Polish Lowland Sheepdog // Standard Schnauzer

[Issie]

Researching, researching, researching ...

I've narrowed the field down for our eventual next dog to the PON or SS. I've read extensively about both of these breeds. Needless to say, what is written varies quite a bit.

I know I'm hoping against hope to find someone who knows about both of these breeds. But does anyone here have actual experience with either one?

In the way of a very brief introduction:
- Yes. I do have a fair bit of dog experience, and
- No. I'm not yet at the point where I want to speak with (a) breeder(s).

Thanks all ! ! !

 

[Maxy24]

I'm not going to be much help since it's only in one environment, but I know several standard schnauzers from work. They have all been moderate energy and playful. They have some reactive tendencies with the other dogs, getting worked up by movement and nipping at heels or chasing and barking (though I don't think any of them are particularly leash reactive) which does become an issue in a doggy daycare setting (or a dog park I'd imagine). They've been affectionate with people but not clingy or needy. They enjoy getting pet but aren't begging for it. None have had fear issues. When they come in with their owners they all tend to appear well behaved and obedient. They get excited and might jump a couple of times but don't go nuts.


No idea what they're like to live with though, hopefully someone else has more experience and can help. Just thought I'd mention my thoughts on them.

 

[GaelicBlues]

One of my friends has a PON. He is around a year old. He is happy and bouncy and friendly with dogs and people. However he seems to me to be hard to train as he is very distracted by the environment and other dogs when outside of their home. They are experienced dog owners and he looks like hard work to me!

 

[Issie]

I'm not going to be much help since it's only in one environment, but I know several standard schnauzers from work. They have all been moderate energy and playful. They have some reactive tendencies with the other dogs, getting worked up by movement and nipping at heels or chasing and barking (though I don't think any of them are particularly leash reactive) which does become an issue in a doggy daycare setting (or a dog park I'd imagine). They've been affectionate with people but not clingy or needy. They enjoy getting pet but aren't begging for it. None have had fear issues. When they come in with their owners they all tend to appear well behaved and obedient. They get excited and might jump a couple of times but don't go nuts.


No idea what they're like to live with though, hopefully someone else has more experience and can help. Just thought I'd mention my thoughts on them.

Yes, they're situational observations, but gr8 insights! Thank you.

One of my friends has a PON. He is around a year old. He is happy and bouncy and friendly with dogs and people. However he seems to me to be hard to train as he is very distracted by the environment and other dogs when outside of their home. They are experienced dog owners and he looks like hard work to me!

Thanks. That's a concern. I don't mind the stubborness, "dominance"/rank, potential dog aggression, or a lot of other potential "issues" I've read about, but I don't want a dog bouncing off the walls, constantly looking for stimulation.

 

[milos_mommy]

I have no experience with the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

Standard Schnauzers are definitely terrier-like and can be slightly stand offish to strangers, though IME confident and not fearful, just a bit aloof or guarded. They can be quite dog reactive. I believe they can have some guardier tendencies but not that I've seen (I think of the home, mainly). I think if you're looking for a "harder" breed with more tenacity, they're a good choice.

If you don't want to speak to a breeder, perhaps attend some breed shows or other all breed shows in your area, or see if you can find a meetup group for owners to see if you can hang out with some.