Grooming the Portuguese Water Dog

By Cindra Grooming Products — USA-Made Professional Grooming Essentials

The Portuguese Water Dog comes in two coat types — wavy and curly — both single-layer and low-shedding. This coat grows continuously and requires regular trimming every 6–8 weeks. The coat tends to mat without consistent brushing. Proper grooming supports skin health, prevents matting, and maintains the breed's characteristic maritime working appearance.

Coat

The wavy coat is slightly wavy with a sheen and falls gently; the curly coat has compact, cylindrical curls without sheen. Both are profuse, non-shedding, and single-layered. Neither coat type has an undercoat. The coat grows continuously — without regular trimming and brushing, it becomes heavy, matted, and prone to skin problems. Two show clips are recognized: the lion clip (hindquarters clipped short, muzzle and feet clipped) and the retriever clip (entire coat clipped to follow body outline, one inch long).

Character

Spirited, obedient, and highly intelligent with a strong working drive and a deep love of water. The Portuguese Water Dog is energetic and people-oriented, typically cooperative during grooming when routines are consistent and positive from a young age.

Recommended Cindra Products

  • Moisturizing Shampoo — routine bathing; hydrates without over-conditioning
  • Moisture Plus Conditioner — for slip, detangling, and coat manageability after bathing
  • Maxi Care — light leave-in for daily brushing and tangle prevention between baths
  • Reconstructor — for coats stressed by frequent bathing, water exposure, or breakage

Problems & Solutions

Problem Solution
Matting Apply Moisture Plus full strength to mat, wait 15 min, gently separate. Increase brushing frequency to prevent recurrence.
Dry, breaking coat Wet with warm water, apply Moisture Plus liberally, wrap in warm towel 15–20 min, then shampoo with Moisturizing Shampoo. Follow with Reconstructor on stressed areas.
Heavy coat after water activity Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after ocean or pool; bathe when needed; comb out completely before the coat dries to prevent matting.
Tangle prevention between baths Mist Maxi Care lightly and brush through several times weekly.

Hands-On Grooming Guide

Brushing

Brush 3–4 times weekly to prevent mats. This coat tends to mat quickly at friction areas: behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, and around the tail base. Mist Maxi Care lightly before brushing. Comb through fully — never brush a dry PWD coat aggressively.

Bathing

Bathe every 3–6 weeks or after heavy water activity. Use Moisturizing Shampoo; follow with Moisture Plus. Rinse completely. Comb through while still damp to prevent curls or waves from matting as they dry.

Trimming

Professional trimming every 6–8 weeks is standard. The lion clip or retriever clip may be used for show; pet owners may use a full clip to a consistent length. Consistent trimming prevents the coat from becoming unmanageably heavy.

Shedding

The Portuguese Water Dog is low-shedding but not completely shed-free. Loose hair tends to stay in the coat rather than falling freely, which means mats form faster without regular brushing.

Puppy vs. Adult Coat

Stage Focus
Puppy Softer coat; establish brushing routine and trimming schedule early
Adult Consistent brushing 3–4x weekly; bath every 3–6 weeks; professional trim every 6–8 weeks

Quick Grooming Schedule

Task Frequency
Brushing 3–4 times weekly
Bath Every 3–6 weeks
Trimming Every 6–8 weeks
Nail trim Weekly

Resources