Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!dreaderd!not-for-mail
Message-ID: <dogs-faq/breeds/[email protected]>
Supersedes: <dogs-faq/breeds/[email protected]>
Expires: 31 May 2004 11:22:46 GMT
X-Last-Updated: 1998/03/03
Approved: [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs.info,rec.answers,news.answers
Sender: tittle
Organization: RPD FAQ auto-posting
Followup-To: poster
X-No-Archive: Yes
From: [email protected] (Harold Stiffelman)
Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  Polish Owczarek Nizinny Sheepdog  Breed-FAQ
Originator: [email protected]
Date: 17 Apr 2004 11:28:01 GMT
Lines: 289
NNTP-Posting-Host: penguin-lust.mit.edu
X-Trace: 1082201281 senator-bedfellow.mit.edu 569 18.181.0.29
Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu rec.pets.dogs.info:14626 rec.answers:86614 news.answers:269935

Archive-name: dogs-faq/breeds/pons
Posting-frequency: 30 days
URL: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/pons.html
Last-modified: 03 Mar 1998

=======
There are many FAQ's available for this group.  For a complete
listing of these, get the "Complete List of RPD FAQs".  This article
is posted bimonthly in rec.pets.dogs, and is available via anonymous ftp
to rtfm.mit.edu under pub/usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/faq-list, via
the Web at http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/lists/faq-list.html, or
via email by sending your message to [email protected] with
send usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/faq-list
in the body of the message.

This article is Copyright 1997 by the Author(s) listed below.
It may be freely distributed on the Internet in its entirety without
alteration provided that this copyright notice is not removed.
It may NOT reside at another website (use links, please) other
than the URL listed above without the permission of the Author(s).
This article may not be sold for profit nor incorporated in other
documents without he Author(s)'s permission and is provided "as is"
without express or implied warranty.
==========


                    Polish Owczarek Nizinny Sheepdogs

Author

  Harold Stiffelman, [email protected]
  Created January 1996.

Table of Contents

    * Introduction
    * History of the Breed
    * The Polish Owczarek Nizinny Standard
    * Additional Resources

    _________________________________________________________________

Introduction

  Pronounced "ov-cha-rik nee-shinny". The American name for the breed is
  the Polish Lowland Sheepdog or the Valee Sheepdog. Still somewhat rare
  in the United States the PONS is very well known in Europe. PONS are
  well known for their even temper, intelligence, keen memory and, of
  course, their shaggy coat. They are ideal family pets for both city
  and country dwelling and they adapt well in surroundings that vary
  from apartment life to farm living. Quite often the PONS adopts the
  family to become their "flock" and they become very good protectors.
  PONS are a medium sized dog and are easily trained.

    _________________________________________________________________

History of the Breed

  The PONS is partly descended from the Puli, the Huns herding dog,
  which was about nineteen to twenty inches high, had a long shaggy coat
  and was used for herding and guarding. The breeding of the PONS is not
  a recent event. The breed was known in the 16th century both in Poland
  and Germany.

  In the early 1500's a Polish ship sailed from Gdansk to Scotland with
  a cargo of grain to exchange for Scottish sheep. The ship carried PONS
  that were used to move the sheep. A shepherd asked for a pair of PONS
  in exchange for a ram. A deal was made which included two females and
  one male. It is commonly believed that these three PONS were part
  ancestors of the Bearded Collie found in Scotland. This explains the
  close resemblance of the PONS to the Bearded Collie.

  The PONS is a very old breed of dog most likely descended from dogs
  originally developed in Central Asia such as the Tibetan Mastiff,
  Tibetan Spaniel, the Lhasa Apso, and the Tibetan Terrier. Exactly how
  the breed was obtained is uncertain but all these breeds have many
  characteristics in common. The dogs were used by various peoples who
  relied on animal herding. It is suggested that the Huns, who relied on
  plundering sedentary cultures were instrumental in spreading the breed
  throughout the world.

  There are two types of herding dogs. The larger more aggressive dogs
  were used to guard the flock and to protect from intruders. The
  shepherd needed a second type of dog to move and control the sheep.
  The larger dogs were too aggressive for delicate work. Dogs like the
  PONS were much more agile, intelligent and handy to care for the
  flock. PONS guided the sheep, prevented them from venturing toward
  obstacles, and kept the flock together. Young PONS lived with the
  sheep, played with the lambs and grew as one of the flock.

  Because of these conditions over an extended period of time modern day
  PONS tend to be squarely built, strong and loyal. Their herding
  instincts are very strong and they are also somewhat suspicious of
  strangers. They have a highly developed sense of territory and a
  strong sense of independence.

  All PONS today can be traced back to the dogs owned by a Polish
  veterinarian who had the foresight to save the breed. Her name was Dr.
  Danuta Hryniewics and she began her efforts around 1955. Through
  extensive inbreeding and careful planning Dr. Hryniewicz bred her
  first litter with full pedigrees in 1958. By 1969 her Kordegardy
  Kennels had produced over 140 puppies and many champions.

    _________________________________________________________________

The Polish Owczarek Nizinny Standard

  The PONS is a medium sized dog, muscular and strong, with a thick
  dense coat. They are a little longer than they are tall and remain a
  medium sized breed (approx. 17 to 20 inches). It is not desirable to
  reduce the size of the PONS as they are a working dog and this would
  not be preferable. They are easily trained and can make a wonderful
  companion, family pet, and watchdog. The following is a copy of the
  FCI standard as accepted in 1973:

 FCI Registered Number 251a, 1973

  1. General Appearance and Character

    A. The Polish Owczarek Nizinny is a medium sized dog. It is cobby,
    strong and muscular with a long, thick coat, and an easy smooth
    gait. It is resistant against unfavorable conditions. It is lively
    but self-controlled, watchful, bright, clever, and perceptive with
    an excellent memory.

    B. Height at shoulders - Dog, 17-20 inches (43-50 cm.) Bitch, 16-18
    inches (40-46 cm.).

    C. Proportions - Height 9 / Length 10

    D. Type - Its is not desirable to diminish the size below the
    standard and make the breed delicate, as it should keep the
    character of a working breed.

    E. Utility - It is easy to train. It works as a shepherd and a
    watchdog. Transferred to town, it is a very good companion dog.
    It's coat, when well groomed, makes it look smart and attractive.

  2. Head

    A. General Appearance - Proportioned, medium sized, not too heavy,
    with profuse hair on the forehead, cheeks and chin, which makes it
    look bigger than it actually is. The ratio between its' mouth and
    skull is 1:1 or the muzzle may be a little shorter.

    B. Skull - Moderately broad, slightly domed. The forehead furrow
    and occiput palpable.

    C. Stop - Distinctly marked.

    D. Mouth - The top line of the muzzle is straight, jaws strong.

    E. Nose - A big, blunt nose with wide nostrils, as dark as possible
    within the particular color.

    F. Lips - Tightly closed, with edges of the same color as the nose.

    G. Teeth - Strong, level or scissor.

    H. Eyes - Medium size, of lively penetrating gaze, oval, not
    protruding. Color, hazel, or brown. The edges of the lids must be
    as dark as possible.

    I. Ears - Medium sized, lively, heart-shaped, large at the base,
    set moderately high, drooping, their foredge tightly set against
    the cheek.

