Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Breed Description

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is known by several names that reflect its rich Polish heritage and international recognition. In its native Poland, the breed is called Polski Owczarek Nizinny, which translates directly to Polish Lowland Sheepdog. This formal Polish name is commonly abbreviated to PON, a nickname that has been adopted worldwide by enthusiasts and breeders alike. The acronym PON has become so widely recognized that it serves as the primary identifier for the breed in casual conversation and breed community discussions across multiple countries.

In Poland, the breed is also affectionately referred to as Nizinny, derived from the Polish word for lowland, which describes the terrain where these dogs traditionally worked herding sheep across the vast plains of central Poland. Some older references may use the term Polish Sheepdog, though this can cause confusion with other Polish herding breeds. In various European countries, the breed may be known by translations of its Polish name or simply as the Polish Lowland.

The breed's recognition by major kennel clubs around the world has helped standardize its official designation while preserving its traditional Polish name. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Polish Lowland Sheepdog in 2001, placing it within the Herding Group where it has steadily gained admirers for its distinctive appearance and capable herding abilities. The AKC recognition was a significant milestone that brought increased visibility to this relatively rare breed in North America.

The United Kennel Club recognizes the breed under its Polish name, Polski Owczarek Nizinny, honoring its country of origin while providing official breed status for registration and competition purposes. The Canadian Kennel Club granted recognition in 2006, classifying the breed in the Herding Group and enabling Canadian enthusiasts to register their dogs and participate in conformation and performance events.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale, the world's largest international federation of kennel clubs, recognized the breed in 1959 under standard number 251. The FCI classifies the Polish Lowland Sheepdog in Group 1, which encompasses Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs. This early international recognition helped establish breed standards that have guided breeding programs worldwide and ensured consistency in the breed's development.

The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom recognizes the breed within its Pastoral Group, which includes breeds developed for herding and guarding livestock. British recognition came in the early 1990s following the breed's introduction to the UK in 1985. The breed has a dedicated following in the United Kingdom with an active breed club promoting health testing and responsible breeding practices.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog benefits from dedicated breed organizations worldwide that work tirelessly to preserve the breed's heritage, promote responsible breeding practices, and advance the welfare of these distinctive herding dogs. In the United States, the American Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club, known by its acronym APONC, serves as the official parent club recognized by the American Kennel Club. Founded by breed pioneers including Betty and Kaz Augustowski, APONC has been instrumental in achieving AKC recognition and establishing breed standards in North America.

The American Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club maintains strict breeding guidelines and encourages members to conduct health testing before breeding. The club organizes specialty shows, educational seminars, and breed-specific events that bring together enthusiasts and help promote understanding of proper breed type and temperament. APONC also maintains a rescue network to help rehome Polish Lowland Sheepdogs in need and provides resources for new owners seeking to understand their responsibilities.

In Canada, the Canadian Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club, abbreviated as CPONC, serves as the national breed club promoting the breed's interests throughout the country. CPONC played a crucial role in achieving Canadian Kennel Club recognition and continues to support breeders and owners with educational resources, health information, and breed events. The club maintains close ties with international breed organizations to ensure consistency in breeding programs.

The Polish Kennel Club, Związek Kynologiczny w Polsce, holds special significance as the breed's country of origin registry. The Polish Kennel Club established the original breed standard and has maintained breed records since the post-war reconstruction efforts that saved the breed from extinction. Polish breeders remain deeply committed to preserving the working character and physical type that define the authentic Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

The breed standard describes a medium-sized dog that is compact, strong, and muscular with a long, thick coat and hanging hair that characteristically covers the eyes. The standard emphasizes the breed's rectangular silhouette, created by abundant coat on the chest and rear, with a height to length ratio of 9:10. Males should stand 18 to 20 inches at the withers while females measure 17 to 19 inches, with neither sex being too diminished in size for this multi-purpose working breed.

The standard calls for a lively but self-controlled temperament with intelligence, perceptiveness, and excellent memory. The breed should demonstrate an intense desire to please combined with a compatible nature that makes them suitable for herding work. The standard notes the breed's ability to work independently of its master, a trait developed over centuries of managing flocks across the Polish lowlands.

