Feed Item
·
Added article
POLISH OWCZAREK NIZINNY Official U.K.C. Breed Standard Copyright 1992, United Kennel Club, Inc. History It is said that the Polish Owczarek Nizinny, or PON, descended from dogs originally developed in Central Asia. The first written document about this medium-sized, heavily-coated herding dog in Poland dates back to the 13th century. The early PONs were selectively bred in the eastern and northern districts of Poland. The PON is indeed a survivor. His working ability, intense desire to please and compatible nature have carried him through two global wars. The Polish Owczarek Nizinny was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1992. General Appearance and Characteristics The Polish Owczarek Nizinny (also known as the Polish Lowland Sheepdog) is a medium-sized dog. It is cobby, strong, and muscular, with a long, thick coat and easy, smooth gait. It is resistant against unfavorable conditions. It is lively but self controlled, watchful, bright, clever and perceptive, with an excellent memory. It is easy to train, working both as a shepherd and as a watch dog. Transferred to town, it is a very good companion dog. Its coat, when well groomed, makes it look smart and attractive. Its silhouette is rectangular, rather than square. Height to length proportion is 9:10. Faults: Nervous, cowardly, phlegmatic character. Legs too high. Incorrect stance. Head and Skull The medium-size head is in proportion to the body, and is not too heavy. The profuse hair on the forehead, cheeks, and chin make the head look bigger than it actually is. The relation between the muzzle and skull are 1:1, but a little shorter muzzle is acceptable. The topline of the muzzle is straight. The jaws are strong. The moderately broad skull is slightly domed. The forehead furrow and occiput are palpable. The stop is distinctly marked. The tightly closed lips have edges of the same color as the nose. Faults: Round, apple-shaped head. Convex or concave muzzle topline. Lack of lip pigment. TEETH - A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. Faults: All faulty dentition. EYES - The medium size, oval eyes have a lively, penetrating gaze, not protruding. Colors are hazel, brown. The edges of the lids are as dark as possible. Faults: Light yellow or jackdaw eyes. NOSE - The big, blunt nose has wide nostrils. It is as dark as possible within the particular color. Fault: Lack of pigment. EARS - The lively, medium-sized, heart-shaped ears are large at the base and are set moderately high, drooping, their fore edge tightly adjacent to the cheeks. Fault: Ears set too high. Neck Strong, muscular, without dewlap, of medium length, held rather horizontally. Fault: Neck held too high. Forequarters Seen from the front and from the side, the forequarters straight. Stance is well balanced due to a strong skeleton. Shoulders are broad, of medium length, slanted, well bound and muscular. FORELEGS - The metacarpals (front pasterns) are slightly slanted in relation to the forearm. Body The withers are distinctly marked. The back is even and muscular. The loins are broad and well bound. The croup is short and slightly cut. The chest has deep, moderately sprung ribs. The belly is slightly drawn up. Faults: Weak or roached back. Feeble loins. Greyhound (flat) or barrel-shaped ribs. Hindquarters Well angled. Straight, seen from behind. HIND LEGS - Thighs are broad and well muscled. The hock is distinct. Feet Feet are oval shaped, with tight, slightly arched toes. Pads are hard. Nails are short, possibly dark. Tail Innately short or rudimentary, or very shortly docked. Faults: If not docked, tail should not be curled over the back. Coat and Skin The breed is double coated. The whole body is covered with a long, dense, shaggy, thick coat. The undercoat is soft and dense. Characteristically, long hanging hair covers the eyes. A slightly wavy coat is acceptable. The PON is to be exhibited in as close to natural a state as possible. Skin is tight, without any folds. Faults: Curly coat. Short coat. Lack of undercoat. Color Every color, including piebald patterns, allowed. Disqualification: Albinism. Height Dogs: 17 inches up to, and including, 20 inches. Bitches: 16 inches up to, and including, 18 inches. It is not desirable to diminish the size below the standard and make the dog too delicate, as it should keep the character of a working dog. Gait Mostly smooth walking. Pace or trot. The dog is often an ambler. Disqualifications Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism.