Polish Lowland Sheepdog Grooming Guide: Coat, Nails, and Bathing

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is one of those breeds whose entire look comes from its coat, and as a professional trainer who works closely with owners on care routines, I can tell you that grooming a PON is a real commitment. That long, shaggy, double-layered coat is gorgeous, but it will mat into tight, uncomfortable tangles within days if it is neglected. The good news is that a steady, simple routine keeps the coat manageable and your dog comfortable.

In this guide I will walk you through the tools, the step-by-step process for coat, nails, and bathing, the mistakes that cause the most grief, and how to keep grooming a positive experience for your dog. None of this is complicated, but it does need to be consistent. Build the habit early, especially with a puppy, and grooming becomes a calm bonding ritual rather than a battle.

What You Will Need

Having the right tools on hand makes grooming faster and far less frustrating for both of you.

✅ A slicker brush for working through the outer coat
✅ A metal greyhound comb to find hidden mats near the skin
✅ A detangling spray to ease out tougher knots
✅ A gentle dog-specific shampoo and conditioner
✅ Dog nail clippers or a nail grinder
✅ Styptic powder for accidental nail bleeds
✅ A dog ear cleaner and cotton pads
✅ Plenty of small treats for positive reinforcement

Step by Step: How to Groom a Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Work through these stages calmly, in short sessions if your dog is young or new to grooming. Praise and treats throughout make a huge difference.

Brush in sections

Part the coat and brush from the skin outward in layers using the slicker brush. Then follow with the comb to catch mats hiding close to the skin, focusing behind the ears, under the legs, and around the rear.

Tackle mats gently

Spray detangler on knots and tease them apart with your fingers and the comb, working from the outer edge inward. Never bathe a matted dog, since water tightens tangles.

Bathe every six to eight weeks

Once the coat is mat-free, wet thoroughly, lather with a gentle dog shampoo, and rinse completely. Leftover shampoo causes itching. Towel dry, then dry the dense undercoat fully to prevent trapped moisture.

Trim the nails

Every three to four weeks, clip or grind small amounts, stopping before the quick. If you hear nails clicking on the floor, they are too long. Keep styptic powder nearby just in case.

Clean ears and check eyes

Weekly, wipe the outer ear with a dog ear cleaner on a cotton pad, and trim hair around the eyes so your dog can see clearly. Watch for redness, odor, or discharge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few common grooming errors cause most of the problems I see with this breed. Steering clear of them protects your dog’s skin and coat.

🟠 Avoid These Pitfalls

Brushing only the surface and missing mats near the skin, bathing before fully detangling the coat, letting the dense undercoat stay damp after a bath, cutting nails too short into the quick, and shaving the double coat down in summer are the mistakes that lead to matting, skin infections, and discomfort. Always brush right down to the skin and dry the coat completely.

Tips for Success

These small habits make grooming smoother and keep your PON’s coat in top shape year-round.

🟢 What Works Well

Start grooming routines in puppyhood so your dog learns to relax for handling. Keep sessions short and reward generously. Brush a little most days rather than one marathon session weekly. Trim long hair around the eyes, paws, and sanitary areas for hygiene. Always dry the undercoat thoroughly, and book a professional groomer every couple of months if the coat overwhelms you.

When to Get Professional Help

Some situations are best handed to a professional groomer or your veterinarian. If the coat has become severely matted, do not try to cut the mats out yourself, since it is easy to nick the skin. A groomer has the tools to remove tight mats safely, and in serious cases your vet may sedate the dog to shave matted areas humanely. Contact your veterinarian instead of a groomer if you notice red or smelly ears, itchy or inflamed skin, hair loss, or any lump or sore hidden under the coat, since these point to a health issue rather than a grooming one.

Safety note: Never cut tight mats off with scissors close to the skin, as it is very easy to wound your dog, and seek a vet’s help for any skin redness, sores, or ear infections you find while grooming.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How often should I brush a Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

Brush at least two to three times a week, and ideally a little every day during heavy shedding periods. The thick double coat mats easily, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the rear, so regular sessions prevent painful tangles from forming.

How often does a Polish Lowland Sheepdog need a bath?

A bath every six to eight weeks is usually plenty for a PON unless your dog gets especially dirty. Over-bathing can strip natural oils and dry the skin, so brush out all mats first and use a gentle dog-specific shampoo.

Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs shed a lot?

They shed less dramatically than many double-coated breeds, but they do shed, and loose hair gets trapped in the coat rather than falling out. That trapped hair is exactly why frequent brushing matters so much for this breed.

Should I shave my Polish Lowland Sheepdog in summer?

I do not recommend shaving the coat down. The double coat actually insulates against both heat and cold and protects the skin from sun. A trim by a groomer is fine, but a full shave can interfere with healthy coat regrowth and temperature regulation.

How do I trim my dog's nails without hurting them?

Trim small amounts at a time and stop before the quick, the pink area inside the nail that contains blood vessels. On dark nails, snip thin slices until you see a pale center. Keep styptic powder on hand in case of a minor bleed, and reward your dog throughout.