Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonPolish Lowland Sheepdog is originated from Poland but Caucasian Shepherd is originated from Russia. Polish Lowland Sheepdog may grow 25 cm / 9 inches shorter than Caucasian Shepherd. Polish Lowland Sheepdog may weigh 77 kg / 169 pounds lesser than Caucasian Shepherd. Polish Lowland Sheepdog may live 3 years more than Caucasian Shepherd. Both Polish Lowland Sheepdog and Caucasian Shepherd has almost same litter size. Both Polish Lowland Sheepdog and Caucasian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance.

History

polish lowland sheepdog - historyHailing from Poland, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is believed to have descended from herding dogs as well as the Puli and Tibetan Terrier.

Later these dogs were bred with local Scottish dogs to bring about Scottish herding dogs, the Bearded Collie. The dog was accepted by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1959. In 2001, the American Kennel Club recognized the Polish Lowland Sheepdog as a breed in the Herding Group.

caucasian shepherd - historyThis working dog is more than 2 000 years old, hailing from the Caucasus Mountains near the Georgian Republic, Russia.

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is an ancient breed, always having been used to guard livestock in the mountains. Some believe they came from domesticated wolves, while others believe their ancestry includes Mastiffs and other breeds.

It was in the 1960s that the dog was used in Germany for patrol along the Berlin Wall. This dog is also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka and he is large and powerful, always being ready to take on anyone who threatens him or the livestock he is guarding.

His origins can be traced far back and eventually the dog found its ways to the USA where dog clubs were formed.The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is one of the oldest Molosser breeds, and today they are mostly appreciated for being wonderful family companions and watchdogs.

Description

polish lowland sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog. Both males and females stand between 42cm to 50 cm in height and they weigh roughly between 14 and 23kg.

The dog has a double coat which can mostly be white, cream, gray, brown and black. The underdoat is soft and dense with the top coat being straight or wavy and being medium length.

There is quite a bit of hair around the facial area. The eyes are alert and brown and the ears medium size, high set and then drooping down. The tail has always been attractively docked, giving the dog an attractive, compact look but these days it is often just left long.

Temperament:

Lively, bright as a button, clever, social and feisty, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is easy to train, becoming obedient and well balanced. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is such a self confident dog and he will fit happily into life in the city or the countryside, loving spending time with his human family.

caucasian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Caucasian Shepherd is a large, impressive looking dog standing at between 64 – 75cm in height and weighing between 45 – 70 kg. He has an almost bear-like appearance. His coat can be shortish or even fairly long, and in different colors such as white, tan, brindle, grey and cream with a black mask.

The puppies are born black and then lighten as they grow up. He has a large head with the muzzle being smaller than the skull, narrowing slightly. The nose is black and the ears are set high and are floppy with dark eyes. The tail is set high and is long.

Temperament:

The Caucasian Shepherd is an intelligent breed but he must be properly trained and socialized as he can be stubborn and want to go his own way.

He is a balanced dog and he won’t deliberately hurt whom he regards as family, but he shows distrust towards strangers. While socialization and training relax and calm a dog, the Caucasian Shepherd isn’t regarded as the best dog to have with children around. This is because he comes from a lineage of guard dogs, bred to fight and guard.

He is a dog breed that will require a firm, strong owner and if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, the Caucasian can be difficult to manage and perhaps isn’t the best choice for a first-time dog owner.

Characteristics

polish lowland sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe PON is an independent, self-willed dog but he can also be entertaining and amusing. He is a social, friendly dog but for many people, his long hair and grooming requirement might prove to be a bit of a handful.

Your dog is energetic, cheerful and playful and when he isn’t around, it will be like some sunshine has gone out of your life. He is faithful and loving towards his human family but is aloof towards strangers. Bring one of these dogs into your home and you’re guaranteed to have a remarkable friend and pet for many years.

caucasian shepherd dog - characteristicsLoyal, strong, and brave, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog does an excellent job protecting his human family. He is a territorial dog and in the past he has always been ready to take on wolves and bear to protect his sheep. He isn't the best choice for first time dog-owners and where there are small children in the home.

He will do well to be trained and socialized as he becomes an obedient, patient, gentle, loving pet that becomes an excellent companion and protector.

Health Problems

polish lowland sheepdog puppies - health problemsThese dogs are generally healthy and the dog’s life expectancy is about 12 years. Nonetheless there are some problems to be aware of. For instance, with this dog, hip dysplasia is a real problem.

The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of hundreds of these dogs and found a large percentage were dysplastic.

Hereditary eye disease can also occur with this dog. Macular degeneration is a common eye disorder that can cause central vision loss. Many genetic abnormalities can cause degeneration of the image forming part of the eye. Unfortunately these conditions can result in total blindness. Parts of the retina can also degenerate with age.

