PON
Breed Description

The PON is the commonly used abbreviation for the Polish Owczarek Nizinny, which translates to Polish Lowland Sheepdog in English. This affectionate nickname has become so widely recognized that many breed enthusiasts refer to these dogs simply as PONs, both in casual conversation and in official breed documentation. The abbreviation has gained international recognition and is commonly used by breed clubs, veterinarians, and owners worldwide as a convenient shorthand for this wonderful breed.

The full Polish name, Owczarek Nizinny, directly describes the breed's heritage and function. Owczarek means sheepdog in Polish, while Nizinny refers to the lowlands, specifically the plains and valleys of Poland where these dogs developed their herding skills over centuries. This geographical designation distinguishes the PON from its mountain-dwelling cousin, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog, which guarded flocks in the mountainous regions of southern Poland.

In various countries, the PON is known by different names that reflect local languages and naming conventions. In Germany, the breed may be referred to as the Polnischer Niederungshütehund, maintaining the reference to Polish lowlands. French speakers know the breed as Berger Polonais de Plaine, which translates directly to Polish Lowland Sheepdog. These international names all preserve the essential elements of the breed's identity: its Polish origin and its lowland herding heritage.

The breed has also acquired several affectionate nicknames beyond the standard PON abbreviation. Some enthusiasts call them Polish Sheepdogs for simplicity, while others use the term Polski Owczarek in a shortened form of the full Polish name. In Poland itself, the breed enjoys great national pride as one of the country's most beloved native breeds, often simply called Nizinny by those familiar with the breed.

Historically, the PON was sometimes confused with or grouped together with other shaggy European herding breeds. Early documentation occasionally referenced these dogs as Polish Herding Dogs or Polish Shepherd Dogs in more general terms. As breed standards became more formalized in the twentieth century, the specific name Polski Owczarek Nizinny became the official designation, ensuring proper identification and distinction from similar breeds.

The recognition of the PON under its various names reflects the breed's journey from obscure regional working dog to internationally celebrated companion and show dog. Today, whether called PON, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or by its full Polish name, this versatile and charming breed enjoys dedicated followings across Europe, North America, and beyond, with breed clubs actively promoting and preserving this remarkable herding dog for future generations.

The PON has achieved recognition from major kennel clubs and breed organizations worldwide, establishing its place among the respected herding breeds of the canine world. This recognition came through decades of dedicated breeding efforts by Polish enthusiasts who worked tirelessly to restore the breed after near extinction during World War II and to gain international acceptance for their beloved native breed.

The American Kennel Club officially recognized the PON in 2001, placing the breed in the Herding Group where it competes alongside other working shepherd breeds. Prior to full recognition, the breed was recorded in the AKC's Foundation Stock Service beginning in 1999, allowing breeders to register their dogs and build the foundation for eventual full recognition. The AKC breed standard emphasizes the PON's medium size, shaggy coat, and characteristic herding temperament.

The United Kennel Club recognizes the PON within their Herding Dog Group, acknowledging the breed's working heritage and versatility. The UKC standard closely aligns with international standards while maintaining specific requirements for type and temperament that reflect the breed's original purpose as a working herding dog capable of managing livestock independently.

The Canadian Kennel Club includes the PON in their Herding Group, providing Canadian breeders and exhibitors with opportunities to showcase their dogs in conformation and performance events. The CKC standard follows international guidelines while ensuring Canadian breeding programs maintain proper type and health standards for the breed.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale, the world's largest international federation of kennel clubs, recognized the PON in 1959, classifying the breed in Group 1, Section 1 as a sheepdog. Poland holds the breed standard under FCI Standard Number 251, reflecting the breed's status as a native Polish breed. The FCI standard serves as the foundation for breed standards in most countries outside North America and provides detailed guidance on proper PON type and structure.

The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom recognized the PON and places the breed in the Pastoral Group, which encompasses herding and working breeds. UK breed enthusiasts have developed a strong community of PON owners and breeders who actively participate in shows and working events while maintaining close ties with Polish breed clubs.

In Poland, the breed's country of origin, the Zwiazek Kynologiczny w Polsce (Polish Kennel Club) serves as the primary registry and maintains the official breed standard that forms the basis for FCI recognition. Polish breed clubs have been instrumental in preserving and promoting the PON, organizing specialty shows and working trials that celebrate the breed's heritage and abilities.

The American Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club serves as the AKC parent club for the breed in the United States. This organization works to promote responsible breeding practices, educate the public about the breed, and provide resources for PON owners and enthusiasts. The club hosts national specialty shows and maintains breed rescue resources for PONs in need of new homes.

Breed standards across organizations consistently emphasize several key characteristics that define the PON. The breed should present as a medium-sized, cobby dog with a long, thick, shaggy coat covering the entire body including the characteristic facial furnishings. Movement should be efficient and ground-covering, reflecting the breed's ability to work all day in the field. Temperament standards describe an animated, intelligent dog that is perceptive, alert, and confident without being aggressive.

The PON presents as a medium-sized, compact, and muscular dog completely covered with a long, thick, shaggy coat that gives the breed its distinctive appearance. The overall impression is of a strong, lively dog built for endurance and capable of the demanding work required of a traditional herding breed. Despite the profuse coat that obscures much of the body, the PON possesses solid bone structure and well-developed musculature beneath the flowing locks.

The head of the PON is proportionate to the body, medium-sized with a moderately broad skull that is slightly domed. The stop is clearly defined but not overly pronounced. The muzzle is strong and blunt, roughly equal in length to the skull, giving the head a balanced appearance. The nose is large and black, or dark brown in chocolate-colored dogs. The breed's characteristic facial furnishings include abundant hair falling over the eyes, a full beard, and pronounced eyebrows that create the breed's endearing expression.

The eyes of the PON are oval-shaped, medium-sized, and typically hazel or brown, though blue eyes occasionally occur. The eyes convey an alert, penetrating expression that reflects the breed's intelligent and watchful nature. The hair falling over the eyes is a breed characteristic that should not be trimmed for showing, though pet owners sometimes choose to tie back or trim this hair for the dog's comfort and visibility.

The ears are set moderately high, heart-shaped, and drop close to the head. They are covered with long hair that blends into the facial furnishings and body coat. The ears are medium-sized and proportionate to the head, contributing to the breed's characteristic silhouette without being overly large or pendulous.

The body of the PON is distinctly rectangular in outline, with the length from chest to buttocks slightly greater than the height at the withers. The chest is deep and moderately broad, providing ample heart and lung capacity for sustained work. The back is level and muscular, the loin broad and well-muscled. The croup slopes slightly toward the tail. The overall build conveys strength and endurance rather than speed or agility.

The legs are straight, muscular, and well-boned, with the front legs parallel when viewed from the front. The hindquarters are well-angulated with strong, muscular thighs. The feet are oval-shaped and compact with thick pads, covered with hair between the toes. Some PONs are born without tails (natural bobtails), while others have full tails that may be docked in countries where this practice is permitted.

The coat is the PON's most distinctive feature, consisting of a soft, dense undercoat and a long, thick, slightly wavy or straight outer coat with a harsh texture. The coat covers the entire body and should be profuse but never silky or so excessive as to hide the natural outline of the dog. All coat colors are acceptable in the breed standard, including white, gray, brown, black, and various combinations with white markings. The coat requires significant maintenance but serves the practical purpose of protecting the dog from harsh weather conditions.

Males typically stand eighteen to twenty inches at the shoulder, while females range from seventeen to nineteen inches. Weight varies from thirty to fifty pounds depending on size and build. The breed should appear substantial without being heavy or coarse, maintaining the agility and endurance necessary for herding work. Proper proportion and balance are emphasized over extreme size in either direction.

The PON traces its ancestry to the ancient shaggy-coated herding dogs of Central Asia that migrated westward with nomadic peoples over many centuries. These ancestral dogs eventually established themselves throughout the plains and lowlands of Poland, where they developed into the distinct breed we know today. While the exact origins are lost to history, the PON shares common ancestors with other European herding breeds including the Tibetan Terrier, Bearded Collie, and Puli.

Historical records suggest that shaggy herding dogs resembling the modern PON have worked Polish lowlands for at least several hundred years. These dogs proved invaluable to Polish farmers and shepherds, possessing the intelligence, hardiness, and herding instinct necessary to manage flocks across the vast agricultural regions of central Poland. The breed developed in relative isolation, selected primarily for working ability rather than appearance, which helped establish the consistent type that would later form the foundation of the modern breed.

One of the most intriguing legends in PON history involves a possible connection to the Scottish Bearded Collie. According to popular account, in 1514, a Polish merchant named Kazimierz Grabski traded grain for sheep in Scotland and brought several PONs along to help herd the newly acquired flock. A Scottish shepherd was so impressed by the dogs' herding ability that he traded a ram and two ewes for a male PON and two females. These dogs reportedly contributed to the development of the Bearded Collie, though this connection remains legendary rather than definitively proven.

The PON continued as a working farm dog in Poland through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, largely unknown outside its native country. The breed remained unregistered and unstandardized during this period, with dogs selected purely for their working ability rather than conformity to any written standard. Regional variations existed, but the essential type remained consistent: a medium-sized, shaggy-coated herding dog with intelligence, endurance, and strong herding instinct.

World War II proved devastating for the PON, as it did for many European dog breeds. The German occupation of Poland and the chaos of war led to massive population losses among these dogs. By the end of the war, the PON teetered on the brink of extinction, with only scattered survivors remaining across Poland. The breed's survival hung by a thread, dependent on the dedication of a few committed enthusiasts who recognized the PON's value.

The restoration of the PON began in earnest in 1948 under the leadership of Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz, a Polish veterinarian and dog fancier who dedicated herself to saving the breed. She located a dog named Smok, whose exceptional type and temperament made him the cornerstone of the rebuilding effort. Smok was mated to carefully selected bitches who had survived the war, and his offspring formed the foundation of the modern PON population. By 1949, approximately one hundred and forty dogs had been located and registered, allowing systematic breeding to begin.

The first official breed standard for the PON was written in Poland in 1959, coinciding with FCI recognition. This standard established the definitive description of proper PON type, based largely on the characteristics displayed by Smok and his best offspring. The standard emphasized the breed's working heritage while establishing guidelines for structure, coat, and temperament that would ensure consistency as the breed recovered.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the PON population slowly but steadily increased in Poland, with dedicated breeders carefully managing bloodlines to maintain genetic diversity while fixing type. The breed began appearing at Polish dog shows, gaining visibility and attracting new enthusiasts. By the 1980s, the PON had achieved stable population numbers in its homeland and began attracting attention from dog fanciers in other countries.

The PON arrived in North America in the early 1980s, with the first dogs imported by dedicated enthusiasts eager to introduce Americans to this charming breed. The American Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club was formed to promote the breed and work toward AKC recognition. Years of careful breeding, documentation, and education culminated in AKC recognition in 2001, opening new opportunities for PON owners and breeders in the United States.

Today, the PON enjoys a devoted following worldwide, cherished both as a companion and as a competitive show and performance dog. While no longer commonly used for actual sheep herding, the breed retains its herding instincts and excels in herding trials and other performance events. The remarkable story of the PON's near extinction and recovery stands as a testament to the dedication of breed enthusiasts who refused to let this valuable heritage breed disappear.

The PON possesses a temperament shaped by centuries of selective breeding for intelligence, independence, and working ability. These dogs are renowned for their exceptional memory, which breed enthusiasts often describe as one of the PON's most distinctive mental characteristics. A PON rarely forgets a command once learned, a person once met, or an experience once had. This remarkable memory served the breed well in its herding work, where dogs needed to remember complex routines and respond appropriately to various situations without constant human direction.

Intelligence defines the PON personality, manifesting as quick learning ability, problem-solving skills, and a perceptive awareness of their environment. These dogs readily understand what their owners want and are capable of learning complex commands and routines. However, this intelligence comes paired with an independent streak that can sometimes frustrate owners expecting unquestioning obedience. The PON thinks for itself, a trait that made the breed valuable as a working herding dog but requires understanding and patience in a companion relationship.

The PON typically displays a confident, self-assured demeanor that reflects the breed's heritage as an independent worker. These dogs do not generally suffer from anxiety or insecurity, approaching new situations with curiosity rather than fear. This confidence should not be mistaken for aggression; properly socialized PONs are stable and even-tempered, reserving their wariness for situations that genuinely warrant caution.