  3. Neck

    A. Strong, muscular, of medium length, without any dewlap, held
    rather horizontally.

  4. Body

    A. General Appearance - Silhouette rectangular rather than square.

    B. Withers - Distinctively marked.

    C. Back - Even, muscular, loins broad, well bound.

    D. Croup - Short, tightly cut.

    E. Chest - Deep, ribs moderately cut, neither flat nor barrel-like.

    F. Belly - Slightly drawn up.

  5. Tail

    A. Innately short, rudimentary, or very shortly docked.

  6. Forequarters

    A. General Appearance - As seen from the front and side, straight.
    A well balanced stance due to a strong skeleton.

    B. Shoulders - Broad of medium length, slant, well-bound, and
    muscular.

    C. Metacarp - Slightly slant in relation to the forearm.

    D. Feet - Oval, toes tight, slightly arched, with hard pads, claws
    short, possibly dark.

  7. Hindquarters

    A. General Appearance - Well angled, straight as seen from behind.

    B. Thigh - Broad, well muscled.

    C. Hock - Distinct

  8. Gait

    A. Mostly smooth walking pace or trot. The dog is often an ambler.

  9. Skin

    A. Tight, without any folds.

  10. Coat

    A. The whole body is covered with a long, dense, shaggy, thick
    coat, with a soft, dense undercoat. The long, hanging hair covers
    the eyes characteristically. Slightly wavy coat admissible.

  11. Color

    A. Every color and piebald allowed.

  12. Faults

    A. Head - Round, apple-shaped.
    B. Profile - The top-line of the muzzle convex or concave.
    C. Nose and lips - Lack of pigment.
    D. Teeth - All faulty dentition.
    E. Eyes - Light yellow or jackdaw eye.
    F. Ears - Set too high.
    G. Back - Weak or roach back.
    H. Chest - Greyhound or barrel-shaped.
    I. Neck - Held too high.
    J. Loins - Feeble.
    K. Tail - If not cut it should not be curled over the back.
    L. Legs - Incorrect stance, too-long.
    M. Coat - Curly or short, without undercoat.
    N. Character - Nervous, coward, phlegmatic.

    _________________________________________________________________

Additional Resources

  The FCI standard describes an imaginary dog that only exists in the
  mind of the dog fancier. However, there are many excellent examples of
  the breed today. The best (and only source that I know of) book on the
  PONS is "The Official Book of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog" available
  through TFH Publications, Inc. The book is available through the
  publisher's normal outlets or by APONC (American Polish Owczarek
  Nizinny Club) at 1115 Delmont Road, Severn Maryland 21144. The cost is
  $35 including shipping. If I may put in a personal note - this book is
  probably the slickest and most beautiful breed book I have ever seen.
  There are a lot of pictures of wonderful breed examples that are
  beautifully printed. There is also a lot of information on the breed
  including foundation pedigrees that go all the way back to Dr.
  Hryniewics original dogs. I highly recommend it. (the price is merely
  to cover the cost of printing and shipping - the book is worth well
  more than $35)

  For more information on the breed you can write to Harold Stiffelman,
  18 South Kingshighway -3T, St. Louis, MO 63108. You will receive
  information on the breed and a list of breeders and contacts in your
  area. There are not a lot of breeders in the United States but they
  are spread from the tip of Florida to Washington D.C., to the coast of
  California and many points in between. THERE IS NO FEE AND ALL
  INTERESTED PARTIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO LEARN ABOUT THE BREED.

  IT IS STRONGLY SUGGESTED THAT THE ALL SOURCES FOR PONS OR PONS
  INFORMATION THAT YOU SEEK BE CERTIFIED BY APONC.(American Polish
  Owczarek Nizinny Club) AS ACCEPTABLE AND RELIABLE. THERE IS ONLY ONE
  PARENT CLUB. THE PRESIDENT OF APONC. (AND THE PERSON WHO INTRODUCED
  THE BREED TO THE UNITED STATES) IS COMMITTED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS
  IN BREEDING AND EXPANSION OF THIS WONDERFUL AND RARE BREED.

    _________________________________________________________________


   Polish Owczarek Nizinny Sheepdog FAQ
   Harold Stiffelman, [email protected]

                                Hosted by
                                 K9 WEB

You are viewing proxied material from ftp.icm.edu.pl. The copyright of proxied material belongs to its original authors. Any comments or complaints in relation to proxied material should be directed to the original authors of the content concerned. Please see the disclaimer for more details.