Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Schipperke
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
Schipperke
Non-Sporting 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.
Schipperke Overview
Schipperkes are small, sturdy dogs with distinctive black coats and fox-like faces. Their well-muscled bodies support an alert, confident stance, while their thick double coat forms a characteristic ruff, cape, and culottes. Standing 11-13 inches tall, these agile dogs move with purpose and grace, displaying their heritage as both watchdogs and ratters through their keen expression and quick movements.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are less energetic than Schipperkes, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require more grooming attention compared to Schipperkes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Schipperkes.
- Trainability: Schipperkes may be slightly easier to train due to their Schipperke's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Schipperkes 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 Schipperke, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Polish Lowland Sheepdog | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Polish Lowland Sheepdog | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm | 10-13 inches 25-33 cm |
| Weight | 30-50 lbs 14-23 kg | 10-16 lbs 5-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Polish Lowland Sheepdog | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Clever, Lively | Confident, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Polish Lowland Sheepdog | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Schipperke Temperament
The Schipperke is characterized by being confident, alert, curious, 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 Schipperke, 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
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Schipperke
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
Schipperke
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
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.
Schipperke Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Schipperkes 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, Schipperkes 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
Schipperke Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- MPS IIIB
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
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
Schipperke
Pros
- Excellent watchdog
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Barks frequently
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and Schipperke, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.