Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison

Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Boerboel - Breed ComparisonPolish Lowland Sheepdog is originated from Poland but Boerboel is originated from South Africa. Polish Lowland Sheepdog may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Boerboel. Polish Lowland Sheepdog may weigh 67 kg / 147 pounds lesser than Boerboel. Polish Lowland Sheepdog may live 3 years more than Boerboel. Both Polish Lowland Sheepdog and Boerboel has almost same litter size. Polish Lowland Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance. But Boerboel 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.

boerboel - historyThe name ‘Boerboel’ is derived from an Afrikaans/Dutch word, and the large Boerboel dog from South Africa has been specifically bred to be a farmer’s dog. Bred also to be a strong guard dog, the Boerboel is a mix of different African and European breeds, which in all likelihood, will include the Bullmastiff, the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Bulldog. These dogs were used to hunt baboon and leopard.

There is some information that suggests that the Boerboel was brought to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652. Other information suggest that the dog is a descendant of the old Boer Hund, a powerful animal which was invaluable to the farmer.

In was in January 2010, that the American Boerboel Club was elected as the AKC’s Parent Club. The Boerboel was accepted into the Miscellaneous Class in the Working dog group.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Poland
South Africa
Height Male:
42 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
64 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
Height Female:
42 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
59 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 23 kg
30 - 51 pounds
70 - 90 kg
154 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 23 kg
30 - 51 pounds
68 - 90 kg
149 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Polski Owczarek Nizinny, PON
South African Boerboel, African Boerboel, South African Mastiff, African Mastiff
Colors Available:
White, cream, gray, brown and black
Fawn, Red, Brown, Brindle
Coat:
Straight or wavy, medium length
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

Looks

boerboel puppy - descriptionThe Boerboel is a big, strong dog with powerful muscles. His height is between 61 – 66cm. He is similar looking to the Boxer dog, just heavier and bigger. The head of the dog is broad and big and the short, smooth coat can be of various shades, with breeders trying to achieve a single color of light tan and with no white. Their coats can also be red, different shades of brown and brindle.

The dog has a black facial mask and the eyes are brown with the ears being of medium length and floppy. The Boerboel’s tail has always been docked, but today breeders are keeping the tail long. Many Boerboel lovers object to this, saying it detracts from the distinctive look of the Boerboel.

Temperament

The Boerboel can be a wonderfully loyal and loving pet to their owners. They are territorial dogs and suspicious of strangers. This is a dog where it is imperative that they receive training and socialization as a puppy. They have leanings towards being aggressive so they wouldn’t be recommended to first time dog owners, unless of course the first time owners are firm and strong.

Boerboels raised the right way can be gentle giants. They often get bad publicity as regards to aggression, but this is because of they way they have been raised. Boerboels have been bred to be tough and fearless and they make excellent watchdogs. When raised and trained correctly, they make awesome, devoted companions, even around children and other pets.

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.

boerboel dog - characteristicsA well trained, socialized Boerboel makes a splendid pet. This is one breed known to have excellent guard- and watch dog characteristics. Boerboels are known for being protective when necessary. When not on guard, they make wonderful pets. He’ll need plenty of exercise, but he loves to also spend time indoors with his human family.

This a a bold, fearless dog who becomes devoted to his family. With the right training he is obedient and affectionate and knows how to behave appropriately indoors- and outdoors. For such a big dog, the African Boeboel’s temperament can be surprisingly gentle and affectionate around the family that he loves.

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.

boerboel puppies - health problemsMany health problems experienced with any dog are found in the way dogs are fed, the way they are exercised and the way they are attended to when they are ill. Boerboels are healthy dogs and suffer fewer health defects than most similar breeds. The average life expectancy of a Boerboel is about 10 to 12 years. There are one or two health issues you’ll want to watch out for with your Boerboel.

Hip dysplasia

This aliment is typically found in large breed dogs. It’s a problem caused by a malformation of the hip joint. Over time hip dysplasia causes discomfort, pain and even arthritis and lameness. It is genetically inherited, with its severity being influenced by environmental factors. There are treatments available to alleviate the symptoms and make the dog more comfortable.

Obesity

The Boerboel has plenty of muscle mass, and because he is such a large dog with a big appetite, he can lean towards obesity. Plenty of activities will be imperative to maintain muscle mass and ward off obesity. Over-eating suppresses the immune system, so over-feeding your dog simply contributes to ill health.

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

boerboel dogs - caringBoerboels are a robust breed and their short hair doesn’t shed heavily. Your Boerbul will require a thorough brushing twice a week to remove loose hair and to keep the coat shiny and healthy.

Boerboels, just like any other dog, should have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Left unattended, your pet can battle with tooth decay and gum disease.

Feeding

Your Boerboel puppy will need ‘large breed puppy’ dog food. Speak to your veterinarian about wet- or dry kibble choices. An adult Boerboel will certainly need raw meat in his diet. When you do research, you find that the best Boerboel breeders are advocates for raw feeding. Home made food with rice, vegetables and meat as well as the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods for large breeds are excellent choices but raw meat is imperative as part of every dog’s diet.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  2. Bullmastiff vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  3. Great Pyrenees vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  4. Boerboel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Boerboel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  6. Boerboel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  7. Boerboel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  8. Boerboel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  9. Boerboel vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  10. Boerboel vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  11. Boerboel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  12. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Boerboel vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  14. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  15. Boerboel vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  16. Boerboel vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  17. Boerboel vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  18. Presa Canario vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  19. Labrador Husky vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  20. Argentine Dogo vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  21. Giant Schnauzer vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  22. Goldador vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Cubano vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Sardesco vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  25. Central Asian Shepherd vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  26. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Queensland Heeler vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Red Heeler vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  30. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  32. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  34. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  36. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  38. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  40. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  41. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  42. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  43. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  44. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  45. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  47. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  49. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  50. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds