Portuguese Water Dogs are true showstoppers. Whether you're a proud owner or simply a canine enthusiast, learning how to groom a Portuguese Water Dog is an art that combines health, style, and love. 

In this article, we'll take you through the intricate steps of grooming this breed to perfection. From nail care to coat maintenance, from working retriever trims to the lion trim, we'll dive into the details that will keep your Portuguese Water Dog looking its best and feeling comfortable.

Quick Overview of Breed Facts and Characteristics

The Portuguese Water Dog is a unique and beautiful breed with a rich history, originating from Portugal. Known for its distinctive coat and strong build, these dogs make excellent companions. Their characteristics include a height ranging from 17 to 23 inches at the shoulder, a curly or wavy long and dense coat, and various colors, including black, white, and shades of brown. Some dogs may have a combination of black or brown with white, giving them a striking appearance.

The Best Grooming Process for Portuguese Water Dogs

Portuguese Water Dogs require special grooming attention to maintain their distinctive appearance and ensure their health. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to groom them correctly:

Pre-grooming Steps

• Nail Care: Trim or grind the dog's nails every four to six weeks to maintain proper foot structure. Regular nail maintenance is crucial to prevent discomfort and health issues.
• Ear Cleaning: Clean the ears with a mild ear-cleaning solution and only pluck hair from the ear canal as necessary for healthy ear management. Regular ear cleaning helps prevent infections.
• Mat and Tangle Removal: Inspect the entire body for serious mats or tangles before bathing. Leave any tangles that can be penetrated with water for removal after the dog is clean. This step ensures a smooth and comfortable grooming process.
• Coat Preparation: If the pet hasn't been professionally groomed for six weeks, remove the excessive body coat and set the pattern before bathing. This initial step sets the foundation for a well-groomed appearance.

Brushing

• Tangle-Free Coat: Ensure the dog is completely tangle-free before the haircut. Use a firm, slicker brush or wide-toothed comb to systematically work through the entire body. This helps maintain the coat's integrity.
• Mats and Tangles: Pay close attention to areas where mats and tangles are common, such as behind the ears, around the ruff, armpits, thighs, undercarriage, and tail. Thorough brushing minimizes discomfort and keeps the coat in top condition.
• Grooming Tools: Be cautious when using tools with metal teeth or bristles, as excessive pressure or repeated use in an area can cause cuts or brush burns. Gentle handling and the right tools are critical to a successful grooming session. 

Coat Types & Acceptable Trims

Portuguese Water Dogs boast two distinct coat types and two approved trim styles: the Lion Clip and the Working Retriever Clip. The two coat types are wavy and tight curly, and maintaining these trims will help your dog look their best.

Working Retriever Clip

• Pattern Lines: The coat should be approximately one inch long all over, with no broken lines. It should follow the body's natural contour, giving the dog an elegant and balanced appearance. Leave a long tuft at the end of the tail, adding a touch of individuality to the grooming style.
• Body: Hand-scissor or clipper-cut the body with a longer guard comb to maintain about one inch of length throughout. This step ensures a sleek and even finish without visible scissor or clipper marks.
• Chest & Neck: Hand-scissor or clipper-cut with a longer guard comb to maintain approximately one inch in length. A smooth and even finish without scissor or clipper marks contributes to a polished look.
• Tail: Hand-scissor or clipper cut the tail's base with a longer guard comb, leaving approximately one inch in length to cover the tailbone. A long natural tuft should remain at the end, preserving the dog's distinctive appearance.
• Hindquarters: Hand-scissor or clipper-cut with a longer guard comb to maintain approximately one inch in length, following the dog's natural contours. This step ensures an even and attractive look for the hindquarters.
• Front Legs: Shape the legs in parallel columns, falling straight down from the widest point of the shoulder. Keep the coat about one inch long, similar to the body, for a harmonious appearance. Round the feet with shears to blend with the legs, creating a pleasing aesthetic for the dog's overall style.

• Feet & Hocks: Trim the pads using a close-cutting action blade ranging from a #15 to #40. Lightly clean the pads of long hair to ensure the dog's comfort and prevent dirt accumulation. Tidy the outer edge of the foot, if necessary, with small detailing shears. This step adds a finishing touch to the dog's overall appearance.

Lion Trim

The Lion Clip involves removing the long coat from the hindquarters with blades ranging from #10 to #4F, depending on client preference. This carefully chosen style highlights the front of the dog and creates a regal appearance. The dog's front half should have longer fur, about three inches in length, following the natural conformation, enhancing the dog's regal and dignified look.

Clip the muzzle and throat short with blades ranging from #10 to #4F, providing a well-defined and distinguished appearance. Leave the fur long and natural at the end of the tail, creating a tuft, a signature feature of the Lion Clip. Round the front feet and clip the back feet short, further enhancing the dog's majestic presence.

Head Study: Applies to Both Trims

The head of the Portuguese Water Dogs is trimmed the same way for both trim styles. 

• Eyes and Stop: The Portuguese Water Dog's eyes are round in shape and are a defining feature of their expressive face. These eyes are set off by a well-defined "stop" – the area between the eyes and the forehead. To groom this area properly, trim the stop just enough to expose the eyes. You can do this using thinning shears or a moderately close blade, such as a #10. This careful trimming ensures that your dog's eyes are showcased beautifully.
• Eyebrow Maintenance: Creating a well-defined and elegant look involves clearing the fur over the eye area at an angle, starting closer right above the eyelids and gradually getting longer as it moves away from the eyes. This slight wedge or visor shape enhances your dog's expressive gaze.
• Top of the Head: The top of the head should be shaped thoughtfully to blend seamlessly with the neck and body. You can achieve a soft, domed shape by using either shears or a long guard comb. This step adds a harmonious flow to your dog's overall appearance.
• Seamless Transition: Ensuring there are no breaks in the coat, either over the ears or at the back of the head where the head joins the body, is crucial. This consistent coat transition maintains a balanced and pleasing appearance that complements the rest of the grooming process.

Wrapping Up

Maintaining your Portuguese Water Dog's coat and style is essential for their health and appearance. Remember to groom regularly, take care to avoid cuts or brush burns, and always use the appropriate tools for the job. With proper grooming, your Portuguese Water Dog will continue to shine with their unique charm and elegance. Your dog's well-maintained appearance reflects your dedication and love and care for this extraordinary breed.