Coat requirements specify a double coat with a long, dense, shaggy outer layer that is reasonably straight and crisp with water-resistant texture. The soft, dense undercoat provides insulation against harsh weather conditions. All coat colors are acceptable according to the standard, with the most common being white with black, gray, or sandy patches, and gray with white or chocolate. The standard prohibits scissoring of the coat except between the pads, requiring the breed to be shown naturally with an unkempt but clean appearance.

Disqualifications under the breed standard include blue or yellow bird-of-prey eyes and overshot or undershot bites. The standard emphasizes that any deviation from the described ideal should be penalized to the extent of the deviation, ensuring judges maintain consistency in evaluating breed quality across different shows and venues.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog presents a distinctive appearance characterized by its medium size, compact muscular build, and abundant shaggy coat that creates an impression of substance beyond its actual frame. This breed exhibits a harmonious balance of strength and agility that reflects its heritage as a hardworking herding dog capable of managing flocks across the expansive Polish lowlands for extended periods.

The body structure of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog follows a slightly rectangular silhouette when viewed from the side, with the length being slightly greater than the height at the withers. The standard specifies a height to length ratio of 9:10, creating a well-balanced outline that enables efficient movement and sustained work. Males typically stand 18 to 20 inches at the withers and weigh between 40 to 50 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 17 to 19 inches and 30 to 40 pounds. The breed should never be diminished in size below standard for this versatile working dog.

The head of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is medium-sized and proportional to the body, though the profuse hair covering the forehead, cheeks, and chin creates an optical illusion of greater size. The skull is slightly domed with a well-defined stop, and the muzzle is strong and blunt, measuring equal to the length of the skull. The nose is large and black or brown depending on coat color, with incomplete pigmentation considered a fault. Strong white teeth meet in a scissors or level bite, with overshot or undershot bites being disqualifying faults.

The eyes of this breed are medium-sized, oval in shape, and brown in color with an expression that conveys intelligence and a lively, penetrating gaze. Dogs with chocolate pigmentation may have a lighter eye color. Blue or yellow eyes are disqualifying faults. The characteristically long hair hanging over the eyes is a defining breed feature that gives the Polish Lowland Sheepdog its distinctive and endearing expression. Eye rims should be as dark as possible within the coat color.

The ears are heart-shaped, drop style, and set moderately high on the head. They are medium-sized in proportion to the head and covered with long hair that blends with the coat on the cheeks. The ears are notably mobile, often perking slightly when the dog is alert or interested in something. The neck is medium in length, muscular and strong, broad without dewlap, and carried at no more than 45 degrees to the ground when the dog is in motion. The profuse hair and large head optically make the neck appear shorter than its actual length.

The back is level and neither too long nor too short for proper balance and movement. The withers are well pronounced and broad, while the chest is deep with moderate width and a well-defined forechest. The ribs are well-sprung and oval, providing ample lung capacity for sustained work. The loin is broad and well-muscled, and the croup is slightly sloped. The tail may be naturally bobbed, docked, or full length, set low and carried naturally.

The forequarters display well-laid-back shoulders with upper arms set at an approximately right angle to the shoulder blade. The legs are straight when viewed from the front, with strong bone and well-muscled throughout. The elbows are close to the body, and the pasterns are slightly sloped. The hindquarters are well-angulated with broad, well-muscled thighs. The rear legs are parallel when viewed from behind, with well-developed second thighs and low-set hocks.

The feet are oval with tight, arched toes and hard pads. Nails are preferably dark. The coat is the breed's most distinctive feature, consisting of a long, dense, shaggy double coat covering the entire body. The outer coat is crisp with a water-resistant texture, while the undercoat is soft and dense. Different coat colors may have different textures, with black coats having little coarse outer coat and less undercoat. A slight wave in the coat is acceptable, but curly, short, or silky coats are faults. The breed must be shown naturally without scissoring except between the pads.