With their families, PONs demonstrate deep affection and loyalty that bonds them closely to their people. These are not aloof or distant dogs but rather engaged family members who want to participate in household activities and be near their humans. The PON's devotion to family makes them excellent companions for those who can provide the attention and interaction these social dogs require. They thrive on positive relationships with their people and may become unhappy if isolated or ignored.

The breed's characteristic reserve with strangers reflects their heritage as watchful guardians of home and flock. PONs typically require time to warm up to unfamiliar people, observing newcomers carefully before deciding whether to offer friendship. This natural caution makes them excellent watchdogs who reliably alert their families to unusual occurrences. With proper socialization, PONs learn to distinguish between normal visitors and genuine threats, avoiding excessive suspicion or reactivity.

Playfulness remains a hallmark of the PON personality throughout life, with many dogs maintaining puppy-like enthusiasm for games and activities well into their senior years. These dogs particularly enjoy interactive play that engages their minds as well as their bodies. Puzzle toys, hide-and-seek games, and activities that challenge their intelligence often prove more satisfying than simple fetch or chase games.

The PON's herding instinct may manifest in companion settings as an inclination to gather and control movement of family members, particularly children. Some PONs will circle, nudge, or gently herd their human charges, behaviors that reflect deeply ingrained instincts rather than trained responses. Understanding and channeling these instincts appropriately helps maintain harmony in the household while honoring the breed's working heritage.

Stubbornness or willfulness can appear in the PON personality, particularly when dogs feel they know better than their handlers or when asked to perform tasks they find pointless. This independent thinking was an asset in working dogs who needed to make decisions without human guidance but can challenge pet owners expecting immediate compliance. Patient, consistent training that respects the dog's intelligence while establishing clear boundaries typically produces the best results with this breed.

The PON generally adapts well to various living situations provided their needs for exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship are met. They can thrive in apartments if given adequate outdoor time and activity, though they equally enjoy larger properties where they can roam and explore. Whatever the living situation, the PON requires significant interaction with their family to remain happy and well-adjusted.

The PON integrates well into family life, forming strong bonds with all household members while often selecting one person as their primary attachment figure. These dogs thrive in homes where they can participate in daily activities and feel included as genuine family members. The breed's moderate size, adaptability, and affectionate nature make them suitable companions for various family configurations, from singles and couples to larger households with children.

With children, the PON typically demonstrates patience and gentleness, particularly when raised together from puppyhood. The breed's playful nature makes them willing playmates for active children who enjoy outdoor games and adventures. However, the PON's herding instincts may lead some dogs to attempt herding running children through nipping at heels, a behavior that requires early training to redirect. Teaching both children and dogs appropriate interaction helps ensure harmonious relationships.

The PON generally coexists well with other household pets when properly introduced and socialized. They can form friendships with other dogs, particularly if raised together, though some PONs may display dominant tendencies with same-sex dogs that require management. With cats and smaller pets, early socialization typically prevents problems, though the breed's herding instincts may initially prompt interest in chasing or controlling smaller animals.

Exercise requirements for the PON fall in the moderate to high range, reflecting the breed's heritage as an active working dog. Daily walks, play sessions, and opportunities to run and explore help keep PONs physically fit and mentally satisfied. Without adequate exercise, these intelligent dogs may develop behavioral problems born from boredom and excess energy. A securely fenced yard provides valuable space for exercise, though supervised off-leash time in safe areas can supplement yard time.

Mental stimulation proves equally important as physical exercise for the PON's wellbeing. These intelligent dogs need activities that challenge their minds and engage their problem-solving abilities. Training sessions, puzzle toys, nose work, and interactive games help satisfy the PON's intellectual needs. Dogs denied adequate mental stimulation may become destructive, excessive barkers, or display other unwanted behaviors as outlets for their understimulated minds.

The PON's adaptability allows the breed to thrive in various living environments, from rural farms to urban apartments. Key factors for success include sufficient exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship rather than specific housing types. Apartment dwellers can successfully keep PONs provided they commit to daily outdoor exercise and enrichment activities. Rural properties offer more space for self-directed activity but still require owner engagement and interaction.

Climate tolerance in the PON is excellent, with the breed's dense double coat providing protection from both cold and moderate heat. These dogs handle winter weather well, often enjoying snow and cold temperatures that would discomfort less well-insulated breeds. In hot climates, shade, water, and air conditioning help keep PONs comfortable, and exercise should be scheduled for cooler morning and evening hours during summer months.

