Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have hearty appetites that match their working heritage, but their moderate activity levels and tendency toward weight gain mean careful feeding management is essential. Many breed specialists recommend a lower-protein diet than you might expect for a working breed - this doesn't mean skimping on quality, but rather choosing well-balanced nutrition that matches their actual energy expenditure.

These dogs are definitely food-motivated, which makes training easier but portion control crucial. Their stocky build and dense coat can hide weight gain until it becomes significant, so regular weigh-ins are smart. Australian owners should be particularly mindful during winter months when activity levels might naturally decrease.

High-quality commercial dog food is the easiest way to ensure balanced nutrition. Look for premium brands that meet Australian standards and choose formulations appropriate for your dog's age and activity level. Adult PONs typically do well on maintenance formulas rather than high-energy working dog foods, unless they're genuinely active in dog sports or have demanding exercise routines.

Treats are incredibly useful for training these intelligent dogs, but they add up quickly. Factor treat calories into daily totals and consider using part of their regular kibble as training rewards. Fresh vegetables like carrots or green beans make excellent low-calorie training treats.

Feed adult PONs twice daily rather than leaving food available all day - this helps with portion control and reduces the risk of bloat. Puppies need more frequent meals but should still be monitored for appropriate growth rates. Always provide fresh water, and be prepared for some enthusiastic drinking after exercise sessions, especially during Australia's warmer months.

Let's be honest: if you're considering a Polish Lowland Sheepdog, you're signing up for a serious grooming commitment. That gorgeous, shaggy double coat requires dedicated maintenance to keep it healthy and mat-free.

The PON's coat consists of a crisp outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat. This combination provides excellent weather protection but also creates the perfect environment for mats if neglected. Plan on thorough brushing sessions at least three times a week, with daily attention during shedding seasons.

PONs don't shed traditionally. Instead, their loose undercoat gets trapped within the outer coat, requiring manual removal with a slicker brush or undercoat rake. This trait also means they shed very little around the house, which can be a bonus for allergy sufferers. Many Australian PON owners opt for professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, costing around $100-$150 AUD, particularly during the heavy spring shed from September to November.

Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar. Weekly ear cleaning is crucial given their drop ears and facial furnishings. Nail trimming every few weeks and regular teeth brushing complete the routine.

The good news? Once you establish a routine, most PONs learn to enjoy grooming sessions. Start handling paws and ears early with puppies, and consider it bonding time. You'll still want a good vacuum, but the reward is a stunning, healthy coat that turns heads at every dog park from Bondi to Perth.

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are brilliant students who genuinely enjoy learning, but they bring their own independent streak to the classroom. Think of them as the clever kid who understands the lesson perfectly but might question why they need to do homework - they're trainable, but they like to understand the "why" behind commands.

These dogs respond beautifully to positive reinforcement training, especially food rewards (remember, they're quite food-motivated). Harsh methods will backfire spectacularly, potentially creating anxiety or stubborn resistance. Keep training sessions engaging and varied - PONs get bored with repetitive drills and will start improvising their own versions of commands.

Early socialisation is crucial for this naturally territorial breed. Expose your PON puppy to various people, animals, and situations while they're young and adaptable. This helps prevent their natural suspicion of strangers from becoming problematic. Australian puppy schools are excellent for this, and most PONs excel in these structured social environments.

Exercise needs are substantial but manageable for most Australian families. These aren't marathon runners, but they're enthusiastic walkers who can happily trek for hours at a moderate pace. Think weekend hikes in the Blue Mountains or long beach walks along the Gold Coast rather than high-intensity running. They particularly enjoy having a job to do - consider dog sports like agility, herding trials, or even dock diving.

Mental stimulation is equally important. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games help prevent the destructive behaviour that can emerge from boredom. Many Australian dog clubs offer activities perfect for PONs, from obedience competitions to herding instinct tests.

Their herding instincts mean they might try to "manage" children by nipping at heels, and their vocal nature can become problematic in suburban neighbourhoods. Both behaviours respond well to consistent training and redirection to appropriate activities.