Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Polish Shepherd, also known as the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, is an ancient herding breed that developed in Central Europe, primarily in Poland. For centuries, these dogs accompanied shepherds on open plains, guarding and managing flocks. They were valued for their endurance, independent decision-making, reliable guarding instincts and ability to work in diverse climatic conditions. The breed originated from local pastoral dogs and retained a functional working type for a long period. In the 20th century, it was standardized and received recognition from international canine organizations. Due to its working abilities and characteristic appearance, the Polish Shepherd has remained popular both as a herding and a family dog.
General Appearance
The Polish Shepherd is a medium-sized, sturdy and resilient dog with well-developed musculature and a long, dense coat. The outline is slightly elongated but proportionate. The head is medium-sized and covered with long hair, giving the breed its characteristic expression. The chest is deep, the back strong, the loin short. Limbs are straight, strong and well-boned. The tail may be long, shortened, or naturally short. The coat forms a dense protective layer against cold and humidity. Movement is lively, confident and springy, reflecting the working nature of the breed. Overall, the Polish Shepherd gives an impression of strength, functionality and an independent temperament.
Important Proportions
Key proportions include the harmony between a strong body and an expressive coat. Height at the withers is slightly less than body length, emphasizing a somewhat elongated outline. The head is proportional to the body; the muzzle is shorter than the skull but sufficiently broad. The neck is of medium length and well set. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with long ribs. Limbs are of medium length with strong bone. The topline is level, the loin short, the croup slightly sloping. The tail should not disrupt the silhouette regardless of its length. The long, dense coat forms characteristic volume but must not obscure correct proportions. Excessive looseness, weak bone, or imbalance reducing functionality are faults.
Temperament and Character
The Polish Shepherd has a lively, intelligent, confident and independent character. As a herding breed accustomed to autonomous work, it is attentive, quick to react and highly trainable. It is naturally wary of strangers and demonstrates a strong guarding instinct, while remaining loyal and attached to its family. In everyday life it is energetic yet balanced, responding well to consistent training. It thrives on work, mental stimulation and close interaction with the owner. Shyness, nervousness or excessive aggression are unacceptable. The correct temperament combines independence, vigilance and emotional stability.
Head
The head is of medium size, proportional to the body, and covered with long, dense hair that partially covers the eyes and forms the characteristic breed expression. The skull is slightly convex and moderately broad, with a smooth transition to the muzzle. The stop is noticeable but not abrupt. The muzzle is shorter than the skull, broad and straight. The nose is large, black or very dark. Lips are tight and dry. Jaws are strong, with a scissor bite. Cheeks are moderate and not prominent. The expression should be intelligent, alert and cheerful. Coarseness, narrow skulls, weak muzzles, light pigmentation or anatomical distortions are faults.
Foreface
The foreface is well developed but not coarse. The muzzle is moderately short, broad and straight, tapering slightly toward the nose but maintaining adequate depth. Lips are tight and dry. The nose is large, dark, with wide nostrils. The bridge of the nose is straight. Jaws are strong, teeth large and complete. The foreface must remain visible beneath the coat and should not be excessively obscured by hair. Skin is tight, without wrinkles. The expression should be attentive, purposeful and energetic. Narrow muzzles, weak jaws, insufficient pigmentation, incorrect bite or excessive looseness are unacceptable.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, oval and set straight, expressing liveliness, intelligence, determination and friendliness. The color is predominantly dark brown, harmonizing with the coat. Eyelids are tight and well pigmented. Although hair often partially covers the eyes, their expression remains an important breed feature. Light, protruding, overly large or very small eyes are faults. Weak eyelid pigmentation, entropion or ectropion are serious defects. Correct eyes emphasize the stable, observant and confident character needed for herding and guarding work.
Ears
Ears are medium-sized, heart-shaped or triangular, set fairly high, pendant and mobile, covering the auditory opening well. Tips are slightly rounded. In movement, the ears may swing freely, accentuating the lively expression. The hair on the ears is long and dense, blending with the coat on the head. Ears must not be too large or too small. Low-set, overly long, coarse or rear-placed ears are faults. Correct ears enhance the breed’s characteristic silhouette and expression.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong and muscular but dry, blending smoothly into the withers and body. The set of the neck is moderately high, reflecting confidence and working character. Skin is tight, with no folds or dewlap. The neck must be strong enough for herding work and balanced with the body. A neck that is too short, too thick, too long or weak disrupts the dog’s outline and functionality. The correct neck emphasizes endurance and overall harmonious structure.
Body
The body is strong, compact and slightly elongated, with well-developed musculature and a dense skeletal structure. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows; ribs are long and moderately arched. The back is straight and strong; the loin short, firm and slightly arched. The croup is broad, moderately sloping and well muscled. The abdomen is moderately tucked up. The topline must be level and stable. The body should give an impression of strength and readiness for work, without looseness or excessive dryness. Narrow chests, weak backs, soft loins, excessive length or imbalanced proportions are faults.
Tail
The tail may be long, shortened, or naturally short; all are acceptable. When naturally long, it is strong at the base and reaches the hock or slightly below. At rest it is lowered and slightly curved; when excited it may rise but must not curl over the back. The hair on the tail is long and dense, continuing the body coat. The tail must harmonize with the dog’s outline. Kinks, breaks, excessively high set, or unnaturally short tails are faults. A correct tail supports the breed’s herding function and silhouette.