The PON's vocal nature serves them well as watchdogs but may create challenges in close-quarters living situations. These dogs readily alert their families to visitors, unusual sounds, and perceived threats through barking. Training can help manage excessive vocalization, but prospective owners in apartments or neighborhoods with noise restrictions should consider whether the breed's watchdog tendencies align with their living situation.

Travel with a PON is generally manageable given the breed's moderate size and adaptable nature. These dogs typically ride well in vehicles once accustomed to car travel and adjust to new environments without excessive stress. Their portable size makes them welcome in many pet-friendly accommodations, though the grooming requirements of their coat demand attention even when traveling.

The PON's lifespan of twelve to fourteen years provides many years of companionship for families who welcome these dogs into their homes. Throughout their lives, PONs remain engaged and interactive family members who contribute loyalty, entertainment, and protection to their households. The commitment to proper care, training, and companionship rewards families with a devoted friend whose presence enriches daily life.

Training the PON requires understanding the breed's unique combination of high intelligence and independent thinking. These dogs learn quickly and remember well, but they also possess the self-direction that made them valuable as independent working dogs. The most successful training approaches work with rather than against the PON's nature, using positive reinforcement methods that engage the dog's interest and respect their intelligence.

Early socialization proves critical for PON puppies, establishing the foundation for confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. Exposure to various people, places, sounds, and experiences during the critical socialization period helps puppies develop appropriate responses to new situations throughout life. The PON's natural wariness with strangers makes early socialization particularly important for preventing excessive suspicion or shyness in adulthood.

Basic obedience training should begin early, establishing fundamental commands and household manners while puppies are most receptive to learning. The PON's excellent memory means that commands learned in puppyhood typically remain solid throughout life, making early training investment particularly valuable. Consistency in expectations and commands helps the intelligent PON understand exactly what is expected and prevents confusion that can lead to resistance.

Positive reinforcement methods work best with the PON, using treats, praise, and play as rewards for desired behaviors. These intelligent dogs quickly learn what actions produce rewards and adjust their behavior accordingly. Harsh corrections or punishment-based training often backfire with this breed, creating resistance, avoidance, or damage to the human-dog relationship. The PON responds best to trainers who earn respect through fair, consistent handling rather than those who attempt to dominate through force.

The PON's stubborn streak may emerge during training, particularly when dogs find exercises boring, repetitive, or pointless from their perspective. Keeping training sessions short, varied, and engaging helps maintain the PON's interest and cooperation. Incorporating games and challenges that appeal to the breed's problem-solving nature often produces better results than endless repetition of basic exercises.

Advanced training opportunities abound for PON owners interested in developing their dogs' abilities beyond basic obedience. The breed excels in agility, where their intelligence and athleticism combine for competitive success. Herding trials tap into the PON's natural instincts, providing outlets for behaviors that might otherwise manifest inappropriately. Rally, obedience competition, and trick training also suit the PON's capabilities and need for mental challenge.

Exercise requirements for the PON reflect the breed's heritage as an active working dog. Daily physical activity helps maintain fitness, manage weight, and satisfy the breed's need for movement and stimulation. A combination of walks, play sessions, and opportunities for free running in secure areas typically meets most PONs' needs. Exercise intensity and duration should be adjusted based on individual dogs' age, health, and fitness levels.

Mental exercise proves equally important as physical activity for the PON's wellbeing. These intelligent dogs need regular opportunities to use their minds through training, puzzle toys, nose work, or other mentally engaging activities. Physical exercise alone, without mental stimulation, leaves PONs understimulated and potentially prone to behavioral problems. Combining physical and mental challenges provides the most satisfying exercise experience for this breed.

Leash training deserves attention given the PON's herding instincts and potential for distraction by moving objects. Teaching reliable leash manners and impulse control helps ensure safe, enjoyable walks. Some PONs benefit from training with front-clip harnesses or head collars that provide additional control during the learning process, transitioning to regular collars once good habits are established.

