Longevity
Life expectancy
Its lifespan generally ranges between 10 and 14 years. A measured diet, regular activity, dental care and preventive veterinary monitoring help preserve its quality of life into old age.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its muscular build, its origin as a working dog and its protective undercoat give it good overall resistance. This robustness does not exempt it from regular monitoring of the eyes, joints, ears and body condition.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Veterinary monitoring must focus as a priority on vision and changes in body condition. In an active medium-sized dog, mobility and joints also deserve regular monitoring, especially during growth periods and with age.
Progressive retinal atrophy: This hereditary degeneration of the retina leads to a progressive decline in vision and justifies ophthalmological screening of breeding dogs.
Overweight and obesity: A strong appetite combined with excessive portions or a lack of activity promotes weight gain and its joint and metabolic consequences.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its double, long and dense coat allows it to withstand cold and difficult weather conditions well. It also tolerates moderate heat, but its abundant coat requires limiting exertion during hot hours, providing it with shade and fresh water, and never shaving it down to the skin.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This dog can eat with great enthusiasm and gain weight if portions are not controlled. It is advisable to weigh its ration, include treats in the daily total, regularly monitor its body shape and adjust energy intake to its actual activity.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the eyes checked regularly by the veterinarian.
- Brush the coat every three days and daily during shedding periods.
- Check the ears, eyes and skin after walks.
- Maintain a daily activity suited to age.
- Monitor weight and adjust portions without waiting.
Vaccination
Polish Lowland Sheepdog vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Polish Lowland Sheepdog need? Like all dogs, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Polish Lowland Sheepdog vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Polish Lowland Sheepdog booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Polish Lowland Sheepdog need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Before breeding, an ophthalmological examination and, when available, a genetic test for progressive retinal atrophy are recommended. A hip evaluation and a general clinical check-up usefully complete the health selection. For the companion dog, an annual veterinary check-up makes it possible to monitor vision, weight, dentition and mobility.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