The history of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog stretches back centuries, intertwined with the pastoral traditions of Poland and the development of specialized herding dogs throughout Central Europe. This ancient breed's origins are believed to trace to central Asian stock, with likely connections to Tibetan breeds such as the Tibetan Terrier, Tibetan Mastiff, and Lhasa Apso. As Tibetan traders moved along ancient routes through Asia and into Eastern Europe, their dogs accompanied them, eventually contributing to the development of various European herding breeds.

Historical records suggest that during the fourth century, as the Huns migrated across Europe, they brought sheepdogs similar to the Hungarian Puli which were then interbred with local stock to produce working dogs adapted to specific regional needs. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog emerged as a specialized herder suited to the vast plains of central Poland, where smaller, agile dogs proved more effective than larger guardian breeds for managing sheep without frightening or injuring the livestock.

The breed's documented history in Poland extends at least to the sixteenth century, with written references describing shaggy herding dogs working the lowland regions. A notable historical event occurred in 1514 when Polish sailors reportedly brought six Polish Lowland Sheepdogs to Scotland via merchant ships. According to breed historians, a Scottish shepherd was so impressed by these dogs' herding abilities that he traded a ram and two ewes for three of them. These dogs may have contributed to the development of the Bearded Collie, which shares many physical characteristics with the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

For centuries, the breed served Polish farmers and shepherds with distinction, managing flocks across the expansive lowland pastures with minimal supervision. The breed's excellent memory, independence, and trainability made them invaluable working partners. Unlike larger guardian breeds like the Polish Tatra Dog that could frighten sheep and prove too aggressive with lambs, the medium-sized Polish Lowland Sheepdog worked efficiently alongside livestock while providing watchful protection.

World War II brought devastating consequences for the breed, as it did for many European dog breeds. The destruction and upheaval of the war reduced the Polish Lowland Sheepdog population to near extinction, with estimates suggesting only around 150 dogs survived the conflict. The loss was compounded by the disruption of breeding programs and the destruction of pedigree records that had documented bloodlines for generations.

The post-war recovery of the breed stands as a testament to the dedication of Polish dog enthusiasts who refused to let this national treasure disappear. The Polish Kennel Club, established in 1948, took the lead in searching for surviving Polish Lowland Sheepdogs among farmers in northern Poland. They implemented a careful selection process for pre-registration, requiring three generations of known ancestors before a dog could receive an official pedigree.

Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz emerged as the most significant figure in the breed's reconstruction. Her dog Smok, whose name means Dragon in Polish, became the foundation of virtually all modern Polish Lowland Sheepdogs. Hryniewicz believed Smok represented the ideal breed type after discovering a pre-war article that described the breed's essential qualities. Smok sired the first ten litters of PONs in the 1950s, establishing the type and temperament that would define the breed for generations to come. He is considered the father of the modern Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

The first official breed standard was accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1959, providing international recognition and establishing guidelines for consistent breeding worldwide. The first kennel to register Polish Lowland Sheepdogs was Babia Weis in 1957, which had been breeding the dogs since 1946. The first international dog show featuring PONs occurred in 1965 at the World Dog Show in Czechoslovakia.

The breed's introduction to the United States began in 1979 when the first dogs were imported. Kaz and Betty Augustowski established the Elzbieta Kennel in 1982, becoming pioneers in promoting the breed in America. Their efforts led to the formation of the American Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club and eventually to AKC recognition in 2001, fulfilling a promise Betty Augustowski had made to a Polish breeder years earlier. The breed continues to grow in popularity worldwide while remaining relatively rare compared to more established herding breeds.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog possesses a temperament that reflects centuries of selective breeding for independent herding work combined with the loyal companionship that makes them treasured family members. These dogs are characterized by remarkable intelligence, self-confidence, and a lively spirit balanced by impressive self-control. Their keen minds and excellent memories allow them to learn quickly and retain training throughout their lives, though their independent nature means they may sometimes choose to apply their intelligence in creative ways.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog's character is their exceptional memory, which is renowned among breed enthusiasts. These dogs remember people, places, commands, and experiences with remarkable clarity, sometimes recalling events from years past. This trait served them well as working dogs who needed to remember extensive territories, respond to specific commands, and recognize individual sheep within large flocks. For owners, this means that both positive training experiences and negative corrections will be remembered, making consistent, positive reinforcement especially important.

