In his native country, this dog rejoices in the name Polski Owczarek Nizinny, affectionately shortened to ‘Pons’. The breed has a long history and derives from the Hungarian Puli and native long-coated herding dogs of Poland. He has been a working dog since at least the 1500s but has gone through periods of decline due to European wars. It is said that he originally came to Britain in the sixteenth century, when sailors from Gdansk exchanged their dogs for other animals at their Scottish ports of call. However, he is a relative newcomer to the British dog-show scene, where new imports were first exhibited in the mid-1980s.

Originally a herding dog, he is very adaptable and easy to train, making good use of his excellent memory. In appearance, he is not unlike the Bearded Collie, but is usually born without a tail. He is exceptionally fond of children and is a lively playmate. His stable temperament and medium size make him an ideal family pet. Regular grooming is required to keep his shaggy, thick coat free from becoming matted.