Skin allergies are also an ever present threat with your dog. Itchiness and pain can be a nightmare for your pet and scratching and licking brings no relief – just aggravates the condition. You will certainly need to get your pet to the vet as skin allergies and skin diseases can make your beloved canine miserable.

caucasian shepherd puppies - health problemsLike all breeds there may be some health issues, even though the Caucasian Shepherd is generally a healthy dog. There are some common illnesses that every dog can get and which every responsible dog owner should be aware of -

Diarrhea:

One or two episodes of diarrhea isn’t an emergency, but ongoing diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If your dog is vomiting, he is lethargic and constantly emptying his bowels, see your vet if the diarrhea persists.

Parasites:

Parasites such as fleas and ticks and even internal parasites such as intestinal worms can drain the life from your pet. It is wise to find out about different parasites so that you can protect your dog. Find out what your vet’s treatment options are for parasites.

Caring The Pet

polish lowland sheepdog dogs - caringYour Polish Lowland Sheepdog is like a big Bear and his long, shaggy coat will require regular brushing, otherwise it could become full of burrs and grass.

Many people prefer to take their dogs to a grooming parlor where the hair is cut, the nails trimmed, the teeth cleaned and the ears checked.

Provide your Sheepdog with a nice warm, dry cozy spot that is his and where he can quietly retreat.

If your Polish Lowland Sheepdog spends time outdoors, make sure he has access to both shade, sun and shelter in case it rains. There must always be a bowl of fresh water outdoors too.

Diet:

It is better to give your adult Polish Lowland Sheepdog 2 smaller helpings of food as opposed to one big bowl. Puppies will need 4 bowls of food a day. Two bowls will ensure your dog doesn’t gobble up his food and create digestive problems and bloat.

High-quality dry dog food will provide a balanced diet, but you want to make it a little more delicious for him occasionally by mixing in chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Just a tad of raw meat occasionally can also be of huge benefit.

Fresh, cool water should always be available around the clock. Be sure to keep his food and water dishes clean.

Have your dogs spayed or neutered if you don’t want them to have puppies.

caucasian shepherd dogs - caringThe Caucasian Shepherd Dog has a thick double coat that will certainly require brushing twice a week. The coat comes in different lengths – short, medium and long. The hair is mostly long and the long tail is also feathery. The best way to groom your large, furry pet is to invest in some good grooming tools such as a good brush to keep your pet’s hair in tip-top condition.

His nails will need to be trimmed regularly, his ears will also need to be checked to avoid wax build-up and the accumulation of grime. This can lead to an ear infection. His teeth should be brushed 2 or 3 times a week with special dog toothbrush and toothpaste.

Exercise:

The Caucasian Shepherd isn’t going to do well in a small home with tiny garden in the city. He is a big dog that will require a large yard even though he is a fairly low-energy dog. He will be suited to a family that is active, that will take him on daily walks, hikes and include some ball games.

Diet:

You will need to change your Caucasian Shepherd Dog’s food as he goes through the different phases of his life, from puppy to adulthood. Speak to your veterinarian about a commercially produced dog food is you’re unable to give him home-made food. These foods are available in breed-specific and age-specific formulas.

Reputable breeders will also help you ensure that you know how to start feeding your puppy. Caucasian Shepherds are a large breed and apart from their kibble, you’ll want to include rice, vegetables and cooked chicken from time to time in his kibble and also include raw meat occasionally.

If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian or breeder about the best diet to ensure his longevity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Poland
Russia
Height Male:
42 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
70 - 75 cm
27 - 30 inches
Height Female:
42 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
67 - 72 cm
26 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 23 kg
30 - 51 pounds
50 - 100 kg
110 - 221 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 23 kg
30 - 51 pounds
45 - 90 kg
99 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Polski Owczarek Nizinny, PON
Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Mountain Dog
Colors Available:
White, cream, gray, brown and black
Fawn, brownish to dark grey, black - bi-colored
Coat:
Straight or wavy, medium length
Long haired, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  2. Queensland Heeler vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  3. Red Heeler vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  4. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  5. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  7. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  9. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  10. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  13. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  15. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  16. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  18. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  19. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  20. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  22. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  24. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  25. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  26. Dogue De Bordeaux vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Perro de Presa Canario vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Caucasian Shepherd vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  29. Caucasian Shepherd vs Bakharwal Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Caucasian Shepherd vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  31. Caucasian Shepherd vs Canis Panther - Breed Comparison
  32. Caucasian Shepherd vs Cao de Castro Laboreiro - Breed Comparison
  33. Caucasian Shepherd vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  34. Dogo Guatemalteco vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Molossus vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Danish Broholmer vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Sage Koochee vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Cordoba Fighting Dog vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Perro Cimarron vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Perro de Toro vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Korean Mastiff vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. Samoyed vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Labradoodle vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Mixed vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Great Pyrenees vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Old English Sheepdog vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. Presa Canario vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds