Portuguese Water Dog Grooming: Every 6–8 Weeks (Curly Coat)

The Coat

Understanding the Portuguese Water Dog's Non-Shedding Coat

The Portuguese Water Dog has a single-layer coat — no undercoat — that is either curly or wavy. Because there is no undercoat to shed seasonally, loose hairs tend to tangle back into the coat rather than falling to the floor. This is why the breed is often described as low-shedding or hypoallergenic. In practice, it means less fur on your furniture, but more active grooming effort to prevent matting.

Left ungroomed, the curly coat will mat tightly against the skin within weeks. Regular brushing and professional trimming every 6–8 weeks are not optional for this breed — they are basic coat health maintenance.

Basic Grooming Schedule

• Brushing: 3–4 times per week minimum; daily for curly-coated dogs or when the coat is longer
• Professional trim: Every 6–8 weeks
• Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks, or as needed
• Nail trimming: Every 3–4 weeks
• Ear cleaning: Weekly — hair grows inside the ear canal and must be managed
• Teeth brushing: Ideally daily; minimum 3 times per week

Brushing and Ear Care

At-Home Grooming for a Portuguese Water Dog

Brushing the Curly or Wavy Coat

Use a slicker brush for daily maintenance and a wide-tooth comb to check for mats at the skin level. Part the coat in sections and work from the skin outward — if you only brush the surface, mats will form underneath against the skin. Pay extra attention to friction areas: behind the ears, under the armpits, collar area, and behind the elbows. These areas mat first.

Ear Care Is Critical

Portuguese Water Dogs grow hair inside the ear canal, which traps moisture and debris and significantly increases the risk of ear infections — especially in a breed that loves swimming. Clean the ears weekly with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner. Your groomer should remove excess hair from the ear canal at each professional appointment. If you notice head shaking, scratching at ears, or odor, see your vet — ear infections are common and need prompt treatment.

After Swimming

The PWD's water-loving nature means wet ears after swimming are a regular occurrence. Dry the ear flaps and wipe just inside the ear opening after every swim. Do not allow water to sit in the ear canal — this is a primary cause of otitis externa (ear infection) in this breed.

Professional Trims

The Lion Clip vs. the Retriever Clip

The Two Traditional Trims

Portuguese Water Dogs have two traditional clip styles associated with the breed, both originally functional for fishing work in Portugal.

The Lion Clip: The hindquarters, muzzle, and flanks are clipped short, while the front of the body, head, and tail tip are left at full length. This is the traditional working clip. It is striking-looking but requires more skill from the groomer to execute well.

The Retriever Clip (or Working Clip): The entire coat is trimmed to a uniform length of 1–1.5 inches all over. This is the more practical choice for most pet owners — easier to maintain at home between appointments and less dramatic when regrowth is uneven. Most PWD owners use the retriever clip.

Grooming Costs

Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks costs approximately $60–$100 per appointment, totaling $450–$800 per year. Curly coats that are not brushed between appointments will require more dematting time at the groomer — which increases cost and is uncomfortable for the dog. Regular at-home brushing keeps professional appointments efficient.

What Happens If You Delay Grooming

A PWD coat that is not trimmed for 3+ months will develop mats that may require a full shave-down to resolve. Shave-downs are not harmful, but the dog is left with very short fur and the coat takes months to grow back. Staying on the 6–8 week schedule is far easier and more comfortable for the dog.