A shaggy, medium-sized Polish herding breed with a coat resembling the Old English Sheepdog.

Who is this breed suited to?

The PON suits an active household interested in a compact herding dog and willing to maintain a full, long coat.

Daily time commitment

RKC places adult exercise above two hours daily. Set aside a separate grooming period and short tasks requiring attention and cooperation.

Coat and everyday care

Daily coat checks should reach the underlayers and friction points. Ask how coat care changes between puppy and adult stages.

Challenges to plan for

The shaggy outline hides an active pastoral dog; choosing it only for a cuddly appearance can underestimate training and movement needs.

How does it compare?

The Puli provides a useful Hungarian herder comparison: its developing cords require a different maintenance approach from the PON's long coat.

Questions to ask a breeder

Can you show a complete grooming session, describe the adults' daily jobs, and explain tail variation in the family?

Sources and further reading

Reviewed October 2026. Breed tendencies are not a prediction for an individual dog. Exercise guidance concerns healthy adults; age, condition and weather change the plan.