JUDGING THE Polish Lowland Sheepdog
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By Margaret Korzeniowska
for the dogs and new handlers to get used to the procedure. When the class enters the ring instruct the handlers to take their PONS full circle around the ring and then free or hand stack them rather then directly proceed with examination. Dogs will get familiar with the surroundings, stretch their bodies and show in more relaxed manner. Th is will save you time and make less work for the handlers to show the PONS at their best. When approaching a well-stacked PON remember his eyes are covered by fringes of hair so make your presence known to him – “head on” would be appreciated. It is a guarding dog dedicated to his master and sometimes protective of him so after you acknowledge your presence examine the body and then head and lastly the bite. Th at will save some dogs from pulling away, getting scared and having to be restacked. PONS have excellent memory, and you want them to have a positive experience to remem- ber so that they want to come to other shows. Th e head of the PON, even though medium size, should be strong and powerful appearing to be even bigger due to the abun- dance of their hair. Head should be much larger on the adult male than the female, but both should have strong necks cov- ered with a thick mane. When judging one should remember that the coat on the head grows longer than on the rest of the body – so younger dogs, even though strong boned, may appear as having smaller heads. Th e muzzle should be equal or SHORTER then the skull in length and be parallel to each other, but separated by a noticeable stop. Th e skull can be slightly rounded without being apple shaped, which can happen if the head is too narrow or too delicate and small. Th e standard calls for strong wide jaws with scissors or a level bite covered with well fitting dry lips. Teeth should be large and appear strong. In the last years we have encountered dogs with their lower jaw too
he Polish Lowland Sheep- dog is also known as the PON, which is an acro- nym for Polski Owczarek Nizinny. Th e PON is a medium-sized dog, large
boned and shaggy. When judging a Polish Lowland Sheepdog it is necessary to remem- ber that it is a herding and guarding dog developed on the farm settlement. His many responsibilities required a strong, capable, independent worker. PONS are adored by their owners and loved for their dedication, faith and stub- born but clowning personality. Th ey are devoted to those who care for them, which is why so many have great relationships with the handlers. When you invite a Polish Sheepdogs to enter your ring you can immediately see the hallmarks of the breed – Large head and a lush-coated rectangular silhouette. Skeleton proportions should be 9 to 10; however, the large coat on its chest and rear makes the dog appear even longer than it is.
narrow, which in many cases may lead to one or both lower canine teeth protruding into the palate or upper gums causing physical discomfort to the dog (obviously this should be avoided). When checking the bite we encourage a soft hand and lifting the lips to check the bite; it is not necessary to pry the mouth open to count the teeth. One of the breed characteristics is the big size of the nose with the front tip slightly turned down. Depending on the dog’s color nose should be black or chocolate. Pigmen- tation should be fully filled on the lips and nose and eye rims. Eyes are oval and medium in size, pro- tected by beautiful long eyelashes with fully Strong mover with proper neck set and reach, 3-year-old male
4-year-old female, note light chocolate pigment
Look for type, balance/soundness, and movement and pay special attention to the head. Remember that since the major- ity of the dog’s structure is covered by a thick double coat it is necessary to put your hands through it to achieve a good physical examination. Usually we do not use the ramp but if you decide to do so please allow extra time
1 ½ -year-old male, great head, wide jaw, wonderful pigment and expression
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