shaggy, long coated
dogs have accompanied nomad herders and their flocks across
Europe and Asia for hundreds of years and although the history
is somewhat vague it is usually accepted that these types
can trace their roots back to the Tibetan breeds which may
also have been the forefathers of other long coated breeds
across Europe.
The movement of sheep across the
continent, along with the sheepdogs that were used to herd
them, is linked with traditional trade routes that have
been used for centuries and it may be that good quality
working dogs were also traded.
In the lowland areas of Northern
Poland and adjacent countries to the east there developed
a type of hardy, intelligent, harsh coated sheepdogs that
were suited to the terrain and the hardships of the East
European winters. These herding dogs were first documented
in the 13th Century.
It is interesting to note that in
1514 there is another reference to these medium sized dogs.
They appeared in a written contract between a Polish ship
owner from Gdansk and a Scottish sheep breeder. Trading
of grain from Poland for Scottish sheep took place and the
Polish brought their own dogs with them. Scottish shepherds
were so impressed with their ability to work that they traded
sheep for one dog and two bitches. It is considered by many
that these three dogs were interbred with local sheepdogs
and were the ancestors of what we now know as the Bearded
Collie.
Further references have been made
of medium sized herding dogs throughout the centuries that
followed. Unfortunately, due to Poland’s chequered
history, there have been periods when the numbers have declined
then increased due to the work of enthusiasts for the breed.
A revival of the breed took place between the two World
Wars but the Second World War saw Poland in turmoil and
most dogs and records were lost.
Revival of the Breed
The post war Polish Lowland Sheepdog
owes its survival and revival to a few dedicated enthusiasts
who searched the farms for those specimens that most fitted
the type and formed a breeding program.
The most well-known and dedicated person involved in this
was Dr Danuta Hryniewicz and her work is well documented
in all of the books about the breed.
Introduction to England
The first Polish Lowlands to arrive
in the UK were imported in 1985 from Belgium by
Megan Butler. Since then they have gone from strength to
strength and is now a well-
established breed.
Character and Temperament
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are quick
to learn and have excellent memories. As herding dogs they
have the ability to work on their own so left to their own
devices they will decide to do something which may be interpreted
as stubbornness. However, with correct training from the
beginning they make biddable and delightful companions and
are often only too willing to please.
They make excellent family pets and get on very well with
children. They can be trained for a variety of disciplines
and in the UK are involved in obedience, agility, flyball
and dancing with dogs. They enjoy the company of people
and there are several registered as PAT (Pets As Therapy)
dogs, regularly visiting hospitals and residential homes.
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