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.
Build
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.
Watch points
What to watch 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
Cold and heat tolerance
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
Tendency to gain weight
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.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it 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 vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Polish Lowland Sheepdog? Like all dogs, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Polish Lowland Sheepdog is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based 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 diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based 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 vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting 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 provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
