Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison

Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Italian Greyhound - Breed ComparisonPolish Lowland Sheepdog is originated from Poland but Italian Greyhound is originated from Italy. Polish Lowland Sheepdog may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than Italian Greyhound. Polish Lowland Sheepdog may weigh 16 kg / 36 pounds more than Italian Greyhound. Both Polish Lowland Sheepdog and Italian Greyhound has same life span. Polish Lowland Sheepdog may have more litter size than Italian Greyhound. Polish Lowland Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance. But Italian Greyhound requires Low 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.

italian greyhound - historyThe Italian Greyhound is an ancient breed, a purebred originating in Italy but with evidence to suggest it was also to be found in Turkey and Greece.

It's a small breed dog that became popular with Italian royalty in the 16th century. Over the centuries, the dog's appearance has remain unchanged, although breeders tried to make it even smaller, leading to problems with the health of the dog.

Towards the end of the 1800s, it was fortunate that breed fanciers implemented breeding programs to restore the dog's look's and strength. The American Kennel Club registered the Italian Greyhound in 1886. Today the dog is a wonderful companion dog.

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.

italian greyhound puppy - descriptionThe sweet Italian Greyhound is much like the regular Greyhound, just smaller but every bit as sleek, elegant and fine-boned. He stands at between 33 and 38cm at the withers and weighs just 3 to 7kg. He is slender and elegant.

He has long, fine-boned legs and his short, smooth coat makes him easy to groom too. The coat comes in a number of colors such as fawn, tan, grey, reddish, chocolate and black.

Temperament.

Described as sweet, intelligent and playful, the Italian Greyhound adapts easily to life in the city or to country life.

He is easy to train too, and even though he is small and amicable, it is still a good idea to have him trained and socialized as he is just a simple pleasure to have around then. He just loves the company of his human family and becomes a gentle friend to other dogs, to children in the home and to the elderly.

He is a frail toy dog, and he needs to be constantly watched over that he isn’t handled roughly by disrespectful children or from bigger pets. He is an active breed and will love to be played with and join you on your walks. Even though he is such a frail, fragile looking dog, he has a feisty, stubborn, defiant side to him and that is why training and socialization becomes important. He will be reserved around strangers.

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.

italian greyhound dog - characteristicsIf you’re looking for a sweet, gentle canine friend, the Italian Greyhound promises to be just that. They just crave human companionship and are eager to please.

He isn’t the ideal playmate for children, simply because he is frail and can get hurt easily in rough play.

Small he may be, but he is intelligent and alert, and he will bark to warn you of strangers. They are essentially indoor dogs, and when you bring one of them into your home, you’ll be rewarded with a devoted, loving and loyal canine friend.

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.

italian greyhound puppies - health problemsYour small Italian Greyhound isn’t a sickly dog breed, and in fact, with the right care, he can live to be between 10 to 14 years of age.

As with any dog breed however, there will be some more common conditions to watch for in the Italian Greyhound. Some of these are epilepsy, hyperthyroidism and periodontal disease.

Epilepsy:

There are different types and causes of seizures, and there are actually no definitive tests for epilepsy. One seizure isn’t enough to make a diagnosis and more than one seizure is usually recorded before a diagnosis can be made and treatment prescribed.

These treatments don’t cure Epilepsy but rather control the symptoms and keep the dog seizure-free so that they can have a normal life.

Seizures are not all the same – some are life-threatening and advice from the internet can’t be looked upon as adequate. With a dangerous disease such as epilepsy, excellent and qualified veterinary help will be required.

Periodontal Disease:

Gum disease can be terrible for your pet. Apart from bone loss and loss of teeth, your pet will experience pain. Periodontal disease may well be common in dogs, but it can be prevented.

Once an animal has eaten food, particles of food, saliva and bacteria form plaque over the teeth and this doesn’t only cause damage to the teeth but to the entire immune system.

This disease can cause inflamed gums and loss of teeth. It is important to brush your pet’s teeth with special canine toothbrush and toothpaste.

The truth is, periodontal disease can cause more problems than just tooth pain which is bad enough. Dogs with gum inflammation may be at higher risk for heart- and kidney disease too. If you’re worried about your dog, take him in to your vet for an oral examination and teeth cleaning.

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.

Grooming:

italian greyhound dogs - caringThe Italian Greyhound has a short, smooth, satin-type coat which is easy to maintain. Gently brush him once or twice a week, being careful not to press down hard as he has frail, bambi-like legs.

He also sheds little, making him a low maintenance breed. Because of the short coat, take particular care of him in the Winter and don’t allow him to become overly cold.

Diet:

Your Italian Greyhound will require a diet rich in nutritional value, and if your particular dog is quite active you will need to feed him about 450 calories a day and sometimes more.

Each dog is an individual and will have different dietary needs. If you feed your pet a top quality commercially manufactured food, read the packaging for guidance on food portion sizes.

Speak to your vet if you are unsure how to feed your dog so that his food and the amounts you feed him contribute to his good health. He must always have access to fresh, cool water.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Toy dog
Origin:
Poland
Italy
Height Male:
42 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Height Female:
42 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 23 kg
30 - 51 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 23 kg
30 - 51 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
1 - 4
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Polski Owczarek Nizinny, PON
IG, Iggy
Colors Available:
White, cream, gray, brown and black
grey, tan, Fawn, chocolate and black., reddish
Coat:
Straight or wavy, medium length
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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. Pomeranian vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Maltese vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  28. Pug vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltipoo vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  30. Papillon vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  31. Japanese Chin vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Miniature English Bulldog vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  33. Italian Greyhound vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Italian Greyhound vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  35. Italian Greyhound vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  36. Italian Greyhound vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  37. Italian Greyhound vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  38. Italian Greyhound vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Italian Greyhound vs Dorgi - Breed Comparison
  40. Italian Greyhound vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  41. Italian Greyhound vs Carlin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  42. Italian Greyhound vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  43. Italian Greyhound vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  44. Italian Greyhound vs Doxiepoo - Breed Comparison
  45. Italian Greyhound vs Bospin - Breed Comparison
  46. Italian Greyhound vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  47. Italian Greyhound vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  48. Italian Greyhound vs Cyprus Poodle - Breed Comparison
  49. Italian Greyhound vs Doxiepom - Breed Comparison
  50. Jug vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds