What dog breed was restored after World War II from Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz's dog Smok?

What dog breed was restored after World War II from Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz’s dog Smok? The answer is Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or Polski Owczarek Nizinny, is a medium-sized, shaggy-coated herding breed native to Poland. World War II brought the breed close to extinction, but Dr. Danuta Hryniewicz played a central role in rebuilding its population with her dog Smok, whose name means “Dragon.”

Smok became the foundation sire of the modern breed and reportedly fathered the first ten litters of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs during the 1950s. Hryniewicz considered him an ideal example of the breed, both anatomically and temperamentally. His appearance and working ability helped breeders establish a consistent type.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale accepted the first official breed standard in 1959. The breed’s shaggy double coat, strong memory, confidence, and herding instincts can make it resemble other bearded sheepdogs, especially the Bearded Collie. However, the postwar restoration linked specifically to Smok belongs to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.