The breed's herding heritage has instilled a strong watchdog instinct that remains prominent in modern Polish Lowland Sheepdogs. They are naturally alert and attentive to their environment, quick to notice anything unusual or out of place. This vigilance makes them excellent watchdogs who will readily alert their families to visitors or potential concerns. They tend to be vocal when on duty, using their bark to communicate with their owners about perceived threats or interesting occurrences. Training to manage barking is often necessary for urban or suburban living.

Toward their families, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are deeply loyal and form strong bonds with all household members. They are affectionate with those they trust, though they express their love through presence and companionship rather than excessive cuddling or demands for attention. They enjoy being near their people and may follow family members from room to room, keeping a watchful eye on household activities. This loyalty extends to a strong desire to please their owners, which can be channeled effectively in training.

With strangers, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog typically displays the reserved, somewhat aloof demeanor characteristic of many herding breeds. They do not rush to greet newcomers with enthusiasm but instead observe carefully, taking time to assess whether someone can be trusted. This wariness is natural and should not be confused with fearfulness or aggression. With patience and proper introductions, they usually warm up to regular visitors and friends of the family, though they may never be effusive in their greetings to non-family members.

The breed's independent nature stems from their working heritage, where they were expected to make decisions about managing livestock without constant human direction. This independence can manifest as stubbornness in training situations, particularly if the dog does not see the point of a command or finds a better solution to a problem. Successful Polish Lowland Sheepdog owners learn to work with this intelligence rather than against it, using motivation and positive reinforcement to achieve cooperation.

Despite their independent thinking, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require strong leadership from their owners. Without clear, consistent guidance, they may attempt to assume leadership roles within the household, which can lead to behavioral issues. They respond best to owners who establish themselves as calm, confident leaders without resorting to harsh corrections. The breed does not respond well to heavy-handed training methods and may become stubborn or withdrawn if treated roughly.

Playfulness remains a cherished trait in the breed, with most Polish Lowland Sheepdogs maintaining their enthusiasm for games and activities throughout their lives. They enjoy interactive play with their families and particularly excel at activities that engage their minds as well as their bodies. Their playful nature is balanced by their self-controlled temperament, allowing them to settle calmly indoors after adequate exercise and mental stimulation. This adaptability has contributed to their success as companions for active families and apartment dwellers alike in their native Poland.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog adapts remarkably well to family life when provided with proper exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent leadership. Despite their herding heritage and need for activity, these versatile dogs have proven successful in various living situations, from rural farms to urban apartments, particularly in their native Poland where they are popular city companions. Their adaptability stems from their intelligence and the strong bonds they form with their human families.

Within the family unit, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs typically become devoted to all members while sometimes forming an especially close bond with one person who assumes the primary caretaker role. They take their position as family protectors seriously, keeping watchful eyes on children and alerting to any visitors or unusual occurrences. Their natural inclination to guard and supervise makes them attentive companions who want to be aware of all family activities and whereabouts.

With children, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs generally excel when properly socialized from puppyhood. They are patient and gentle with young family members, though their herding instincts may lead them to attempt to guide or corral active children through gentle nudging or circling behaviors. Parents should supervise interactions between dogs and young children and teach both appropriate behavior. The breed's playful nature makes them excellent companions for older children who can participate in games and training activities.

The breed's compatibility with other pets depends largely on early socialization and individual temperament. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs raised with cats or other animals typically accept them as part of the family pack. Their herding instincts may cause them to attempt to manage other pets' movements, which some animals tolerate better than others. Introducing a new Polish Lowland Sheepdog to a household with existing pets should be done gradually with careful supervision until relationships are established.

Regarding living space, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can adapt to various environments provided their exercise needs are met. A home with a securely fenced yard provides ideal space for play and exploration, but the breed can thrive in apartments if owners commit to providing adequate outdoor exercise time. They are not particularly active indoors, preferring to rest near their families between activity periods. However, they should not be left alone for extended periods, as they may develop separation anxiety or find destructive ways to occupy themselves.

