Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The breed's ancestry stretches back several centuries, likely linked to Central Asian herding dogs brought west along trade routes and crossed with local Polish stock, alongside the related Puli of Hungary. PONs worked as all-purpose farm dogs, herding sheep, guarding property and keeping vermin down, valued as much for grit and independence as for looks. The Second World War nearly wiped the breed out, and it survived through the efforts of a small number of Polish breeders working from a handful of surviving dogs in the 1940s and 1950s.

Living with a PON means managing a genuinely clever, sometimes stubborn dog that thinks for itself. The long, shaggy double coat needs brushing two or three times a week to prevent matting, more if the dog is active outdoors, and many owners choose a shorter trim for easier upkeep. PONs are watchful and can be vocal with strangers, a legacy of their guarding role, but they are affectionate and often very attached to their own family. They need consistent, patient training and enough mental and physical activity to avoid boredom.

Today the PON is Poland's national dog breed and has a small but dedicated following in Britain and further afield, mostly in herding, agility and companion homes. It suits owners who enjoy a dog with genuine working intelligence and do not mind a serious grooming commitment.