Differences Between a Polish Lowland Sheepdog & Bearded Collie

Bearded Collies and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs share many similarities. According to the accepted breed histories, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs were konwn as early as the medieval times, when they were brought to Scotland. Interbreeding between Polish Lowland Sheepdogs and the native Scottish herding dogs is believed to be the origin of the modern Bearded Collie breed.

  1. About the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    • An average weight for an adult Polish Lowland Sheepdog is in the range of 35 to 55 pounds. The normal adult height range is between 17 and 20 inches tall. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs tend to be intelligent and hardworking, with a strong will that can occasionally turn to stubbornness. This dog is typically energetic and needs plenty of exercise to keep from getting bored. Generally a healthy breed, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is more prone than other breeds to the hip condition canine hip dysplasia and the eye disease progressive retinal atrophy.

    About the Bearded Collie

    • The Bearded Collie was developed in Scotland as a herding dog. Its working background lends the breed an energetic, affectionate and outgoing temperament -- as pets, Beardies need plenty of exercise. Their coats are longer than those of other collie breeds, such as Border Collies. The chasing instinct is strong in these herding dogs. Overall, Bearded Collies tend to be healthy. Like Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, Border Collies have a tendency toward hip problems and certain eye issues. Border Collies additionally may be prone to allergies, auto-immune disease and hypothyroidism.

    Differences in Care and Grooming Needs

    • The Polish Lowland Sheepdog needs more intensive grooming care than the Bearded Collie due to its long and thick coat. The former breed's coat requires extensive grooming to avoid tangles. Generally, a Polish Lowland Sheepdog needs grooming once or twice a week and bathing approximately once every two months. Neither breed typically needs its coat trimmed on a regular basis, however, though both have long double coats. The Bearded Collie is recommended to receive grooming at least weekly.

    Other Differences

    • The Bearded Collie has a slightly longer life expectancy than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Respectively, life spans for the breeds are 14 to 15 years and 10 to 12 years. The Bearded Collie is also usually somewhat larger and heavier than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, with both male and female Bearded Collies typically in the 40- to 60-lb. range as adults. As of the time of publication, a Polish Lowland Sheepdog typically costs more than a Bearded Collie in the U.S. market. Both dogs are relatively expensive breeds for purchase as puppies.