Exercise requirements for this breed include one to two hours of daily activity combining walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation. They enjoy hiking, jogging with their owners, and participating in canine sports such as agility, obedience, rally, and herding trials. Their herding instincts and trainability can be channeled into various dog sports where they often excel. Without adequate physical and mental exercise, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs may become bored, frustrated, and potentially destructive.

The breed's vocal nature should be considered when choosing this breed for urban or suburban living. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are natural alert barkers who will announce visitors, unusual sounds, and anything they perceive as noteworthy. Training to manage barking is essential for harmonious neighborhood relationships. While they are not excessive barkers when properly trained and exercised, they will never be silent dogs and their watchdog instincts should be respected.

Climate tolerance is another consideration for potential owners. The breed's thick double coat provides excellent protection against cold weather and harsh conditions, making them well-suited for cooler climates. They may struggle in extreme heat and require access to shade, cool water, and air conditioning during hot summer months. Their coat should never be shaved in an attempt to cool them, as this can actually disrupt their natural temperature regulation and expose them to sunburn.

For families considering a Polish Lowland Sheepdog, understanding the commitment required is essential. These dogs thrive on routine, consistent training, regular grooming, and abundant interaction with their families. They are not suited for owners who spend long hours away from home or cannot provide the mental and physical stimulation the breed requires. When their needs are met, however, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs reward their families with unwavering loyalty, entertaining antics, and devoted companionship.

Training a Polish Lowland Sheepdog requires an understanding of the breed's unique combination of intelligence, independence, and strong memory. These dogs learn quickly and retain information remarkably well, but their herding heritage has given them a tendency to think for themselves rather than blindly following commands. Successful training approaches work with these characteristics rather than against them, using motivation, variety, and positive reinforcement to engage the dog's willing cooperation.

Early socialization stands as the foundation for a well-adjusted Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, sounds, and experiences during their critical developmental period between eight and sixteen weeks of age. This early exposure helps prevent the natural wariness toward strangers from developing into excessive shyness or suspicion. Puppy socialization classes provide excellent opportunities for controlled exposure to other dogs and people while beginning basic training fundamentals.

Basic obedience training should begin early and continue consistently throughout the dog's life. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs respond best to positive reinforcement methods that reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, and play. Harsh corrections or punishment-based training often backfires with this sensitive breed, potentially creating a stubborn, uncooperative dog or damaging the bond between dog and owner. The breed's excellent memory means both positive and negative training experiences will be remembered, making it especially important to keep training sessions enjoyable.

The independent nature of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog may manifest as apparent stubbornness during training. When a PON seems to ignore a command, they are often evaluating whether the request makes sense or considering alternative approaches. Trainers who maintain patience, consistency, and creativity typically achieve better results than those who attempt to force compliance. Varying training routines helps maintain the dog's interest, as they bore quickly with repetitive exercises.

The breed's strong watchdog instincts often necessitate specific training to manage barking behaviors. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs naturally alert to visitors, unusual sounds, and perceived threats. While this vigilance makes them excellent watchdogs, unchecked barking can become problematic. Training should teach the dog to alert appropriately and then settle on command, channeling their natural instincts into controlled, useful behavior. Consistent training from puppyhood typically prevents barking from becoming excessive.

Exercise requirements for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog reflect their working heritage and moderate to high energy levels. Adult dogs typically need one to two hours of daily exercise, which can include walks, jogging, hiking, and active play sessions. Mental stimulation is equally important, as these intelligent dogs need challenges to engage their minds. Puzzle toys, training games, and interactive activities help satisfy their need for mental engagement.

Canine sports provide excellent outlets for the breed's energy and intelligence while strengthening the bond between dog and handler. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs often excel in herding trials, where their natural instincts can be tested and developed. They also perform well in agility, where their athleticism and trainability shine, and in obedience and rally competitions that challenge their minds. Flyball and tracking are additional activities that suit the breed's capabilities.

For Polish Lowland Sheepdogs not involved in formal activities, daily exercise should include opportunities for both physical activity and mental challenge. Long walks that allow for exploration and scent investigation provide both exercise and mental stimulation. Interactive games such as hide and seek, fetch with variations, and training exercises incorporated into play help keep these intelligent dogs satisfied. A tired Polish Lowland Sheepdog is typically a well-behaved companion who settles calmly at home.

