The hair doesn’t molt, and needs brushing and combing frequently. Portuguese Water Dogs are traditionally clipped on the face, hindquarters and on part of the tail, leaving a profuse plume at the end. The front end of the dog’s coat is left to grow naturally.The coat is described as profuse. There are two distinct types, born without undercoats:

• (a) Hair quite long and loosely waved with a slight sheen; hair on head erect, ears well feathered.
• (b) Hair short, fairly harsh and dense, compact curls, lacking luster, head hair similar to body, hair on ears somewhat wavy.

Equipment needed: Slicker/pin brush, wide-toothed comb, clippers.

The pet dog can be clipped to about 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) all over – this is called the”Retriever” trim and is used for showing in the U.S.

• Brush through the coat, removing tangles.
• Using an Oster No. 10 or 15 blade, clip the face from the corner of the eye to the corner of the ear in straight line.
• Clip down the muzzle from the eye.
• Clip the neck to the point of the throat.
• Clip the abdomen area.
• Clip the complete back leg from the last rib, including the back toes, with an Oster No. 10 or 15. Clip the tail two-thirds from the base to leave plumage on the remaining third.
• Clip the hair from between the pads underneath the feet.
• Bathe the Portuguese Water dog in a suitable shampoo and apply a conditioner.
• Blow the hair dry using a pin brush, then comb with a wide-toothed comb.
• Remember to check the dog’s nails, ears and teeth.