Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Overview
- Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Do Harriers shed more than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Harrier and for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Harrier or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Overview
Both the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are similar in size. The Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
On the other hand, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
| Factor | Harrier | Polish Lowland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 35 to 55 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | No Data |
| Average Price | No Data | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 169 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a better pet than the Harrier. So, you should get the Polish Lowland Sheepdog!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs is 11.0 years.
The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 169 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Harrier
Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Polish Lowland Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 157 |
| 2014 | 181 | 170 |
| 2015 | 183 | 164 |
| 2016 | 186 | 169 |
| 2017 | 183 | 176 |
| 2018 | 189 | 170 |
| 2019 | 186 | 173 |
| 2020 | 190 | 175 |
Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 2 tests are recommended for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health Problems
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Polish Lowland Sheepdog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Polish Lowland Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Polish Lowland Sheepdogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Harriers and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed is Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Polish Lowland Sheepdog ranks 1 out of 8 dog breeds for Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 341 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, 60 of them had Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Harrier and in Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Polish Lowland Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | 60 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 1 out of 8 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 106 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 116 out of 144 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Harriers shed more than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Harriers shed moderately.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Harriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Harrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Polish Lowland Sheepdog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Harrier and how the Polish Lowland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Chinook Harrier versus Lancashire Heeler Harrier versus Labrador Retriever Harrier versus Briard Harrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer Harrier versus Pomchi Harrier versus Whoodle Harrier versus Kooikerhondje Harrier versus Australian Cattle Dog Harrier versus English Cocker Spaniel Harrier versus Cavachon Harrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Harrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever Harrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Westiepoo Harrier versus Miniature Schnauzer Harrier versus Karelian Bear Dog Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd Harrier versus Peek A Poo Harrier versus Alaskan Malamute Harrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Harrier versus Boxerdoodle Harrier versus Belgian Malinois Harrier versus Australian Shepherd Harrier versus King Shepherd
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Cockapoo Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Catahoula Bulldog Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Chinese Crested Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Bordoodle Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Basset Hound Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Bernedoodle Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Miniature Poodle Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Whoodle Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Bernedoodle Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Bolognese Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Maltese Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Kai Ken Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Canaan Dog
Conclusion: Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Harrier and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.