Training for specific behaviors should take advantage of the breed's excellent memory and desire to work with their owners. Once a Polish Lowland Sheepdog truly understands what is expected and finds the work rewarding, they typically perform reliably. Building a relationship based on mutual respect and clear communication yields the best training results. Owners who invest time in training during the first year or two are rewarded with a responsive, well-mannered companion for life.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is generally considered a healthy, robust breed with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, placing them among the longer-lived medium-sized breeds. Their working heritage and relatively small gene pool have kept the breed relatively free from the extensive health problems that affect some other purebred dogs.

With attentive care, regular veterinary attention, appropriate exercise, quality nutrition, and the love of a dedicated family, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs typically enjoy long, healthy lives as cherished companions. The breed's robust constitution and the dedication of responsible breeders to health testing contribute to their reputation as a relatively healthy breed.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog's distinctive shaggy coat requires significant grooming commitment to maintain health and appearance. This double-coated breed possesses a long, dense outer coat that is crisp and water-resistant, covering a soft, thick undercoat that provides insulation against extreme temperatures. The characteristic hair that falls over the eyes and covers the entire body creates the breed's unmistakable appearance but demands regular attention to prevent matting and maintain skin health.

Regular brushing forms the cornerstone of Polish Lowland Sheepdog coat care. Ideally, these dogs should be brushed daily with a rake brush or slicker brush, working through all areas of the coat to remove loose hair and prevent tangles from developing into mats. At minimum, brushing two to three times weekly is necessary to maintain coat condition. Special attention should be paid to areas prone to matting, including behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar area, and the rear quarters where friction from sitting can cause tangles.

Mats that do form should be addressed promptly before they tighten against the skin. Working through tangles with a steel comb, starting from the ends of the hair and gradually working toward the skin, can remove many mats without cutting. Severely matted areas may require careful cutting or professional grooming assistance. Neglected coats can become so matted that they pull on the skin, causing discomfort and potentially leading to skin irritation or infection beneath the matted hair.

Bathing the Polish Lowland Sheepdog should occur every four to six weeks or as needed when the dog becomes dirty. Before bathing, the coat should be thoroughly brushed to remove any mats, as water will tighten tangles and make them impossible to remove without cutting. A gentle, dog-specific shampoo should be used to avoid drying the skin. The dense coat requires thorough rinsing to remove all shampoo residue, and complete drying is important to prevent moisture from being trapped against the skin.

Professional grooming can be valuable for Polish Lowland Sheepdog owners who find maintaining the coat challenging. Professional groomers can help with thorough brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Some owners choose to keep their dogs in a shorter trim for easier maintenance, though the breed standard calls for showing dogs with their natural, untrimmed coat. Any scissoring of the coat except between the pads is severely penalized in the show ring.

Ear care is particularly important for this drop-eared breed. The ears should be checked weekly for signs of infection, including redness, odor, or excessive discharge. The ear canals should be kept clean and dry, as moisture trapped in the folded ears can lead to infections. Gentle cleaning with an appropriate ear cleaner helps maintain ear health and prevent problems.

Dental care should be part of the regular grooming routine. Brushing teeth at least two to three times weekly, ideally daily, helps prevent periodontal disease, which can affect overall health. Dental chews and toys can supplement brushing but should not replace it. Professional dental cleanings may be necessary periodically as recommended by a veterinarian.

Nail trimming should occur regularly, typically every two to four weeks depending on how quickly the individual dog's nails grow and how much natural wear they receive from walking on hard surfaces. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and affect gait. Dark nails, which are common in this breed, require careful trimming to avoid cutting the quick. Many owners prefer to have nails trimmed by a groomer or veterinarian if they are uncomfortable performing this task.

The coat characteristics can vary somewhat depending on coat color, with black coats typically having less coarse outer coat and less undercoat than lighter colors. Seasonal shedding may increase grooming needs during spring and fall when dogs blow their undercoats. Throughout the year, consistent grooming maintains coat health, provides opportunities to check for skin issues or parasites, and helps strengthen the bond between dog and owner.