Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Berger Picard
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Herding Group
Berger Picard
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Overview
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs feature a distinctive shaggy double coat that covers their muscular, well-proportioned frame. Their medium-sized, rectangular body is adorned with long, dense fur that can come in various colors. Alert, expressive eyes peek through their characteristic facial hair, while their confident bearing reflects their herding heritage. Their temperament combines intelligence with an independent streak, showing remarkable adaptability and natural protective instincts.
Berger Picard Overview
Berger Picards are elegant herding dogs with distinctive upright ears and a shaggy, tawny coat. Their muscular build and alert expression reflect their heritage as working dogs. Standing 23.5-25.5 inches tall, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility. Their natural, rustic appearance features a harsh double coat and expressive eyebrows that give them a uniquely charming look.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are less energetic than Berger Picards, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require more grooming attention compared to Berger Picards.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Berger Picards.
- Trainability: Polish Lowland Sheepdogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Polish Lowland Sheepdog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Berger Picards adapt better to apartment living, while Polish Lowland Sheepdogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and Berger Picard, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Polish Lowland Sheepdog | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Polish Lowland Sheepdog | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm | 22-25 inches 55-65 cm |
| Weight | 30-50 lbs 14-23 kg | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Polish Lowland Sheepdog | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Clever, Lively | Loyal, Good-Natured, Observant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Polish Lowland Sheepdog | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Temperament
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is known for being confident, clever, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Berger Picard Temperament
The Berger Picard is characterized by being loyal, good-natured, observant, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and Berger Picard, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Berger Picard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Berger Picards need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Berger Picards require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Problems
Berger Picard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
Pros & Cons
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Pros
- Excellent herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Good watchdog
- Intelligent
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Requires extensive exercise
- May be aloof with strangers
Berger Picard
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- May be reserved with strangers
- Requires experienced owner
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and Berger Picard, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.