Forequarters
Forequarters are strong, straight and well-boned. Shoulder blades are long, sloping and closely fitting. Upper arms are muscular, with well-defined angulation allowing free movement. Elbows are directed backward, not turning in or out. Forearms are straight, strong and heavy-boned. Pasterns are moderately sloped and resilient. Feet are oval, compact, with tight pads and well-gathered toes. Forequarters must support endurance and stability during work. Weak pasterns, turned elbows, insufficient bone, crooked limbs or excessively short forequarters are faults.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are strong, well developed, with pronounced but dry musculature. Thighs are long and powerful, providing drive. Stifles are strong, with well-expressed but proportional angulation. Lower legs are moderate in length, dry and strong. Hocks are low-set, firm and straight. Rear pasterns are vertical and strong. Feet are compact, oval and well padded. Hindquarters must ensure elastic, free movement and stability. Cow hocks, barrel hocks, insufficient angulation, weak joints, or poor musculature are faults.
Gait and Movement
Movement is free, springy and energetic, with good reach and stability. At the trot, the dog shows confident forward extension and a powerful but not heavy rear drive. Movement must be straight, without body sway. The breed should demonstrate the ability to quickly change tempo, direction and dynamics — essential in herding. The topline stays level, and movement remains smooth and rhythmic. Short steps, paddling, crossing, weak drive, croup instability or stiffness are faults. Correct movement confirms the breed’s functionality and endurance.
Coat
The coat is one of the breed’s defining features. It is long, dense, thick and of a slightly coarse texture, forming a protective layer against moisture and cold. The undercoat is soft, abundant and dense. The outer coat may be straight or slightly wavy but must never be curly. The coat forms a characteristic “cap” over the head, covers the eyes, and creates furnishings on limbs and tail. Soft, sparse, overly short or thin coats, or coats lacking density, are faults. Correct coat structure underlines the breed’s working nature and protects it in various environments.
Permitted Colours
The Polish Shepherd comes in a wide range of colours: white, grey, black, fawn, brown, and mixtures of these in patches or zoned patterns. Grey-white and black-white combinations are common. Spotted patterns, ticking and asymmetrical markings are allowed. Pigmentation of the nose, eyelids and lips must be dark and even. Completely white dogs with poor pigmentation are undesirable. Non-standard colors, washed-out markings or weak pigmentation affecting type are faults. Coat color must enhance the breed’s silhouette and not obscure correct proportions.
Size
The Polish Shepherd is a medium-sized breed. Males typically stand 45–50 cm at the withers; females 42–47 cm. Weight varies, but the dog must remain strong, balanced and functional without excess heaviness. Balance between body outline, bone and dense coat is essential; the coat must not distort the dog’s actual proportions. The body is slightly elongated; limbs are medium-length, powerful and dry. Overly light or excessively heavy types, extreme length or shortness of body, or imbalance between head, body and limbs are faults. Size must match the breed’s working purpose.
Faults
Faults include any deviations affecting functionality, expression or breed type. Weak bone, narrow chest, soft back, poorly developed ribcage, loose construction or insufficient musculature are faults. Light nose or eyelid pigmentation, light or protruding eyes, weak muzzle or incorrect bite are unacceptable. Movement faults—short steps, stiffness, paddling, crossing, weak drive—also reduce breed quality. Coat faults such as softness, sparseness or incorrect structure diminish type. Behaviorally, shyness, nervousness, undue aggression or lack of working initiative are considered faults.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include any traits that fundamentally contradict breed type: marked shyness, unwarranted aggression or unstable temperament. Severe depigmentation of the nose, lips or eyelids, blue eyes, heterochromia or serious eyelid defects (entropion, ectropion) are disqualifying. Jaw deformities, incorrect bite, absence of multiple teeth, or major cranial faults exclude a dog from breeding. Incorrect coat structure—curly, lacking undercoat, excessively soft or sparse—is disqualifying. Non-standard coat colors, large white markings with weak pigmentation, congenital defects of limbs, paralysis or cryptorchidism are also disqualifying.
Important Notes
The Polish Shepherd is a functional herding breed, and its evaluation must consider working ability, mental stability and endurance. Puppies and young dogs develop unevenly; temporary disproportions are acceptable if they do not affect movement or health. The coat must retain its natural structure and volume; excessive trimming or straightening is not permitted. Attention should be paid to bone strength, angulation and overall balance, which ensure free, efficient movement. Apathy, nervousness or lack of initiative are undesirable. True type is defined by a combination of working and exterior qualities.
Conclusion
The Polish Shepherd is a strong, intelligent and independent working breed developed for herding and possessing a stable temperament, endurance and a pronounced guarding instinct. It combines a compact, solid body, dense coat and confident movement to create a complete breed image. With proper upbringing and socialization, it becomes a loyal, active and perceptive companion, capable of working and adapting to various conditions. Essential breed qualities include liveliness, attentiveness, independence and trainability. The Polish Shepherd remains one of Europe’s most functional herding breeds.