Recall training requires particular attention with the PON, as the breed's independent nature may lead to selective hearing when something more interesting captures attention. Building a strong recall through positive reinforcement and gradually increasing distractions helps ensure dogs return reliably when called. Until recall is solid, off-leash exercise should occur only in securely fenced areas.

The PON's watchdog tendencies may require specific training to manage barking and alerting behaviors. Teaching a quiet command and appropriate alert levels helps dogs understand when barking is acceptable and when silence is required. This training proves particularly valuable for PONs living in close proximity to neighbors or in noise-sensitive situations.

The PON generally enjoys robust health, benefiting from the breed's relatively diverse gene pool that was carefully managed during the post-war restoration period. With proper care and attention to breed-specific health considerations, these sturdy dogs typically live twelve to fourteen years, providing many years of companionship to their families.

With attentive care, regular veterinary attention, and responsible breeding practices, the PON continues to enjoy the good health that has characterized the breed throughout its recovery from near extinction. The dedication of breeders to health testing and careful breeding decisions helps ensure future generations of these wonderful dogs remain healthy companions for their families.

The PON's magnificent shaggy coat demands significant grooming commitment from owners willing to maintain the breed's distinctive appearance. This long, thick double coat requires regular attention to prevent painful matting, remove debris, and keep the dog comfortable and healthy. Prospective owners should honestly assess their willingness to provide necessary coat care before committing to this grooming-intensive breed.

Daily brushing represents the foundation of PON coat care, ideally using a pin brush and slicker brush to work through the thick coat down to the skin. Thorough brushing sessions prevent mats from forming and remove loose undercoat before it tangles with the outer coat. Particular attention should be paid to areas prone to matting, including behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar area, and on the hindquarters. Skipping brushing sessions quickly leads to mat formation that becomes increasingly difficult to address.

Bathing frequency for the PON varies depending on lifestyle and individual coat texture, but most dogs benefit from bathing every four to six weeks. Using quality dog shampoo and conditioner helps maintain coat health and manageability. Thorough rinsing proves essential, as shampoo residue left in the thick coat can cause skin irritation. Equally important is thorough drying, as moisture trapped in the dense undercoat can lead to skin problems or hot spots.

Professional grooming assistance benefits many PON owners, particularly those new to the breed or struggling to maintain the coat independently. Professional groomers can provide thorough brushing, bathing, and trimming services that keep coats in optimal condition. Some owners choose to keep their PONs in shorter utility clips that reduce daily maintenance requirements while preserving the breed's essential character.

Mat removal requires patience and proper technique to avoid causing pain or skin damage. Small mats can often be worked apart using fingers and detangling spray, followed by careful brushing. Larger mats may need to be cut out, taking care to cut parallel to the skin rather than toward it. Severely matted coats sometimes require professional attention or even complete shaving to start fresh with a manageable coat.

The facial furnishings of the PON require regular attention to maintain comfort and hygiene. Hair around the eyes may need occasional trimming if it interferes with vision, though traditional breed presentation keeps this hair long. Regular cleaning around the eyes prevents tear staining and keeps the area comfortable. The beard should be wiped after meals and checked regularly for food debris or matting.

Ear care assumes particular importance in the PON given the breed's drop ears covered with long hair. Weekly ear checks help detect early signs of infection, excessive wax buildup, or foreign material. Careful hair plucking or trimming inside the ear canal may be necessary to maintain adequate airflow and prevent moisture-related problems. Signs of ear infection including odor, discharge, or excessive head shaking warrant veterinary attention.

Nail maintenance follows standard guidelines for all breeds, with nails trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth that can affect gait and foot health. Most PONs need nail trimming every two to four weeks, depending on activity levels and surfaces walked on. Introducing nail care routines during puppyhood helps ensure adult dogs accept the procedure calmly.

Dental care contributes to overall PON health and should be incorporated into regular grooming routines. Daily tooth brushing with dog-safe toothpaste helps prevent dental disease and maintains fresh breath. Dental chews and professional cleanings supplement home care for optimal oral health throughout the dog's life.

The grooming requirements of the PON, while demanding, provide regular opportunities for bonding between dog and owner. Many PONs learn to enjoy grooming sessions as quality time with their people, relaxing into the attention and physical contact. Establishing positive associations with grooming from puppyhood helps ensure cooperative adult dogs who accept necessary maintenance gracefully.